Nothing About Us Without Us w w w. e d f - f e p h. o r g Demands of persons with disabilities for accessible railway services Maria Nyman Policy Officer European Disability Forum

Nothing About Us Without Us w w w. e d f - f e p h. o r g European Disability Forum Representative organisation of persons with disabilities in the EU Two-fold membership: ENGOs and National disability councils Promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in all EU policies (mainstreaming of disability)

Nothing About Us Without Us w w w. e d f - f e p h. o r g Existing barriers Lack of accessibility to infrastructure and rolling stock Attitudinal barriers Lack of information about the accessibility of the service as well as lack of information in accessible formats Poor levels of assistance (not everywhere!) Limted information about or accessibility to intermodal connections These barriers have to be dismantled in order to ensure full inclusion and equal participation of persons with disabilities. Legislation thus has to be comprehensive, but also correctly interpreted, implemented and enforced!

Nothing About Us Without Us w w w. e d f - f e p h. o r g EDF demands Design for all of the built environment and rolling stock Information in accessible formats Access to the ticketing system Seamless assistance Inclusive safety and emergency procedures The right to bring a personal assistant when relevant

Nothing About Us Without Us w w w. e d f - f e p h. o r g Costs? -Huge investments are already being made - costly to adapt the existing services -Technical and infrastructural barriers Benefits! -Design for all creates value for owners -More comfortable for all - more potential passengers -Social inclusion means cost-savings for society

Nothing About Us Without Us w w w. e d f - f e p h. o r g Final remarks – Long-term plans to gradually improve accessibility - consult with users – Formal standards is a tool for improving accessibility - benefits both operators and users – Persons with disabilities are not only passengers - also potential employees – Ongoing cooperation with all stakeholders (public authorities, manufacturers, users) in order to ensure compatibility of all relating systems. Accessibility solutions must be integrated in order to not create any new, additional, barriers!

Nothing About Us Without Us w w w. e d f - f e p h. o r g Thank you for your attention! Maria Nyman Policy Officer European Disability Forum