Digital accessibility
Digital information is an indispensable part of our everyday lives. For people with disabilities, it often provides the only path to independence. Digital accessibility means inclusion in the context of studying, working and in public spaces.
Accessible Communication project
The Accessible Communication project was launched at the beginning of 2021. As part of the Barrier-Free at ETH Zurich programme, it aims to monitor and improve the digital accessibility of ETH’s communication channels.
Status of conformance to WCAG 2.1 AA
ETH Zurich is committed to conforming to WCAG 2.1 AA. In doing so, it adheres to the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Swiss eCH-0059 Accessibility Standard Version 3 in accordance with Art. 10 para. 1 of the Behindertengleichstellungsverordnung (Disability Discrimination Ordinance). The significance of these standards is explained in our accessibility statement.
Accessible use of language
eAccessibility. Digital accessibility. Barrier-freeness.?All of these terms mean the same thing – that websites, web applications, smartphone apps, machines with touchscreens, etc. should be usable for everyone regardless of whether they have disabilities or impairments.
We usually use the term “accessibility” since this places the focus on the goal of making digital interfaces usable and accessible for all users. The concepts of “universal design” or “design for all” meet the requirements of accessibility.
A11y and AX are common accessibility abbreviations: a11y (pronounced like “ally”) stands for the “a” and the “y” in accessibility and the 11 letters in between. AX is a reference to UX (user experience) and stands for accessibility experience; it is sometimes used as a synonym for accessibility in general.
Inclusion instead of integration
The idea of integration presupposes that society is a homogenous group into which another group integrates. Integration accommodates differences and expects that the integrated group adapts to the majority in order to fully belong.?Integration includes people in the existing system, but the system itself doesn’t fundamentally change.
Inclusion, in contrast, takes the existing diversity and heterogeneity of society into account. It sets up a framework in which everyone is an equal part of society. Inclusion strives for a common system for everyone without exclusion or stigma.
Info, tips and tricks
We’re happy to share our knowledge about digital accessibility. We like to help people learn more via introductory awareness-raising courses, direct consultation and collections of tips and tricks.
- Course offerings on digital accessibility
- The "Accessible PDFs made easy" courses can be found in the internal IT course section.
- Recommended reading
- Selected reading recommendations on the accessibility reading tips site
- Newsletter archive on external page A11yWeekly
Contact
Digital & Medien
R?mistrasse 101
8092
Zürich
Switzerland