Accessibility

Kouvola City’s Accessibility Work

Kouvola city is committed to developing an environment that is accessible to all residents. Accessibility benefits families with children, seniors, temporarily disabled individuals, people with disabilities, and anyone using mobility aids – in fact, it serves everyone.

Our journey so far:

• 2023: Launched accessibility work with a kick-off event
• Early 2024: Began comprehensive accessibility mapping covering three dimensions – physical, digital, and social accessibility
• 2024: Conducted resident surveys and accessibility walks
• 2025: Launched accessibility council to continue concrete accessibility work

Our accessibility team includes city officials, representatives from senior and disability councils, and third-sector experience advocates.

Accessibility Mapping & Design Guidelines 2025

Our comprehensive accessibility mapping covered three crucial perspectives:

Physical accessibility: Building entrances, ramps, elevators, pathways, and mobility aids access

Digital accessibility: Website usability, screen readers, digital services, and information clarity

Social accessibility: Staff awareness, communication, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive services

The mapping results and city building design guidelines were published at the March 2025 accessibility forum. An ongoing accessibility council has been established with representatives from all three accessibility perspectives to drive continuous improvement.

Past Events

Accessibility Path for officials and city staff – February 18, 2026

As part of Kouvola city’s accessibility initiative, staff and city council members had the opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to have visual, hearing, and mobility challenges at city hall on February 18, 2026.

About 50 staff members and 40 city council members tested and explored mobility restrictions through five testing stations set up by EDUKON social and health care students and teachers:

• Wheelchair navigation through city hall
• Walking with visual impairment using a white cane
• Testing hand grip strength
• Experiencing age suit and special glasses
• Testing vibration gloves for dexterity challenges

A variety of assistive devices were on display, including sock aids and button hooks. This immersive experience helped participants understand the real challenges people with disabilities face in public spaces.

Dark Café – May 15, 2025

On International Accessibility Day (May 15, 2025), the Dark Café served visitors in complete darkness at the Koho Synergy Center. This unique experience allowed participants to experience firsthand what life is like with visual impairment.

In the dark café, eyes were covered and guests were safely guided to their table. Free light refreshments were served with coffee or tea. Without sight, other senses became heightened and visitors had to rely on support from staff. A visually impaired server also worked at the café.

The Dark Café aimed to highlight the daily challenges faced by people with visual impairments and increase understanding and empathy for people with disabilities.

Accessibility Forum – March 26, 2025

Kouvola city hosted its second annual Accessibility Forum with the theme “What if you couldn’t access?”

The forum featured presentations on:

• Accessibility mapping results and findings
• New building design guidelines for accessibility
• Digital accessibility and website usability
• Personal experiences navigating the city in a wheelchair

Participants also had the opportunity to visit the Dark Café and experience what barriers people with disabilities encounter daily.

Accessibility Recognition 2025

Silja Kerttula and Janne Harjula were honored for their dedication to accessibility work. Both live with MS, a central nervous system disease requiring daily assistance. Kerttula uses an electric wheelchair while Harjula uses a standard wheelchair.

Despite their own challenges, they have repeatedly participated in city-organized accessibility walks at their own expense. Their insights and observations have provided invaluable information for the city’s new construction and renovation projects. They are also regular participants in workshops helping to develop Kouvola as an accessible municipality.

Accessibility Survey Results 2024

Kouvola city conducted a comprehensive resident survey covering all three accessibility dimensions. Here’s what residents told us:

Physical accessibility challenges:

• Difficulty opening doors
• High curbs and street barriers
• Missing elevators in buildings
• Elevator at city hall too small for larger wheelchairs
• Traffic light buttons buried under snow in winter

Social accessibility challenges:

• Staff speaking to caregivers instead of the person with disability
• Lack of awareness about serving people with sensory impairments
• Difficulty reaching city services and getting responses

Digital accessibility challenges:

• City website information not available in English
• Websites not compatible with screen readers
• Early childhood services website is confusing
• Instructions are complex with unclear terminology

Though the number of responses was modest, the written feedback provided significant insights. The Saaga Multicultural Center also conducted a digital accessibility review of Kouvola city’s website in spring.

Contact us

Katariina Terävä
Inclusion Coordinator
+358 (0)206 157 044
+358 (0)40 847 7940
katariina.terava@kouvola.fi

Marianne Kämi
Planner
+358 (0)206 157 169
+358 (0)44 223 8886
marianne.kami@kouvola.fi

City Hall, Torikatu 10, 45100 Kouvola