Deafblind Café – public transport accessibility reforms
At Deafblind Café on 20th July 2022, we talked about public transport and celebrated Christmas in July.
The federal government plans to change the Disability Transport Standards. Maddie Chandler visited DBV from Canberra to find out more about Deafblind Victorians’ experiences with trains, trams, buses and taxis, so the government can make better rules about accessibility.
DBV members talked about problems we have with transport:
- We memorise routes (how many stops, how to get from the platform to the exit, etc.) It’s difficult when things change
- Announcements are not audible, signs are not visible, and asking for help is difficult with communication barriers
- Staff can be unhelpful and hostile, and rules are inconsistent
- Passengers rush in at stops before we can get off
- Gaps, uneven platforms
And possible solutions:
- Travel training for Deafblind people; learning the layout of stations
- Deafblind Awareness training for transport staff
- Signs with black backgrounds, and lower or closer to the ground
- In Singapore and Japan, there are designated zones around train doors that passengers must stand behind, and glass doors to prevent tripping at the edge of the platform
- Braille and tactile information at train stations
For more information about the Transport Standards, including how you can have your say about the changes, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/transportaccessibility.
We celebrated Christmas in July with a Secret Santa and a prize for best festive hat, won by Jasper Cleland.
Deafblind Victoria 