{"id":77311,"date":"2025-11-12T14:39:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T11:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vidzeme.lv\/?p=77311"},"modified":"2026-01-12T01:03:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T22:03:49","slug":"a-valuable-experience-exchange-visit-to-finland-exploring-best-practices-in-accessibility-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vidzeme.lv\/en\/a-valuable-experience-exchange-visit-to-finland-exploring-best-practices-in-accessibility-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"A valuable experience exchange visit to Finland, exploring best practices in accessibility solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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From November 3 to 7, the Vidzeme Planning Region team of the project \u201cFacilitating access to watertourism activities\u201d (Riverways II), together with other project partners from Latvia and Estonia, took part in an experience exchange visit to Finland. The aim of the visit was to explore best-practice examples of accessibility solutions in natural sites, swimming areas, and various tourism services, as well as to learn about the latest trends in the development and availability of assistive technologies. The visit provided valuable insights that will support both achieving the project\u2019s objectives and planning future initiatives.<\/div>\n

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Niemis\u2013Koukkunen nature trail in the Evo region \u2013 accessible to everyone<\/h3><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

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On November 4, participants in the experience exchange visit explored the Niemis\u2013Koukkunen nature trail in the Evo region, one of Finland\u2019s good-practice examples of environmental accessibility. The approximately 3 km long trail runs along two lakes and features a stable, high-quality surface throughout, making it suitable for wheelchair users as well.<\/div>\n
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The trail is thoughtfully equipped with safe, accessible fishing platforms, well-maintained rest areas with prepared firewood conveniently available on site, and accessible toilets for people with various functional impairments. A particularly noteworthy solution is the widened passing platforms along the trail, allowing two wheelchairs to pass each other safely. The needs of people with visual impairments have also been taken into account \u2014 in sections where a metal mesh surface is used along the lakeshore, a continuous solid strip has been installed alongside it for guide dogs, helping protect their paws and facilitating their movement.<\/div>\n

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