"Secretive, potentially perilous location!"

In a commendable initiative, CORRECTIV.Switzerland and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences have joined forces to make invisible obstacles in our urban environments visible. The project, named CrowdNewsroom, collects information from the public to help identify and address these challenges.

One group of people particularly affected by these obstacles are those with visual impairments. For instance, Elfie, a visually impaired individual, takes extra precautions at traffic lights due to the inability to hear signals and the presence of numerous vehicles. This underscores the need for equal rights and participation in all areas of life, as outlined by the Disability Equality Act in Switzerland.

Similarly, Petra Groth, who is 42 years old and has autism, avoids underpasses due to her sensitivity to light and noise. This highlights the challenges faced by people with disabilities in navigating their daily lives.

The Swiss Constitution, Article 8, also emphasises the importance of equal rights, stating that no one shall be discriminated against because of a physical, mental, or psychological disability.

The project transforms personal experiences into visuals and audio, making it easier for others to understand and empathise with the challenges faced by people with disabilities. It's not just about visual impairments or disabilities related to movement, but also includes those who struggle with hearing or other sensory issues.

For instance, Elisabeth Rudolf, an older person, finds everyday noise overwhelming. Many older people may also struggle to understand digital devices, and some may fear both loneliness and not keeping up in life. In old age, hearing decreases, making affected people feel insecure and often excluded in daily life.

The project was initiated by the organization Pro Infirmis and is done in collaboration with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences. New technologies are used to create digital maps to record obstacles in Lucerne. The aim is to make invisible barriers experienced by people with disabilities visible, thereby creating a more inclusive and accessible city for all.

It's important to note that almost one in five people in Switzerland has a disability. This project is a significant step towards ensuring equal rights and participation for all, regardless of their physical or mental abilities.