ISAK, Centre for Innovations for Independent Living, operates as a part of the North Karelia University of Applied Sciences and it is hosted by The Centre for Design and International Business. ISAK produces, together with companies, customer and user associations and other partners, user-based research, development and services for the well-being sector with the objective to enhance independent living. Its activities are carried out with the help of regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally operating partnerships and networks.

Independent living

By independent living, we mean the ability and possibilities of individuals to manage in their communities and environments by using their own power of decision as equal members of their communities. Independent living consists of physical, psychic and social capacity which is related to operational environment, services and technology, thus covering the whole life span.

Accessibility

Accessibility is a condition that, irrespective of age, capacity or other restricting factors, enables partaking in essential functions on an equal footing. These include, for example, living, public services, working life, studying and hobbies. Essential for accessibility are the questions of built environment, technology, attainability of services, and attitudes. When accessibility is implemented successfully, the result is a high-quality and safety-enhancing solution that is enabling for all.