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Tactile guidance enables visually impaired people to safely navigate to the Department of Ophthalmology and other facilities at the University Medical Center Freiburg

On Friday, February 14, 2025, a tactile guidance system for the blind was inaugurated at the University Medical Center Freiburg. It makes it easier for blind and visually impaired people to access the Department of Ophthalmology and other central facilities at the hospital. The system was developed in collaboration with the South Baden Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities of the City of Freiburg. The inauguration was attended by Mayor Ulrich von Kirchbach, representatives of the associations and self-help groups and people involved at Freiburg University Hospital.

The signage system begins at one of the main entrances to the hospital on Breisacher Straße, which many patients use - whether they arrive by streetcar or car. The Eye and ENT Clinic, the Neurocenter and the Children's and Youth Clinic are connected to the guidance system.

"Safe and independent transportation is essential for our visually impaired patients. With the new guidance system, we are making it much easier for them to access our clinic," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Reinhard, Medical Director of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Medical Center Freiburg. "Patient empowerment is a central guiding principle for us - both in the digital and analog worlds. In this case, it is a very practical, analog tool that makes the biggest difference," says Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Director of the University Medical Center Freiburg.

Ulrich von Kirchbach, First Mayor of the City of Freiburg, adds: "The new signage system at the University Hospital is a fine example of the successful cooperation between the city and the hospital, because it seamlessly connects the public space with the hospital grounds and thus enables safe orientation." Mischa Knebel, Managing Director of the South Baden Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, emphasizes: "The guidance system is a great relief for blind and visually impaired people. Thanks to our early involvement, we were able to tailor it specifically to our needs." The guidance system for the blind was developed in close cooperation with Freiburger Verkehrs-AG (VAG).

Image 1: Happy about the inauguration of the new guidance system for the blind (from left to right): Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Director of the University Medical Center Freiburg, Daniela Schmid, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities of the City of Freiburg, Prof. Dr. Thomas Reinhard, Medical Director of the Department of Ophthalmology, Mischa Knebel, Managing Director of the South Baden Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Ulrich von Kirchbach, First Mayor of the City of Freiburg
Image source: University Medical Center Freiburg

Image 2: Clear routing: Mischa Knebel tests the new guidance system that leads from the streetcar stop to the ENT Eye Clinic. 
Image source: University Medical Center Freiburg