In Switzerland, there are still many hurdles for visually impaired people to benefit from the opportunities digitalization could offer them. Be it devices with touch screens, ticket machines or inaccessible online stores, affected people are often stuck in everyday life.
The SFB drew attention to these grievances at a press conference in Bern on September 5, supported by five members of the national parliament. In particular, services provided by the state must be barrier-free. Digital barriers also prevent well-educated people with a disability finding their way into the labour market and consequently, the economy misses out on capable workers. The business community also needs to understand that people with a disability are a market segment.
The SFB has drawn special attention to the deplorable state of affairs in which blind and visually impaired people in Switzerland are unable to exercise their autonomous right to vote and elect, and is therefore calling for the immediate introduction of e-voting. On September 16, a rally was held in Lausanne on this topic, in which several politicians took part.
This campaign will be accompanied by various actions during the next 12 months.