Studies without barriers - a comprehensive accessibility programme of the Stanisław Staszic State University of Applied Sciences in Piła
Project title
Studies without barriers - a comprehensive accessibility programme of the Stanisław Staszic State University of Applied Sciences in Piła
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
Stanisław Staszic State University of Applied Sciences in Piła
Name of programme
Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development
Competition
Higher education institution is accessible
Project value
PLN 1 789 461.90
Funding value
PLN 1 735 777.90
Project delivery period
from 01/01/2020 until 30/09/2022
See the outcome of our work
What problem does our project solve?
The project contributed to improving the accessibility of the higher education institution for people with disabilities. The project envisaged the launch of a fully accessible on-line information and communication website together with an e-learning platform containing improvements for all users regardless of the degree of disability, the elimination of architectural barriers and the implementation of assistive technologies. Furthermore, the administrative, management and teaching personnel of the higher education institution will receive training that improves competencies in cooperation and communicating with people with disabilities.
All planned activities were successfully completed and all improvements were put into operation. As a result, many of the problems hitherto experienced in enabling people with disabilities to make full use of the facilities of the higher education institution were eliminated. The project also strengthened a cooperation with the social environment, in particular with entities working for the benefit of people with disabilities.
Who will benefit from the outcomes of the project?
The outcomes of the project benefit all students and personnel of the higher education institution. The specific improvements to eliminate accessibility barriers are particularly relevant for people with disabilities, as they facilitate the use of the management and didactic systems of the higher education institution regardless of individual limitations.
What was the most challenging aspect of the implementation of the project for us?
The most challenging aspect was the fulfilment of all project objectives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of the information and communication system and supporting technologies, as well as the elimination of architectural barriers within the period of the epidemic state were carried out without any major disruptions. Due to the limitations caused by the epidemic state, it became necessary to modify the format of the planned training for personnel of the higher education institution. Therefore, the form of in-person training was changed to on-line training using an e-learning platform, which made it both feasible and very effective.
Our advice to other Applicants
We recommend taking advantage of the co-financing from European funds aimed at improving higher education. It is worth applying for this co-financing and preparing projects. Certainly, a pro tip is to prepare 'tailor-made' applications, i.e. applications fully adapted to the specific nature of a given applicant, and if, during the implementation of a project, it proves necessary to modify the assumptions, it should be notified in advance to the institution organising the competition and to obtain approval for the changes.