Accessibility Begins with Principles
On May 9, 2025, in the Senate Hall of Poznan University of Technology, another important stage of the project “Poznan University of Technology – A Leader in Accessibility”, led by Maria Zagata-Więcek, was officially inaugurated. On this day, the Procedures Team began its work. The team was established to update, develop, implement, and evaluate procedures that ensure the university’s accessibility. It consists of employees of Poznan University of Technology who have taken on the vital task of increasing accessibility for people with special needs, including persons with disabilities.
Why is this so important?
Our goal is not just to create accessible documents. We aim to introduce real change through substantive actions and by aligning the internal regulations of Poznan University of Technology with current legal requirements, such as acts, regulations, orders, and guidelines. We're starting from a solid foundation: by analysing internal documents such as statutes, regulations, and directives, we assess whether they respect the rights of persons with disabilities. Where necessary, we will adapt the content of these documents to meet both legal standards and actual needs, explained project leader Maria Zagata-Więcek.
As part of Task 6, a review and development of as many as 17 key documents has begun. The scope is broad and includes, among others:
- the University’s statute and strategy,
- regulations: for studies, employment, doctoral school, student benefits, and general organization,
- human resources policy principles,
- rules and procedures for providing support to persons with special needs,
- principles for conducting scientific research,
- regulations related to postgraduate studies and library operations,
- digital, architectural, and information-communication accessibility,
- safety procedures, including evacuation and fire protection,
- procedures related to investments, renovations, and public procurement.
The team will also review other documents, such as the codes of ethics for academic staff, doctoral students, and librarians, as well as best practices in higher education.
Practice Comes First
The task related to procedures is crucial for ensuring the University’s accessibility over the long term. For this reason, a partner organization is involved in its implementation – the “Your New Possibilities” Association, which brings extensive experience, knowledge, and expertise in implementing accessibility at universities.
On behalf of the association, Friday’s meeting was led by Małgorzata Franczak, PhD (coordinator of Task 6) and Małgorzata Jankowska (a member of the Procedures Team representing the partner). The speakers shared inspiring examples of accessibility initiatives, outlined the principles of cooperation and communication, and agreed on a work schedule with the participants, tailored to the availability of team members responsible for specific legal documents.
Importantly, the final 30 minutes of the meeting took the form of a training session. Its aim was twofold: first, to explain why university documents must be accessible from the perspective of their publication (digital accessibility); and second, to provide practical skills for creating such documents using commonly available software tools.
We would like to thank all participants for their presence, ideas, and commitment. This was a significant step toward a more accessible and modern university.
Visit our website: Poznan University of Technology – A Leader in Accessibility.
