Disabled Travel By Rail – A Guide
Posted: November 16th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: disabled, handicap, handicapped, rail, rail travel, travel | No Comments »
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Disabled passengers can be made for arrangements to travel in comfort while travelling by rail. There are stations that have all the necessary arrangements in place but there are those that you may need to ask for special arrangements. This may be done by calling the train company in advance. It is important that you do this in good time to enable them to prepare in advance. Here is a guide on disabled travel by rail.
For those on wheel chairs a ramp can be provided if it is not already available. Some stations have them on the ready but for those that do not have they may be informed in good time so that they put one in place. They may also have someone to assist in wheeling the passenger into and off the train.
For the blind a guide may be requested for alighting and boarding. It is not so hard though for the blind to travel by train because most of them have a good sense of direction. The only problem may arise when reading signs. Many stations on the other hand make announcements regarding the train times so this will not be a huge problem.
When the passenger is deaf they may get a guide for boarding and alighting too. Reading signs will not be a problem for them at all. It is important though that they get all the directions beforehand so that they do not get scared or harassed while travelling.
For passengers who are mentally disabled a lot of preparation has to be done beforehand. This is because they have special needs as compared to other passengers. They have to have someone to accompany them for most of the journey. They have several needs such as assistance with going to the toilet and in eating. If they cannot be accompanied one may request for assistance from staff working with the station.
Make sure all the travel documents are in place and secure. They should be easily accessible and at the same time not easy to be stolen. They may be prone to harassment and their belongings could easily be stolen.
In situations where the disabled is a minor make all the necessary arrangements before the journey. The staff must be on the lookout for children more so if they are disabled and are to travel on their own. Inform them in due course and prepare the passengers mentally. Reassure them about their safety before they take off. Make sure their hand luggage is not so bulky.
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