Screen

The video begins with a photo of Cindy Hertach and André Reichmuth and the quote: “What constitutes a barrier and the different impacts that barriers can have extend way beyond the ideas we generally have in our minds.” They are both in charge of sub-project 14, “Barrier-free library media”.

An introduction to the “Barrier-Free at ETH Zurich” programme follows. In autumn 2020, the Executive Board gave the go-ahead for the implementation of “Barrier-Free at ETH Zurich”. Through the programme, ETH aims to fulfil its mission to promote diversity and inclusion. People with disabilities and people with special needs should benefit from greatly improved access to ETH buildings and services over the coming years.

Photos of Romila Storjohann, head of the programme, and Horst Weltner from sub-project 6 “Barrier-free alarm and evacuation” appear, along with the following quote: “Universal participation makes for a stronger and fairer society.”

An ETH standard of “design for all” is to be established, i.e. instead of achieving specific solutions for certain groups of people, a general barrier-free approach is to be adopted, to everyone’s benefit. The proposed measures will be implemented in 14 sub-projects, grouped into three categories: “Construction”, “Technology” and “Organisation”.

The titles of the 14 sub-projects appear on the screen:

• TP1 Establish expertise
  
• TP2 Implement design for all guidelines
• TP3 Generate concept for new buildings and large-​scale renovations
• TP4 Introduce periodic building inspections
• TP5 Implement signage concept
• TP6 Overhaul alarm and evacuation concept
• TP7 Ensure events are barrier-​free
• TP8 Set up task forces for ad hoc measures
• TP9 Adapt existing buildings
• TP10 Sensitization and program communication
• TP11 Ensure barrier-​free communication
• TP12 Generate barrier-​free guidance
• TP13 Generate barrier-​free teaching materials
• TP14 Offer barrier-​free library media

You can find more information about the 14 sub-projects on the programme’s homepage.

A photo of Manu Heim, head of sub-project 11 “Barrier-free communication”, appears, along with her comment: “I have been working on digital accessibility since 2008. It’s something I am passionate about.”

Sub-project 13 “Barrier-free teaching materials” is introduced. Cartoons explaining different ways to improve accessibility were developed to help lecturers prepare their teaching materials. The various cartoons are faded in on screen, along with the information that printed copies are available on the display wall to take away.

The video ends with photos of Corinne Jordan and Armin Brunner and the quote: “It’s great to be able to show people the way.” Corinne Jordan is in charge of sub-project 5 “Barrier-free signage”, while Armin Brunner is in charge of sub-project 12 “Digital barrier-free guidance”.

Transcript of the sign language interpreter’s video. The subtitles kick in after a delay.

Don’t you speak sign language? Is that why you didn’t understand what I was saying just now? The subtitles for what I was signing were deliberately delayed to give you some idea of what it’s like for a D/deaf person when the only language being used is spoken.

So, let’s start again from the beginning. Welcome to the “Barrier-Free at ETH Zurich” display wall! I am delighted that you are interested in what ETH Zurich is doing to become more accessible. ETH is committed to making its buildings and services accessible to virtually everyone over the coming years. Various projects have been launched, involving large numbers of people. Look at the photos, objects and books on the display wall and ask yourself: How accessible is ETH Zurich already? And how can it become even more accessible?