RNID urges deaf people to have their say on public transport accessibility in new survey
RNID – the national charity supporting the more than 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus – is urging deaf people to share their experiences in the first ever survey focusing on public transport accessibility for people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the UK.
The survey is part of a major project, funded by the Motability Foundation, which aims to understand the barriers faced by people who are deaf or have hearing loss when using public transport.
Findings from the project, which launched last year, will be used to develop a detailed report and recommendations and will directly inform RNID’s work with transport providers, policymakers and technology companies.
Frankie Garforth, Head of Inclusion at RNID, said: “Public transport should be accessible to everyone. However, right now, that’s not the reality for many people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
“This survey is a crucial opportunity to share your experiences of using public transport. By taking part, you’ll be contributing to one of the most comprehensive pieces of evidence ever gathered on the accessibility of public transport for people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the UK.
“It’s vital that we capture experiences directly from people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Whether you live in a city or rural area, whether you take public transport regularly or avoid it altogether – we want to hear from you. Your answers will be invaluable in helping us push for real, lasting improvements.”
Chelsea Fleming, Programme Director of Transport Solutions at the Motability Foundation said: “Accessible transport must work for everyone, including people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
“Through our funding, research and partnerships, we are working to improve today’s transport systems while ensuring accessibility is built into future design and innovation.
“We’re proud to fund RNID’s research, which will generate important new evidence about the barriers people who are deaf or have hearing loss face. By putting lived experience at its heart, this work will inform practical recommendations and help drive lasting change across the transport system. We encourage people to take part and share their experiences – their voices are vital to making transport truly inclusive.”
To ensure that the voices of people who are deaf or have hearing loss remain at the heart of the study, RNID is working with an advisory board made up of people with lived experience to help guide the research.
RNID is keen to use the survey to capture a diversity of experiences, including deaf people and people with hearing loss who are urban commuters and public transport users who live outside of cities, including those who use ferries.
People with multiple disabilities, as well as those who have used Passenger Assistance Services or choose to avoid public transport altogether are also invited to respond.
The survey, which closes on Monday 13th April, can also be answered by a carer or travel companion of someone who is deaf or has hearing loss and is available in British Sign Language (BSL) and English.
As a thank you for taking part, people who complete the survey have the option to enter a prize draw. The prize draw is open to residents of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland aged 18 years or older.
To access the survey directly, click here.
Last year RNID exposed an overwhelming lack of NHS staff training in England on their legal duties towards people who are deaf or have hearing loss, leaving millions of adults facing significant health risks.
