Sign Language Regulation in Switzerland: Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BehiG)
The Swiss Federal Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against People with Disabilities (Disability Discrimination Act, DDA / Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz, BehiG) and its implementing Ordinance (Behindertengleichstellungsverordnung, BehiV) came into force in 2004.[1][2] Together, these laws form Switzerland’s core legal framework to protect the rights of people with disabilities, promote equal access, and prevent discrimination in public services, infrastructure, and employment. While BehiG aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by Switzerland in 2014, it is less comprehensive than the EU’s European Accessibility Act (EAA) or the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Key Provisions of BehiG and BehiV
1. Private Businesses (Art. 6 DDA)
Private companies providing public services are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. However, protection is limited by a restrictive definition of discrimination (Art. 2 lit. d BehiV), requiring proof of severe, humiliating conduct to claim discrimination successfully.[3]
The upcoming BehiG revision proposes replacing "discrimination" with the broader concept of "disadvantage" (Benachteiligung), significantly enhancing protection.[4]
2. Public Service Providers with Concessions (Art. 8 para. 1 DDA)
Operators of public infrastructure or licensed services—such as SBB (Swiss Railways), Swisscom, and Swiss Post—must ensure barrier-free access. Individuals can take legal or administrative action if barriers remain.[5]
3. Public Authorities and Communication Accessibility (Art. 14 DDA & Art. 11 BehiV)
Public authorities must provide accessible communication and digital services, meeting international accessibility standards (W3C/WCAG). People with speech, hearing, or visual impairments have the right to effective communication accommodations upon request.[6]
4. Proportionality Principle (Art. 11 DDA)
The proportionality principle explicitly limits required accommodations, balancing benefits against financial, environmental, cultural heritage, and safety considerations.[7]
Strengthening Protection Against Discrimination in Services
In 2024, the Federal Council proposed reforms to enhance disability rights and recognize Swiss Sign Languages, responding to societal pressure and parliamentary initiatives.[8][9][10]
Reform of BehiG – Key Changes
Art. 6 and 6a – Expanded Scope and Protection
The revision broadens protection to private relationships and employment, emphasizing "reasonable accommodations" and replacing "discrimination" with "disadvantage" (Benachteiligung), strengthening enforceable rights.[11]
Art. 3 lit. g, Art. 6a, and Art. 8a – Employment Rights
Protections extend to all public and private employment relationships, requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations enforceable by employees individually.[12]
Art. 14 – Services and Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility standards (WCAG/W3C) must be proactively met by public and private entities. Authorities must also provide key information in Swiss Sign Languages.[13][14]
Art. 12b, 12c, 12d – Recognition of Swiss Sign Languages
For the first time, the law officially recognizes and promotes Swiss Sign Languages, requiring support from federal and cantonal governments and ensuring linguistic inclusion for deaf children and their families.[15]
Launch of the Swiss Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIS)
In parallel with regulatory reforms, the Federal Council launched the Allianz Digitale Inklusion Schweiz (ADIS) to address digital accessibility barriers through collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector.[16]
Swiss Government. 2002. Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BehiG) ↩︎
Federal Office for Disability Equality. Overview of BehiG ↩︎
Swiss Federal Supreme Court. BGE 138 I 475 ↩︎
Swiss Federal Council. Botschaft zur Änderung des BehiG ↩︎
Swiss Federal Office of Transport (BAV). Art. 8 DDA Concessions ↩︎
Swiss Government. Art. 10 & 11 BehiV ↩︎
Canton of Aargau. Verhältnismässigkeit im Verwaltungsrecht ↩︎
Inclusion Initiative. Inklusions-Initiative ↩︎
Federal Council. Partial Revision of BehiG (2024) ↩︎
Swiss Parliament. Parliamentary Motion 2022.3373 ↩︎
Swiss Federal Council. Botschaft zur BehiG-Änderung, p. 32ff ↩︎
Swiss Federal Council. Botschaft zur BehiG-Änderung, p. 36 ↩︎
Swiss Federal Council. Botschaft zur BehiG-Änderung, p. 43 ↩︎
Swiss Government. Draft E-BehiG, Art. 14 ↩︎
Swiss Federal Council. Botschaft zur BehiG-Änderung, p. 41 ↩︎
Swiss Government. Launch of ADIS ↩︎