NEW DELHI: In a move to ensure railway stations and trains are accessible to people with disabilities (divyangs), Centre has issued a “draft rule” to include the guidelines issued by the Railway Board. Once these guidelines become part of the rules, these can be enforced for the benefit of such people.
The department of people with disabilities (PwDs) has sought feedback from stakeholders and the public by January 29 on the proposed rules to create a more user-friendly environment.The Railway Board had come up with detailed guidelines on accessibility of stations and facilities at stations for differently abled persons and passengers with reduced mobility in November.
The guidelines highlight the need for dedicated website features catering to the Divyangjans, ensuring a flexible and accessible interface design. These features will follow universal design principles and World Wide Web Consortium guidelines, integrating technology-enabled accessibility features such as text-to-speech and user-friendly pictograms.
The guidelines issued by the railways includes the development of a dedicated mobile app and a one-click template for people with disabilities displaying all the information and facilities available for them at stations as well in trains. For inclusivity, credible announcements regarding facilities for PwDs will be integrated into public announcement systems at train stations and platforms. This includes sign language, captioning, and digital displays.
As per guidelines, standardised illuminated signage across stations, coupled with Braille signage, has been proposed. Frontline staff will be trained in sign language to ensure effective communication. The guidelines call for accessible entry and exit points, ramps and handrails.
These also have provision for low-height ticket counters with accessibility signage and accessible help booths manned by ‘Divyangjan Sahayaks’ have been proposed to enhance the overall accessibility experience.
The department of people with disabilities (PwDs) has sought feedback from stakeholders and the public by January 29 on the proposed rules to create a more user-friendly environment.The Railway Board had come up with detailed guidelines on accessibility of stations and facilities at stations for differently abled persons and passengers with reduced mobility in November.
The guidelines highlight the need for dedicated website features catering to the Divyangjans, ensuring a flexible and accessible interface design. These features will follow universal design principles and World Wide Web Consortium guidelines, integrating technology-enabled accessibility features such as text-to-speech and user-friendly pictograms.
The guidelines issued by the railways includes the development of a dedicated mobile app and a one-click template for people with disabilities displaying all the information and facilities available for them at stations as well in trains. For inclusivity, credible announcements regarding facilities for PwDs will be integrated into public announcement systems at train stations and platforms. This includes sign language, captioning, and digital displays.
As per guidelines, standardised illuminated signage across stations, coupled with Braille signage, has been proposed. Frontline staff will be trained in sign language to ensure effective communication. The guidelines call for accessible entry and exit points, ramps and handrails.
These also have provision for low-height ticket counters with accessibility signage and accessible help booths manned by ‘Divyangjan Sahayaks’ have been proposed to enhance the overall accessibility experience.
