Mobility and emergency situations

Aims of accessible transport policy To ensure that needs of all people with different kinds of disabilities are considered To promote the accessibility of existing passenger transport services for all people with disabilities, and ensure that all new transport services and related infrastructure is accessible to promote the implementation of the principle of universal design in the transport sector Resource: Council of Europe Recommendation Rec (2006) 5 of the Committee of Ministers for the EU Member States

Accessible transport policy EU countries have established common policy on the accessibility of transport for people with disability and reduced mobility in order to improve their social inclusion The issue of travel is the first and often most important issue pertaining to the participation in tourist movement for many people with disabilities When discussing travel or a trip with a client it might be useful to know what options are available on your local public transport

Equal access to rail transport services Disabled people should have opportunities for rail travel comparable to those of other citizens Obligations of rail transport operators Disabled people should be provided with information on the accessibility of rail services and on the access conditions of rolling stock and about facilities on board In order to provide passengers with sensory impairment with the best information on delays or in emergency situations, visual and audible systems should be used, as appropriate Disabled people and people with reduced mobility should have possibility to be assisted by the rail staff if needed

Airports and carriers - obligations on the airports and airlines carriers: The obligation to provide favourable travelling conditions for all passengers Non-discrimination, except for reasons which are justified on the grounds of safety The possibility to receive assistance without any additional charges Recognised assistance dogs are allowed to accompany a person with disability throughout the whole journey, however, carriage of recognised assistance dogs in the cabin is subject to national regulations Apart from medical equipment, need to check how much mobility equipment can be transported Resource: Regulation (EC) no 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air

And what is the practice?

Emergency situations In case of emergency it is necessary for many people with disabilities to be provide with personal help Remember to consider using alternative warning methods (e.g. both sound and light alarm systems)