Summary report on accessibility facilities for people with special needs – blind and visually impaired in the city of Oslo (Norway)

Authors:
   Piotr Niesyczyński
   Mateusz Krzyszkowski

Introduction

This report presents a comparative analysis of facilitators and barriers observed by accessibility specialists in areas related to the functioning of blind and visually impaired people in Poland and Norway.

During our stay, we focused on learning about the environment and elements of architectural, digital, and communication accessibility used in Norway, and compared them with the standards adopted in Poland. Additionally, we analyzed the forms and methods of social and vocational rehabilitation for the visually impaired and compared them with those in the Republic of Poland.

The following tools were used in creating the report:

• Observation of the environment
• Study visits
• Analysis of source documents
• Discussions with representatives of institutions and organizations for the blind and visually impaired

Areas of accessibility

Architectural Accessibility

• Surroundings and Open Spaces: The design of perpendicular streets in central Oslo facilitates movement. Heated sidewalks and efficient snow removal ensure that heavy snowfall does not impede mobility, a significant issue in Poland. Tactile paving at the edges of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings is widespread, though attention fields for stairs are lacking. Almost every intersection has audible and vibrating green light signals, but the lack of sound at red lights makes it difficult to locate pedestrian crossings. Poland addresses this by using different sounds for red and green lights. The city center features numerous tactile maps with Braille descriptions, aiding spatial orientation. Road and sidewalk lighting systems are well-functioning, enhancing night-time navigation for visually impaired individuals.
• Public Buildings: These are well-marked internally with minimal vertical and horizontal barriers. Elevators include Braille and audio signage. Despite electronic support for remote workplaces, coworking spaces employ qualified and well-trained support staff.
• Train Stations, Airports, and Subways: Guided paths and attention boxes facilitate movement with a white cane, though public education about these spaces is low, leading to obstructions by luggage and waiting passengers. Platforms lack attention boxes warning of platform edges, unlike in Poland. Airports offer dedicated assistance for people with disabilities.
• Public Transportation: Sound systems inside vehicles inform passengers of direction and stops, similar to Poland. In Poland, approaching vehicles also have external information about the line number, and electronic boards at stops display departure times and directions. These features were not observed in Oslo.
• Cultural Venues (Opera House, Museums, Parks): Accessibility is partial. Guided paths are available, but the audio guide system at the Munch Museum requires setup by the visitor or a caregiver, whereas Polish museums use systems that automatically locate and play audio descriptions of exhibits.
• Restaurants: Menus in Braille were available in almost all visited restaurants, which is rare in Poland. Service personnel were excellently trained in interpersonal relations and assisting visually impaired customers.

Digital Accessibility

• Hotel Websites: Fully accessible to the needs of visually impaired individuals.
• Ticket-Buying Applications: Fully accessible for visually impaired people.
• Wi-Fi and GPS Accessibility: High quality, facilitating spatial orientation and communication in new locations.
• Online Payment: Widely used and fully accessible.

Communication Accessibility

• Language Skills: Norwegian residents’ proficiency in English makes it easier to navigate and seek assistance. A high level of friendliness and understanding of the needs of visually impaired people was observed, indicating a high level of empathy.
• Alternative Communication: Use of the Braille alphabet is prevalent.

Forms of assistance

It is estimated that nearly 400,000 visually impaired people live in Norway, with 125,000 having visual impairments and almost 25,000 being totally blind.

• Empowerment: Non-profit organizations and government bodies support initiatives. Non-profits offer courses in daily living skills, psychological support, and vocational training. An interesting form of activation is the activity centers in Oslo, where people can learn spatial orientation and take courses to increase daily life autonomy.
• Social Benefits: Disability pensions, attendance allowances for adults, and other allowances support medical care and ensure full participation in social life.
• Employment: Norway promotes equality and inclusion in the workplace. Information from interviews suggests that nearly every person whose health and motivation allow them to work has a high chance of finding a job or assessing professional competence training.
• Education: Norway offers education for the blind and visually impaired in both special and mainstream schools, with assistive teacher support and educational tools tailored to their needs. College programs allow lecture recordings, provide accessible materials, and offer additional assistance.
• Support for Seniors with Disabilities: This topic was not extensively explored during the visit, but information was gathered on the wide range of social assistance available.

Comparing the above to the situation in Poland, several similarities are evident. The education and support systems for visually impaired individuals appear to be similar in both countries.

Good social practices

Four key areas of good practice observed in Oslo were:

• A technology store for the blind („Adaptor”)
• Spatial orientation training points
• An institution assisting the blind
• A central institution supporting people with visual impairments

Oslo, January 2024