The Belgian National Railway Company (“SNCB”) has created the guide “I dare to take the train”. The guide aims to meet the learning and independence needs of those with difficulties finding their way and understanding. It is also for those with a mental disability. The organisation’s announcement about the publication came on Friday.
The learning guide “I dare to take the train - my learning guide for travelling alone” was created to assist those with a mental disability to travel independently by train. The SNCB indicates, “The tool is specifically designed for people with a slight to moderate intellectual disability and those supporting them (family, their social worker or teacher and other such individuals). More broadly, this guide is also intended for anybody with difficulties getting around, reading and understanding information.”
The guide can be uploaded and personalized according to the specific needs of each affected passenger, and his or her train journey. The SNCB goes on, “It explains in an adapted and illustrated language useful information to prepare for your journey, find your way, and buy your ticket via various channels. There is also assistance before and during the journey by SNCB staff or by telephone in the stations.”
The tool comprises three sections. First it describes in detail the various stages of a train journey: preparation for the journey with your support person to the arrival at the destination station. The second section consists of a form to print out and fill in to request help. Lastly, the guide indicates the steps to take and the SNCB staff to ask, in the event of the unexpected and any difficulty or hazard at the station, on the platforms and aboard the train.
It has been developed together with individuals having a mental disability, associations working in the sector, as well as in collaboration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (“CSNPH”) and the Centre for Equal Opportunities (“Unia”).
The Brussels
