Federal Law on the Elimination of Inequalities for Persons with Disabilities, as amended
What Is This Law About?
The Federal Law on the Elimination of Inequalities for Persons with Disabilities (abbreviated as Disability Discrimination Act or DDA) is a Swiss law designed to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Its main goal is to remove barriers—whether physical, digital, or social—that prevent individuals with disabilities from fully participating in society.
Key Provisions of the Law
Here are the most important parts of the law explained in simple terms:
Equal Access to Public Services
- Government offices, public transportation, and other public services must be accessible to people with disabilities.
- This includes wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and sign language interpreters when needed.
Workplace Inclusion
- Employers must make reasonable adjustments to help employees with disabilities perform their jobs.
- Discrimination in hiring, promotions, or job conditions based on disability is prohibited.
Access to Information & Technology
- Websites, apps, and digital services must be designed so that people with disabilities (e.g., visual or hearing impairments) can use them.
- This may include screen reader compatibility, captions for videos, and easy-to-read text.
Housing & Buildings
- New or renovated buildings must meet accessibility standards to accommodate people with mobility challenges.
Education & Training
- Schools and training programs must provide support to students with disabilities, ensuring they have the same learning opportunities as others.
Important Dates
- The law was originally passed in 2002 and has been updated over time.
- Some requirements, especially for digital accessibility, may have deadlines for compliance, so businesses and public institutions should check the latest rules.
Where Does This Information Come From?
This explanation is based on the official Swiss government document:
Federal Law on the Elimination of Inequalities for Persons with Disabilities (Original Text)