The accessibility of public transportation should never be a privilege, it’s a right. Trains, buses, taxis, and subway. That is what keeps the world moving. It helps people access jobs, hospitals, the grocery store, and schools. Public transportation in Europe is already very reliable. That’s why there are fewer cars. People move around more freely. However, that’s only looking at one side of the coin, hearing people. How is transportation for the Deaf community in the Netherlands? Keep reading and find out.

The Dutch Deaf Community 

There are a little over 1 million Deaf people in the Netherlands. The Dutch Deaf are a linguistic and cultural minority. They have a distinct language and customs that differ from the hearing community. Back in the 1930s, Sign Language wasn’t promoted or encouraged. Instead, the Deaf community was taught lip reading, which had a negative impact. Still, they strived to maintain their unique identity and used sign language within their community. As awareness grew,  Dutch Sign Language, or Nederlandse Gebarentaal was recognized in 2020, and around 15,000 people use it. 

Even though the government recognizes Sign Language, the Deaf still struggle for equal rights. Living in a world of selective awareness often means instability for the Deaf, which seems to be the case in the Netherlands. 

Current Transportation Infrastructure

Photo by Gül Işık

One of the best things about the Netherlands is that it’s a small country, and super easy to get around. It doesn’t matter where you are, there’s always a train, tram, or bus nearby to whisk you away. The standards of public transport are sustainability (environmentally friendly), spacious seating, and digital displays to get the most up-to-date information on the schedules. There’s even a push now to move towards completely electric transportation.

But, the most popular kind of transportation in the Netherlands is biking. The Dutch are raised on riding bikes everywhere. In places like Amsterdam, it’s one of the most convenient ways to get around. Signage is provided to avoid getting lost and there is a lot of respect towards cyclers to make plenty of room for them on the streets. Even with all the innovation and pushes towards technological advancement. The Deaf community still faces some limitations. 

Communication and Information Accessibility

A crucial aspect of public transportation is the schedule. Passengers need to know when and where the trains will be leaving to plan a trip accordingly. If that information is inaccessible, then the whole situation becomes stressful. It would make Deaf people fear leaving their homes and not allow them to enjoy life. 

The University of Amsterdam is one of the top-ranking research universities in Europe. The students and researchers here realized the struggles Deaf people face on public transportation. The announcements are made over a loudspeaker so,  Deaf people can’t hear them. The situation builds a lot of anxiety when a Deaf individual has no idea what’s going on. When panic arises, things can easily get worse. 

SignLab Project

A new approach to solving this is through AI. While the project is still a prototype, it is in full swing to be implemented into public transportation. AI is already used in transportation, traffic control, and more in the Netherlands. But how can it be used to benefit the Deaf and disabled community?

SignLab Amsterdam was founded in 2020, and it uses AI to create boards in public transportation that allow sign language to be displayed or avatars for instructions on how to buy tickets, train boarding, etc. Why does this work? It was tested during COVID-19 when in-person translators or interpreters were inaccessible. It allowed avatars to facilitate communication between patients and doctors, asking about symptoms. 

The research project emphasizes that it doesn’t aim to replace existing sign language interpreters in the Netherlands. It is merely an alternative for situations where having an interpreter is difficult. That’s why the concept is great for public transportation. Dr. Floris Roelofsen, is the founder of the SignLab and has personal experience with the Deaf community since his daughter is Deaf. Therefore, he feels very strongly about the situation. The project is beyond helping the Deaf use public transportation. It’s a way to bring more awareness. To increase accessibility for the community. 

The Role of Technology in the Deaf Community

Photo by cottonbro studio

Technology can alleviate the barrier and bring it all together, by making the hearing community more aware of the setbacks the Deaf face. Deaf people also commented on the report about SignLab, which was posted on RT (Railway Technology), and they said that the railway companies also need to be more aware of this and implement the technology that could benefit Deaf passengers not only for inclusivity but also because taxpayer money funds these systems.

The Dutch public transportation is testing trials using this AI system. Some apps help passengers keep up with train schedules. The focus here will be last-minute changes, which can induce anxiety with the Deaf. And while people argue that Deaf people should have someone with them when they travel. The point of all this is to promote autonomy within the Deaf community so that they can live independently. 

Advocacy 

The Netherlands has a Deaf organization to advocate for the community. It has undergone several changes but now Dovenschap, as it’s known in Dutch is an umbrella of several other organizations. All of the foundations within this group, including the 6 board members work together to raise awareness for the Deaf community. This is mostly through policies that target sign language recognition, a supply of interpreters, and the biggest one, accessibility within society. 

Dovenschap isn’t alone in its efforts to create a more equitable society. The European Union is working with TRIPS, another research project to make travel seamless for Deaf or disabled passengers. The creators surveyed the community and realized they wanted simple technology with up-to-date and comprehensive travel information. With that came the idea of Smart Planner, which focuses on public transport schedules, seating, and availability of modes of transportation. The information would be conveyed in multiple ways, including sign language. 

The focus on transportation is crucial for the Deaf community. It means access to jobs, schools, medical facilities, and independence. More than that, it’s fighting for basic human rights and being equal to hearing people who can access the same things without a problem. The point is to place technology at the forefront of city planning to make life easier for everyone. 

Prioritizing the Role of Public Transportation

The Deaf community in the Netherlands encounters some obstacles in accessing public transportation. Despite the country’s well-established and sustainable transportation system, there are clear limitations for Deaf travelers, particularly concerning access to schedule information and announcements. Nevertheless, ongoing initiatives, such as the implementation of AI, demonstrate a proactive approach to improving communication and information accessibility for the Deaf and disabled community. The Dutch government and transportation authorities must intensify their efforts to ensure equal access and rights for all members of society, including the Deaf community. By prioritizing inclusivity and understanding, the Netherlands can establish a more accessible and supportive environment for everyone. 

You can learn more about public transportation for the Deaf community at https://www.unspokenasl.com

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Chait Goli