Welcome to a live panel show where research meets politics and inclusion is the main focus. Digital technologies are prevalent in higher education, from lecture recordings and accessibility tools to learning platforms, apps, and, yes, AI. While technology can open doors for students with disabilities, it also creates new challenges.

In this show, guests from the fields of research and politics will explore how technology can support the inclusion of students with disabilities in Swiss higher education. The discussion will address three questions:

1. How inclusive are Swiss universities today? Where do students still face barriers?
2. Learning with technology: helpful or risky? Rethinking technological dependence through the example of students with disabilities
3. Studying under pressure: Can or should digital tools support students’ well-being?

Brian McGowan
Lecturer, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH
Lea Sandoz-Mey
Founder and president of inclusion 360
Co-managing director Behindertenkonferenz Kanton Zurich
Dr. Katja Saxer
Research associate at the PH Bern, research focus: inclusive education and well-being at school

Moderator:
Dr. Oriane Pierrès
Post-doctoral researcher at the University of Zurich (Digital Society Initiative)
Co-founder of Safespace Research (ETH Spinoff)

We are committed to make this event as accessible as possible.

• Information about the event room (including photos) can be viewed online.
• The event will be broadcast via livestream. The link will be sent out before the event. Discussions will mainly take place on-site in Zurich, but we will make an effort to include questions from the online audience as well.
• There is a parking space for people with reduced mobility in front of the building. The nearest tram stop is “Kantonsschule.” The tram stop “ETH/Universitätsspital” is also not far away.
• The event room is wheelchair accessible. However, the elevator’s control buttons are mounted high up; if needed, a companion can operate the elevator for you (please provide this information below).
• On the same floor, a room will be reserved and marked as a quiet room. It is a seminar room with chairs; a yoga mat will be provided.
• All speakers will use a microphone.
• The event will be live-transcribed using accessify.live and live-translated into English and other languages.
• The lighting will be set to medium brightness.
• Attendees can sit down during the Apéro; food will not be placed on high tables.
• The Apéro is entirely vegan.

You can register using this form. This helps us prepare for the event. You can also request additional accessibility measures here.