The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) has made a preliminary assessment of the ‘Accessible University’ and ‘Centre for Accessible Knowledge’ initiatives, implemented with the support of European Funds under the Knowledge Education Development Programme.

Two hundred projects with a total value of PLN 687.96 million involved the majority of universities in Poland, receiving a total of nearly PLN 667 million in subsidies. This has had a tangible impact on their accessibility.

The most important effects of the initiatives were observed in the following areas:

in terms of the university enrolment process – 38% of HEIs have a website for candidates compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards,

in terms of the learning process – 47% of HEIs have allowed the use of a counsellor/educational consultant or a teaching assistant,

in terms of organisational structure and procedures – 64% of HEIs have established an accessibility position, e.g. a rector’s representative for persons with disabilities,

in terms of raising staff competencies – 98% of HEIs have undertaken training and 19% have already completed this stage,

in terms of architectural adaptations – 20% of HEIs have improved the signage of corridors and rooms, with larger HEIs significantly less likely than smaller ones to have achieved full architectural accessibility.

“It is of paramount importance to us that support in raising awareness of the academic community with regard to the needs of persons with disabilities, as well as the removal of barriers, the adaptation of the university infrastructure and the entire educational process, should be carried out in close cooperation with the representation of persons with special needs. And it can indeed be seen that this is happening,” said Professor Przemysław Czarnek, Minister of Education and Science. “Although most of the projects will not be completed until next year, it can already be assumed that in the long run, their effects will translate into standards for higher education”, he added.

Adrian Andrzejewski