On March 3, an inaugural meeting was held to launch the university-wide project titled “Poznan University of Technology – Leader in Accessibility.”

The event provided an excellent opportunity for all individuals involved in the project—both from Poznan University of Technology and the external partner organization—to get to know one another and begin their collaboration.

Participants from Poznan University of Technology included Maria Zagata-Więcek (Project Manager, Investment Management Department), Małgorzata Bączyńska (Center for Languages and Communication), Paweł Ziętek (PUT Publishing House), Agnieszka Ptak-Wojciechowska (Faculty of Architecture), Izabela Ratajczak (Equality Office), Krzysztof Przybylak (Repairs and Maintenance Office), Sylwia Krajewska (PUT Library), Beata Czerkas (Public Relations Office), Damian Łuczak (Research and Project Office), Maciej Szaj (Health and Safety Inspectorate), Jakub Ławniczak (Public Procurement Office), Irena Lisowska and Lidia Antoszewska (Investment Management Department).

Though the University’s representation was large, it did not include everyone who would contribute to the project at various stages.

Representatives of the project partner, the Association for Equal Access to Education "Your New Possibilities" (TNM), travelled from Wrocław Ariel Fecyk – Vice President of TNM, Marcin Marszałek – Financial Specialist, Dr. Małgorzata Franczak – Procedure Coordinator, Tomasz Liebert – Coordinator for Digital Accessibility and Materials Adaptation.

After presenting TNM’s impressive track record in promoting and implementing accessibility standards—especially in higher education—Project Manager Maria Zagata-Więcek outlined the project goals, focusing on systemic solutions to enhance accessibility at PUT.

She then presented in detail the tasks to be carried out across eight key accessibility areas, with particular emphasis on those being implemented in partnership:

Project Tasks:

Task 1. Coordination of comprehensive activities to improve accessibility in all aspects of the university’s operations.

Task 2. Implementation of key measures to remove architectural barriers at PUT.

Task 3. Implementation of key measures to eliminate major information and communication barriers at PUT.

Task 4. Removal of major digital accessibility barriers in internal systems supporting teaching and administration.

Task 5. Introduction of supportive technologies to ensure accessibility of multimedia materials and improved learning accessibility at the Faculty of Architecture.

Task 6. Updating/developing/implementing/evaluating procedures to ensure university accessibility – in partnership.

Task 7. Introduction of essential support services aimed at improving accessibility at PUT – in partnership.

Task 8. Training and development activities to raise staff competence in accessibility and disability awareness (training sessions, video courses, and a study visit to a foreign technical university) – in partnership.

Later that day, a key strategic meeting was held with Rector Prof. Teofil Jesionowski, Chancellor Dr. Łukasz Kalupa and Project Manager and TNM representatives.

This session focused on discussing the project’s main actions in detail and analyzing opportunities for their effective implementation. A lively and constructive discussion led to clear decisions that support one central message:

Poznan University of Technology is on its way to becoming a national leader in accessibility.

— Accessibility Team