FHNW - University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland: Breaking Down Digital Barriers: Concrete Tips for Everyday Vocational Education
07.11.2025 | from FHNW - University of Applied Sciences and Arts Nor
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07.11.2025, Breaking Down Digital Barriers: Concrete Tips for Everyday Vocational Education. Whether attending vocational school with visual impairment or preparing for exams with dyslexia: Learning with a disability should not be considered unusual. However, the hurdles for learners with disabilities in vocational education are often high – especially in the digital world. Now, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) is publishing a practice-oriented guide with numerous suggestions on how these hurdles can be overcome. The 'Guideline for Digital Inclusion' will be available for free download from 10 November 2025.
Project of the National Research Programme NRP77
Digital technologies can break down barriers and facilitate access to vocational education for people with disabilities – this has been clearly demonstrated in various scientific publications by a wide-ranging project conducted by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). The project, named 'E- Inclusion,' is part of the National Research Programme NRP77 'Digital Transformation' of the Swiss National Science Foundation, set to conclude at the end of 2025.
In five work packages, a team from the Institutes of Integration and Participation and Child and Youth Support, led by Gabriela Antener, explored various questions regarding digital inclusion for people with disabilities in vocational education and training. Numerous interviews were conducted with learners with disabilities, experts, and educational organizations – the results strikingly reveal the barriers faced by people with disabilities in vocational education. For example, relevant information on compensation for disadvantages is not available to learners with disabilities, many learning platforms and software solutions are not accessible, or there is a lack of structural anchoring of inclusion.
Guideline as a Constructive Conclusion to the Project
As the NRP77 concludes, a handy guide titled 'Guideline for Digital Inclusion' will be published on 10 November 2025, offering constructive practical advice on all the raised topics and issues. It will be available for free download and is aimed at actors in all fields of vocational education: educators are addressed as well as responsible and communication specialists from educational organizations and education policymakers. The 'Guideline for Digital Inclusion' is divided into ten thematic areas, where numerous examples and practical suggestions for potential improvements are provided. The guideline will be available in German, French, and Italian.
In addition to the online publication, a poster, which interested professionals and educational institutions can request for free, will also be released. It contains a compact, clear depiction of the ten thematic areas with easily understandable illustrations.
As a member of adis, the Swiss Alliance for Digital Inclusion, FHNW is committed to advancing digital inclusion in Switzerland and will present the 'Guideline for Digital Inclusion' on National Digital Inclusion Day on 21 November 2025.
Publication Note
21 November 2025 is National Digital Inclusion Day.
Further Information on the E-Inclusion Project and NRP77
All results of the E-Inclusion project can be found at www.inclusion-digital.ch/studie_e-inclusion, information on NRP77 at www.nfp77.ch
'Guideline for E-Inclusion' on the website
https://www.inclusion-digital.ch
adis
The Swiss Alliance for Digital Inclusion (adis) is dedicated to a fair and inclusive digital society. It was founded by a wide array of private and public actors and aims to promote digital participation for all. At a time when digital skills are becoming increasingly important, the alliance aims to narrow the digital divide that excludes many citizens from the benefits of digitalization. Its focus is on eliminating barriers, creating equal opportunities, and ensuring participation in digital life for everyone.
Further information at www.adis.ch
Contact
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
School of Social Work
Prof. Gabriela Antener
Institute Integration and Participation
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132 Muttenz
T +41 62 957 20 46
gabriela.antener@fhnw.ch
www.fhnw.ch/sozialearbeit
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, with locations in Olten and Muttenz, is locally and regionally rooted, globally connected, and widely recognized in its education, research, and service offerings. In its research and development focus 'Social Innovation,' it analyzes, initiates, and accompanies innovation processes in cooperation and exchange with practice. In doing so, it promotes the professionalization of social work and significantly contributes to the understanding and innovative handling of social problems and societal challenges.
Further information at www.fhnw.ch/hsa
Media Contact
University of
Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Dominik Lehmann
Head of Communication FHNW
Bahnhofstrasse 6
5210 Windisch
T +41 56 202 77 28
dominik.lehmann@fhnw.ch
www.fhnw.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher.
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FHNW - University of Applied Sciences and Arts Nor
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW is one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Switzerland and comprises nine schools in the fields of Applied Psychology, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Design and Art, Life Sciences, Music, Teacher Education, Social Work, Engineering and Business.
The campuses of the FHNW are located in the four supporting cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, and Solothurn. The universities of FHNW are active in teaching, research, continuing education, and service – innovative and practice-oriented.
The wide range of degree programmes, the proximity to practice, the application-oriented and innovative research, as well as a global network, make FHNW an attractive and diverse educational institution, a sought-after practice partner, and an attractive employer in Northwestern Switzerland. The graduates of FHNW are highly sought-after professionals.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: FHNW - University of Applied Sciences and Arts Nor, Press release
Original article published on: FHNW - Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit: Digitale Barrieren abbauen: Konkrete Tipps für den Berufsbildungsalltag