“Don’t ask for a barrier-free path to the Matterhorn”

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“My first bone fracture occurred when I was seven months old,” says Vanessa Grand (44). She suffers from the rare bone disease. Their bones are very fragile and deform quickly. Therefore, she has been in a wheelchair since childhood.

Despite many obstacles, the Walliser graduated from high school and studied journalism at the University of Freiburg. Today, as a pop singer, she brings an exuberant atmosphere to the stages.

“We have to live with the consequences”

“I’m not asking for a barrier-free hiking trail on the Matterhorn.” With such statements, Grand repeatedly draws attention to the problems of people with disabilities. She never loses her sense of humor – although politics would give her every reason to. Nearly a decade after Switzerland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, very few requirements have been implemented.

As an example, Grand cites the SBB’s efforts to finally become barrier-free across the board. By the end of 2023, all train stations in Switzerland must be wheelchair accessible. At the beginning of the year, however, it was already clear that SBB would not achieve this target. “The SBB should bear the consequences for not meeting this target – but again, we are the only ones who have to live with the consequences,” says Grand.

More participation and self-determination

Although Grand lived with her disability from birth, she did not receive an IV pension until she was 30. «With drip and supplements I don’t even get to 2,000 francs a month. I am not ashamed of that, Switzerland is just like that,” she says.

She drives to the first session for people with disabilities to stand up for other people affected. Because people who live with a disability know best what help they really need in this or that situation. The singer also has a suitable analogy ready for this: “Marco Odermatt is not trained by a butcher either.” That is also her hope for the session on March 24: More participation and self-determination for people with disabilities!

Source:Blick