Accessibility
Accessibility at Swisscom
Swisscom’s ambition is to ensure that everyone in Switzerland can use communication devices without any hindrance. We are especially committed to making the digital world accessible so that people with disabilities can also participate in the information society.
Accessible products
Our products are designed to be used by everyone. People with disabilities should not be impeded by us.
Continuous optimisation
We check the accessibility of our products continually and we constantly improve them. Our basic features are also improved on an ongoing basis.
Selected products and services
Swisscom provides a range of services and devices that are updated regularly and tailored specifically to meet the needs of the hearing and visually impaired.
1145 – Directory enquiries for the visually impaired and physically disabled
All those with visual impairment or physical disabilities can use the short number 1145 and be connected free of charge or can request addresses or telephone numbers. Swisscom assumes these costs as part of its basic service provision.
Procom – Communication support for the hearing-impaired
In conjunction with the Procom foundation, we offer a free transcription service facilitating calls between hearing and deaf people. Facilitators use spoken and sign language to interpret the conversation. This service is available in German, French and Italian.
Swisscom TV – Watching television with hearing or visual impairments
Swisscom TV has an accessibility setting. All programmes featuring sub-titles, sign language or audio description are identified in the TV Guide, and readability and contrast are enhanced.
Mobile and fixed-line telephones – Very user-friendly operation
For the elderly and people with severe visual impairment and/or hearing loss, we offer fixed-line and mobile telephones with large buttons, verified hearing-aid compatibility and an option to increase the volume to a particularly high level.
My Swisscom app – Smart customer service
Current costs, bills and Swisscom products at a glance. Additional info about faults, initial assistance with technical problems and contact options. Now also accessible using screen readers for the visually impaired.
Chat to contact people with hearing or speech difficulties
Here Swisscom offers customers with a speech or hearing impairment a special support channel via chat, to ensure that all Swisscom customers can enjoy an optimum service. The chat function allows customers with speech or hearing impairments to communicate with a customer advisor via chat. If it becomes clear during the conversation that a follow-up call will be necessary, the chat advisor will make this contact too.
Partnership with Apfelschule
Swisscom contributes CHF 50.– towards course fees
Apfelschule teaches the blind and visually impaired how to make use of the fantastic opportunities that smartphones offer them. Screen readers and zoom functions are just two of the features covered in the course.
Swisscom customers now receive CHF 50.– off their course fees. Simply enter the promotion code “Swisscom Responsibility” when you register, and the discount will be deducted from your invoice.
Want to know more about accessibility?
David Rossé, responsible for digital inclusion and accessibility
Accessibility partners
We foster collaboration with a range of organisations for people with disabilities.
Zollikofen School for the Blind
In 2016, Swisscom decided to support work to expand and renovate the School for the Blind in Zollikofen. Alongside financial contributions, a project was launched to facilitate pupil access to the digital world. Swisscom sponsored tablets, Internet access and media courses.
Forom Ecoute
Almost a million people in Switzerland are hearing impaired or deaf. The non-profit foundation based in French-speaking western Switzerland is committed to championing their interests. Swisscom works on a range of joint projects with Forom Ecoute which aim to facilitate better access to the digital world for those affected by hearing loss.
Procap
Procap is the largest Swiss association of and for people with disabilities. Swisscom and Procap undertook joint research into the accessibility of Swisscom Shops and hotlines, and developed a range of measures to optimise accessibility for the hearing and visually impaired.
Access for all
The Access for All foundation aims to improve access to the Internet and to computer programs. It runs workshops, carries out research and issues accreditations. Swisscom is engaged in a range of joint projects with this very important player in the field of digital accessibility.
Website information
This web page is based on the international requirements for accessible websites set out in the W3C WCAG 2.0 guidelines and national (eCH0059) standards. We are working hard to improve accessibility to other areas of the website www.swisscom.ch.