Barrier-free thanks to technology? What society says

What does inclusion mean for our society – and what role does technology play in this? A research team from Bern University of Applied Sciences explored these questions at the Swiss Abilities Fair 2024 in Lucerne. In interviews with people with and without disabilities, the researchers investigated how inclusion is experienced and what contribution technological aids can make.

Inclusion in Switzerland – aspiration and reality

“Inclusion is when everyone is allowed to participate” – this is how Aktion Mensch (2023) put it in simple yet challenging terms. At the Swiss Abilities Fair 2024, an interactive stand formed the centre of a research project by Bern University of Applied Sciences: visitors were able to test assistance technologies such as a robotic arm or a recumbent bike – both developed for people with tetraplegia or severely restricted arm function. They then shared their views on inclusion. This created a diverse picture of how inclusion is perceived by the population.

As part of this research project, a total of 41 semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with and without disabilities during the two-day trade fair. The aim was to find out how society experiences inclusion through technology. The interviews were conducted by three physiotherapists from the research team and a research assistant who is herself in a wheelchair – a deliberately chosen setting that created trust and enabled authentic insights.

The results paint a multi-layered picture: expectations of technology are high; its effectiveness for genuine inclusion remains limited if social and structural conditions do not play their part.

Technology as a door opener – but not as a solution

Assistive technologies can improve mobility, remove barriers and increase independence. For many participants, it was clear that technology opens up new possibilities, for example through digital tools, communication aids or mobility systems. Many visitors were particularly impressed by the possibility of using the robotic arm to pick up everyday objects such as a mobile phone or a water bottle from the floor. The recumbent bike, which enables active locomotion despite severe paralysis, was also met with great enthusiasm. But it became just as clear: Technology alone is not enough.

What is considered “barrier-free” from an engineering point of view often proves to be impractical or half-baked in everyday life. Entrances that are not at ground level or are too narrow and a lack of automatic doors mean that many facilities are still inaccessible despite technical adaptations – so despite technical aids, assistance from an assistant is still required.

“Only alone, for example in a restaurant. It may have a wide entrance, it’s wheelchair accessible at the front, but the doors aren’t actually (…) wide enough, they’re far too heavy. (Wheelchair user, 43 years old)

The frustration of “almost barrier-free”

Technologies can enable participation – if they are consistently thought through, planned and supported. Many interviewees talked about everyday situations in which technical solutions were available but not accessible or reliable.

“If I’m one minute late, there’s no more help from SBB.” (Wheelchair user, age not stated)

Another example: if the automatic ramp is faulty or the driver does not operate it, then it is of little use. Spontaneous journeys, quick decisions, normal everyday life – this remains a challenge for many of those affected.

Technology needs social sensitivity

The interviews also showed that technology can only fulfil its potential in combination with social understanding and genuine participation. Consideration, attention and genuine inclusion of people with disabilities are crucial – not just as users, but as experts for successful inclusion.

“Yesterday at the Christmas party in the office, I was simply handed a glass even though I didn’t want anything and then I was blocked in my wheelchair because I could no longer operate the chair with my hand.” (Wheelchair user, age not stated)

Such experiences show: It is often not a lack of technical equipment – but a lack of understanding and empathy.

What enables real participation

Despite the many hurdles, many also reported positive examples: Schools with purpose-built ramps, companies with stairlifts.

“Where we are new, a ramp has actually been specially built for the entrance so that he can get in and open the door himself, because the other way round is not possible. And he can be there as normal.” (Mother of a child with limited mobility)

Encouraging voices also came from the sports sector:

“I had some situations with coaches who were very committed, where it was just super possible. I had a child with hemiplegia who plays in the normal hockey club – two in fact.” (Physiotherapist, 51 years old)

Inclusion needs education and dialogue

A key finding of the interviews was that even at a specialised trade fair, many people were unclear or only vaguely aware of the term “inclusion”.

People without disabilities tended to associate it with social equality, while people with disabilities focused on specific barriers and realities of life.

“You always think of people with disabilities. But hey, prams, people who are older. Now you think that doesn’t affect you. But at some point we might be happy too. (Visitor, 47 years old)

This finding underlines the importance of education, sensitisation and exchange – also and especially in the digital and technical context. Inclusion is not a state, but a process.

Conclusion: Technology as a means – not a goal

The voices from the Swiss Abilities Fair show: Technology can enable inclusion – but it does not guarantee it. It is a tool, not a miracle cure. Technology can only realise its potential if it is consistently accessible, affordable, understandable and accompanied by social openness.

Inclusion arises where technology meets attitude.

This requires a political framework, courageous organisations and the confidence to allow people with disabilities to play an active role in shaping the future.

Link directory

https://www.aktion-mensch.de/dafuer-stehen-wir/was-ist-inklusion