A visit to the health center
Jasmin Rechsteiner depends on an electric wheelchair for longer distances. Like them, people using crutches, strollers or walkers depend on barrier-free access to the health center.
Medical practices are also not always accessible
Health facilities are visited every day by people with reduced mobility. It is therefore all the more important that accessibility information is available precisely for these buildings. Because: Medical appointments are associated with small and major hurdles for many people.
Jasmin Rechsteiner was born with multiple curvatures of the spine and depends on an electric wheelchair, especially for longer distances. “The fact that medical and physiotherapy practices are not always barrier-free is anything but optimal for people with reduced mobility,” says Jasmin. “This includes people on crutches, strollers or rollators.” It takes a lot of effort for them to find a new physiotherapy or doctor's practice. Because: She often searches in vain for information about accessibility. “I usually do some research on the Internet, send an email or give me a quick call. The photos on Google Maps are also very helpful. For example, I can see whether I still have to overcome steps to enter the practice. Or whether there is a parking lot right in front of the practice.” The distance from parking spaces for disabled people plays a decisive role for Jasmin when she is traveling on foot. “I was at the train station in Bern the other day and wanted to go to the pharmacy for a moment. I only noticed shortly before parking that the disabled parking spaces had been moved — which meant that I had to travel a longer distance on foot.”
“Collecting and providing data on accessibility in a structured way definitely makes sense and would support many people with mobility restrictions.”
A central platform makes sense
Jasmin endorses an app like Ginto. “Collecting and providing data on accessibility in a structured way definitely makes sense and would help many people with mobility restrictions — not just in finding a suitable healthcare facility.” The accessibility information could then be posted on the respective websites, for example, and would therefore be public. She also emphasizes that the app only offers real added value when the highest possible number of buildings and means of transport is included. “It is important that ginto becomes the app for accessibility data. That all major organizations join forces and rely on this one system.” The Sitios Association, which manages the app, also sees it this way: Together with Partners such as Pro Infirmis, who Think of Me Foundation And the Accessibility Guide (Ginto) Association, the range of information on accessibility should be expanded quickly and sustainably.
