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Accessibility of communications

Strategic communications at HAMK promote the accessibility of HAMK communications both in technical terms on the website and in terms of content.

This plan covers the materials and websites produced by strategic communications as well as support for content produced by others. We want everyone who comes in contact with HAMK to have access to the content we produce.

Accessibility goals and criteria for HAMK communications

Accessibility is an overarching factor when planning and implementing HAMK’s strategic communications. The aim is that content such as the website, presentation templates, advertisements, social media updates, brochures and publications are always in an accessible format (WCAG 2.1, level AA). Accessibility is also a content-wise factor: the goal is to produce content that is easy to read, with good and accessible language. We support the entire organisation in producing accessible communication solutions and content through guidelines, education and individual advice.

Accessibility is taken into account in all the procurements and competitive tendering for strategic communications. For example, with the upcoming HAMK website overhaul in 2023, the accessibility of the website is an essential criterion. Accessibility competence and criteria are also important in other competitive tendering processes when seeking partners to produce communications solutions and content.

A central part of the responsibility for accessibility in strategic communication is the HAMK website, where we always strive to ensure digital accessibility. We continuously improve the user experience and apply appropriate accessibility standards. During the year 2024, the HAMK website has been revamped (January 2024) and a comprehensive accessibility audit will be conducted on the site by our web partner Evermade. Together with Evermade, we are engaged in continuous development and monitoring of our website’s accessibility. Accessibility is taken into account in the development of both the external website and the intranet operating on the SharePoint platform.

Our website offers information on accessibility and instructs users to contact strategic communications if they discover shortcomings in accessibility.

We also work to improve accessibility in cooperation with the other parts of HAMK. We offer support for different schools and project communications with tools and services, including an accessible website template, support for writing guidelines and producing communications content, and help with signage for facilities management and services.

Criteria:

Our communications are on multiple channels and accessible with various assistive devices.
The channels and means of communication meet accessibility requirements.
Staff has clear communications guidelines that take accessibility into account (e.g. visual guidelines, website update instructions).
Guidelines and training are used to maintain accessibility competence among strategic communications staff and everyone else at HAMK.
Online content is easily usable, visually accessible and linguistically clear and understandable.
Core communications are available in both Finnish and English.

Responsibilities

The Head of Strategic Communications is responsible for the accessibility of strategic communications. Within the team, the webmaster is responsible for the accessibility of the website and the marketing specialist is responsible for the accessibility of content. The persons who are responsible for the accessibility of strategic communications monitor the realisation of accessibility regularly and update the accessibility plan as necessary.

The aim is that each member of the strategic communications team understands and internalises the basics of accessibility so that they can implement accessibility in their own work and guide other staff memebers at the basic level. Internal training is organised regularly to ensure this aim is achieved.

Objectives for 2024

In 2023, HAMK implemented brand and website updates. The new website was launched in January 2024. The brand guidelines created during the rebranding process guide HAMK staff in producing accessible materials and content. The team members responsible for accessibility review the plan’s update needs at least once a year.

English communication content has been added, especially in connection with the website renewal. Additionally, the “English Language at HAMK” project has been initiated, aiming to update HAMK’s terminology and establish guidelines for the use of English.

Specific development targets for 2024 include:

The introduction of new “Communication platforms and systems” Teams channel, to support more accessible information flow among staff in spring 2024.
An accessibility audit of the website by our web partner Evermade in summer 2024.
Providing example texts for education managers and lecturers to support the creation of more accessible text descriptions for education content in Peppi.
Updating HAMK’s English terminology and establishing guidelines for the use of English.