Welcome to Switzerland
Swiss FrancCurrency in Switzerland
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Basic Country Profile
Location: Central Europe
Capital: Bern
Population: 8.5 million
Major language: German, French, Italian, Romansch
Major religion: Christianity
Currency: Swiss Franc
Climate: Moderate continental, Alpine in the mountains
Terrain: Mostly mountainous
Dial code: +41
Time zone: GMT+1
Disability: 1.6. million
Emergency numbers:
Universal number – 112
Police – 117
Ambulance – 144
Firefighters -118
Rescue – 1414
Disability Legislations and Policies
Switzerland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), in force since 2004, provides them with special legal protection. In 2015, an evaluation commissioned by the federal government showed that progress has been made, particularly in areas where the act has clear provisions and identifies specific responsibilities.
Switzerland has enshrined the principle of equality for people with disabilities into its constitution. An anti-discrimination law has been in force since 2004. Many people with disabilities till do not have equal rights. Recent studies show they experience major drawbacks in the labour market, in education and in housing. The federal government is aware of this issue and has stated its priorities for future equality policies, but they are not entirely convincing.
Travel Related Information
Switzerland is one of World’s most beautiful countries. It is also a wheelchair accessible destination for travellers with mobility disabilities. Facilities and infrastructure in Switzerland for people with disabilities have improved in recent years.
Most museums and major tourist attractions are accessible for persons with disabilities. Some hotels are accessible, but it’s essential to contact them before booking the room to make sure they really have accessible facitities. Same goes to restaurants too, to call ahead to make sure they’re accessible and to make a reservation at an appropriate table.
Many buildings still inaccessible in old towns, but newer buildings are required to meet the accessibility standards.
Most train stations have a mobile lift for boarding trains, city buses are equipped with ramps, and many hotels have disabled access (although budget pensions tend not to have lifts). Most cantons have already implemented some provisions for persons with disabilities, but there is no country-wide standard. Experts estimate that only 30 percent of public buildings are wheelchair accessible.
Go to the Swiss Air Website to read about the Assisted travel services & information.
Accessible Taxi Cab Zurich – www.tixi.ch