Accessibility in communications services
Accessibility refers to a set of measures designed to ensure that all citizens have opportunities to work and study and to participate in all areas of life regardless of age, gender, health, ethnic background and any social, mental or physical disabilities.
Accessibility to communication services such as telephone, television, radio and Internet, refers to the availability and user-friendliness of these media and services.
The accessibility requirements for services and terminals are firmly integrated into the Finnish communications policy.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications has appointed a special working group to monitor and promote accessibility in communications services. It has also drawn up an action programme on accessibility issues. The Ministry is involved in preparing a Disability Policy Programme and in EU cooperation.
While the Finnish Constitution ensures the inviolability of human dignity and the freedom and rights of the individual, and promotes justice in society, the provisions on accessibility in television broadcasting are laid down in the Act on Television and Radio Operations.
Certain aspects of availability and accessibility in communications services are provided in the framework directive on electronic communications and in the universal service directives.