ACCESSIBILITY AND NEURODIVERSITY is discussed a little further down this page.
ACCESSIBILITY
We are aware people have different needs and strive to remove obstacles that hinder visiting and being here.
What does this mean?
We understand that accessibility is not a single thing. There are many kinds of barriers that prevent people from taking part. The responsibility for solving these barriers should not fall on people who use assistive devices. We need to come up with the solutions.
We want to be clear from the start that Särkilahti BLÅ is not accessible in terms of getting around. We are continuously working with the challenges of a building from 1872 – stairs, more stairs, and lots of thresholds.
We are actively looking for solutions (and the funding required) to remove the barriers to moving around the property.
ACCESSIBLE TOILET
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on site. However, reaching it requires assistance due to a slight incline in the ground. We are happy to help when needed.
STAIRS AND THRESHOLDS
The building is accessible with assistance (note: a self-built ramp) and wheelchair users can move around inside with assistance (thresholds).
VISUALLY IMPAIRED
The needs of visually impaired visitors are taken into account through guiding, escorting, and providing verbal guidance. The old log building with its dark walls is darker than a typical modern house. Since the place also serves as a gallery, the lighting is always designed according to the exhibition. We can describe the artworks, and based on our experience, we can even offer some interpretations if you wish. You are warmly welcome.
If you do not have your own escort, we will ensure the safety of your visit.
HEARING IMPAIRED
We strive to communicate clearly. In addition, written information about the site’s activities is available here on the website and in printed versions on site.
ACCESSIBILITY AND NEURODIVERSITY
Särkilahti BLÅ strives to be a safe and accessible place also for neurodivergent people.
What does this mean?
We take into account the invisible limitations that can make it difficult to participate or be present. We understand that there are many ways of being and perceiving the world. What works for one person may be an insurmountable obstacle for another. Our goal is to remove barriers, not to devise ways to bypass them.
The lighting is always adapted to the requirements of each exhibition. If the exhibition contains, for example, special lights, sounds, or smells, we will inform you clearly in advance.
Otherwise, BLÅ does not have flashing and glaring lights, background music, or fragrances. We also hope that our visitors will be fragrance-free.
Through experience and our expertise in the field, we are aware of the consequences of sensory overload. No form of sensory overload or limitation is unfamiliar or strange to us.
You can therefore visit us with full confidence, without fear of disclosing your concerns. See contact details below, if needed.
Some of the materials used in the courses contain specific odors. We will inform you about these separately in the course descriptions.
Please let us know if we have missed anything!
COURSES and VISITING
There is always a quiet space at Särkilahti BLÅ if working with others becomes overwhelming. You can always work or rest in a separate space.
You do not have to be socially active during courses or events, and we do not require you to join any group activities. You decide how you participate. The course day begins with a tour of the facilities and introductions (mainly names, so that you can call or alert someone by name if necessary) and a review of the day’s schedule. See the course presentations for special notes regarding each course (scents, sounds, etc.).
We have protective clothing, sunglasses, ear protection, masks, and gloves. We also offer a variety of items suitable for stimming – or you can make your own!
Our courses usually have a moderate number of participants.
ATREAT (NYTRIITTI)
ATREAT is basically about recharging. The idea is that you decide what you do – or don´t do. There is the opportunity to take care of the welfare of animals, make art, take a sauna and go kayaking. You can participate in everything, but you don’t have to. You decide. We can agree on the activities well in advance, or you can choose when you arrive. You can also decide at the last minute not to participate. We understand.
Looking after animals is an activity that can’t be done alone, but only with us.
At ATREAT, you stay overnight in the residence or in one of the barn rooms, which used to be storage rooms in the old days. The barn rooms are windowless, so they can be completely darkened. When you open the door, you get a beautiful view of the lake. Rooms have electric lighting. The old barn is not completely soundproof, so the sounds of nature and animals may carry inside. You might also hear sounds from the neighboring barn room. However, the neighboring room is not immediately behind the wall, as there is a storage room between the two barn rooms, which have been adapted for accommodation. Please bring earplugs if you want a completely silent space for the night.
Särkilahti BLÅ is not an evening party space, so heavy partying is not part of the venue’s activities. During the day (ending at 10:00 PM at the latest) we can rent the space for groups or parties, but information about these reservations will always be posted on our website.
WE WISH EVERYONE A PLEASANT VISIT!
Please send your feedback / wishes / suggestions to tarja@sekuvain.fi