Inaccessibility costs businesses: Finland urged to improve access for disabled people

Finland is falling behind in accessibility, with numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants presenting stairs at their entrances and no ramps in sight. This oversight significantly impacts individuals with disabilities who wish to patronize these establishments.

The issue extends beyond just the absence of ramps. Finding accessible venues in Helsinki for events like parties and celebrations, as experienced by Pride organizers, remains a challenge. Pride's decision this year to ensure all events are accessible was both ethically and legally sound, affirming that everyone should be able to participate.

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Shopkeepers and restaurateurs could sometimes calculate how many euros flow past their inaccessible business premises.

While the cost of implementing accessibility measures is often cited as a barrier, this argument neglects the significant financial cost of inaccessibility. Business owners could calculate the potential revenue lost from customers who cannot access their premises. Accessible services are not only utilized by people with disabilities and the elderly but also by their companions, including family members, friends, and colleagues. Furthermore, individuals navigating with baby strollers or heavy luggage often opt for accessible routes.

When organizing events, the venue choice is typically made to ensure all guests can attend. Even if the guest of honor does not require accessibility features, a friend or relative might. The same principle applies to the workplace; if even one employee requires accessibility, inaccessible venues are automatically excluded. Helsinki should aim to match European standards for accessibility, taking a concrete step toward a more equitable city and reducing indirect discrimination against people with disabilities.

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We are trying to help him, support him, be by his side at all times.