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www.zeroproject.org
office@zeroproject.org
169 - Retzhof castle - a barrier-free educational institution, Austria
C
ONTACT
Bildungshaus Schloss Retzhof
Mr. Joachim Gruber
Austria
www.retzhof.at+43 3452 82788
-0
joachim.gruber@stmk.gv.at;
O
VERALL GOAL
/
MISSION
The educational institution Retzhof tries to identify barriers and sets actions to dismantle them – following the target to
achieve a barrier-free educational process. These efforts concern the entire conception of the building itself
(infrastructure, course offering, gastronomy, overnight stay, staff training etc.) integrating physical, communication and
strategic elements. The aim is to avoid exclusive mechanisms and to improve the accessibility – in all senses – for the
institution.
T
HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
The educational institution Retzhof is able to offer an encompassing barrier-free infrastructure including the main
building, two guesthouses and a park. This has been achieved through structural changes. Promotional and information
material target – amongst others – people with disabilities. One of the employees is wearing a cochlear implant and is
the first point of reference for people with hearing impairments. Retzhof tries to use simple und understandable
language in the information and promotion material. The website is in most parts barrier-free as well. The course
offering is tailored to attract a broad audience and offers people with disabilities ample choices to participate. Learning
group size is kept small. The building has two fixed and one mobile induction device, the seminar rooms are equipped
with acoustic elements. Visual sprinklers can be activated in the guestrooms; doors to the guesthouse to the toilet and
to the restaurants open automatically. There is a guiding system throughout the building for people with visual
impairments. People with mobility impairments can freely move around the building.
C
OUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS DEVELOPED
:
Austria
C
OUNTRY
/
COUNTRIES IN WHICH IT IS OPERATING
:
Austria
F
ACTS ABOUT SIZE AND SCOPE
1)
Ongoing staff training
2)
15.000 guests/year
3)
Growth rate app. 5%/year