Liam O’Dell: A deaf-friendly rail system will benefit every passenger

I’m always at a loss when discussing accessible rail solutions for deaf people. If it’s not on the platform, where garbled tannoy announcements explain vital delay information, then it’s more funding for rail improvements which fail to acknowledge the issues which deaf people face.

“Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced that over the next 5 years journeys will be opened up across Britain as upgrades, including footbridges and lifts, make it easier for disabled people to travel on the UK’s rail network,” the press release reads.

The only reference to other forms of accessibility comes later, where the department says the funding will support “improvements to help those with a visual or hearing impairment”.

Like a faulty sign I see way too often at a train station, the information isn’t clear. I’m still waiting for the Department for Transport to elaborate on what extra support will be available to passengers who are deaf or have a hearing loss.

I should make clear straight away that I’m not saying step-free access at stations for disabled people is unimportant. The issue has rightly been addressed in a recent Westminster Hall debate and demands our attention – especially when the situation is so dire for the 21st century.

Instead, it should be noted that accessibility is a wide-ranging issue affecting people of different ages and disabilities, and therefore steps taken should address different barriers and account for a wide range of circumstances.

After all, an improvement in rail accessibility does not just affect one person or interest group. Step-free access not only benefits wheelchair users but also the elderly and those unable to walk long distances.

Clear screen displays and having comprehensive travel information (including details of delays) extends beyond deaf people to help those with anxiety and autism, for example.

Accessible rail is back in the spotlight – as it rightfully should be – but its coverage must be wide-ranging. It must be stressed that a transport system which works for deaf and disabled people is a system which works for everyone.

Update: The Department for Transport have since responded to my request for comment with further information. When it comes to redesigns – which could include improved signage and visual and audio systems – Network Rail have been asked to involve local disability groups in the process. This is the right way to go about it, of course, as it includes those who will benefit from these changes as early as possible.

Photo by Ollie Cole.

Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and blogger from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and makes the occasional video about deaf awareness on his YouTube channel. He can also be found talking about disability, politics, theatre, books and music on his Twitter, and on his website.