Access to public transportation is a critical issue for many people, especially people who are blind, and they need to rely on public transport—the ability to communicate with the staff to have a safe and easy journey. The significance of access to transportation is of the utmost importance. Public transportation is a big part of getting the most out of it in a country like Spain, renowned for its architectural beauty and rich heritage.
This post will dive into how the Spanish government and organizations are improving public transportation accessibility for deaf people in Spain.
The Deaf Community in Spain
There are over a million people who identify as deaf or possess a disability in Spain, which is around 2% of the population. Spain is an inclusive country for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They consider themselves a linguistic and cultural minority amongst the Spaniards.
Spain is a linguistically diverse country with two Sign Languages. In 2007, the Spanish government recognized Lengua de signos española used throughout Spain and Llengua de signes catalana, primarily in the Catalan region of the country. In addition to two Sign Languages, there are a couple of different dialects. Valencian and Catalan are two dialects that are 70% similar, especially with vocabulary words.
The Effects of Sign Language Recognition
Reports on the development of the Sign Languages used in Spain are rare. According to researchers at the University of Vigo, Fernández Villabrille, an educator and writer, wrote the first LSE dictionary. It was the blueprint for modern LSE and many signs used today in Spain.
The recognition of Sign Language is a positive change for the deaf community. Acknowledging and legalizing the use gives rights and autonomy. Communication is a crucial aspect of daily life. Without it, an individual is dependent on others. With the implementation of Sign Language into everyday life, deaf people have more access to employment, a quality education, healthcare, and social services.
The Challenges that Deaf People Face on Public Transport
We know the importance of getting from place to place. Mobility keeps the world moving every day. Everyone has a reason for going from one place to another. The hearing community also deals with transportation issues for economic or geographical reasons. However, deaf people face barriers in parts of life that most people don’t even consider.
Taking public transportation for a deaf individual presents a colossal amount of issues. The timetables for the train might be outdated, and there is no announcement system adapted for people who are hard of hearing and deaf people, and staff at airports, trains, buses, and taxi stations lack training to assist deaf people.
While learning Sign Language is a more complex task, updating technology is. Nowadays, it should be relatively easy for public transportation systems worldwide to adapt to the needs of the deaf community with the latest tools to make traveling seamless.
Public Transportation in Spain
Access to public transportation means more than getting from one place to another. It means opportunities in education, jobs, and the social structure of the deaf community. It’s only fitting for the government to make buses, trains, taxis, and deaf-friendly. And while some countries make it difficult for deaf people to use buses or trains, Spain has a cheap, reliable, and convenient transportation system.
Driving and Walking
For example, if a deaf person is driving a car, the traffic lights emit acoustic signals for the light changes. That also applies to pedestrian crossings using tactile signaling. Tactile arrows use a pushbutton to control the crosswalk. The indicator is a contrast in color against the button. When pressed, there is a vibration on the crosswalk, indicating that it is safe for deaf people to walk. These components make it easier and safer for deaf people to be in the streets or amidst traffic without fear.
Buses and Trains
Another part of accessibility for deaf people in Spain is the signage available in the bus and train stations. Turisme de Barcelona reports that stations throughout Barcelona are fully equipped with signs for deaf people, and other cities like Madrid are changing. While it may seem like a small initiative, it is a big feat for the deaf community. Signage in LSE makes a difference in the deaf experience using transportation from place to place.
There are European Union accessibility requirements that public places must adhere to, like ramps for wheelchairs, signage for deaf people, and PA systems for blind people. Spanish public transportation provides all of these things to passengers. At the airport, Aena provides services to deaf or hard-of-hearing travelers. Travelers can fill out a form online, and the team at Aena will be there for arrival or departure. They assist with check-in, security, disembarkation, and luggage collection. Not to mention, this is all free.
For longer-distance travel, many train and bus stations provide more than enough access to deaf people. However, if a deaf person wants personal assistance, RENFE, a company that partners with railway station stations in Spain, does that. Atento is another company that assists with international train travel between countries that are part of the International Union of Railways.
More Accessibility in Major Cities
Getting around Barcelona, Madrid, and other cities, is accessible. According to the Spain tourism official website, around 70% of the Metro stations in Madrid are accessible to deaf people. Finally, taxi and car rentals also accept special requests for deaf passengers through apps like Uber and Pidetaxi.
Another app for the deaf and other disabilities is Tur4All, which gives the most up-to-date information on accessibility in public places, transportation, and more.
The Future of Public Transportation in Europe
Things take time to change for the deaf community, but Europe is making strides to achieve inclusivity. In 2021, the European Commission reported on initiatives to advance public transportation for deaf people. The European Union works with companies and people with disabilities to incorporate technology to ease the travel experience. For example, wearable AI technology, augmented reality, and an interactive travel planner described as “A travel version of Alexa.”
Speaking from Personal Experience
In reports and findings of the deaf experience with public services, the personal stories from the deaf community are of equal importance. Whether you’re traveling or moving to Spain, it is very accessible. Being deaf isn’t an obstacle to getting the most out of the culture and scenery there.
Deaf people who travel have never felt neglected.
ETIAS, which provides services for the latest travel requirements to enter Europe, describes the experience of a deaf traveler in Spain. She reflects on her experience of Spain being one of the warmest and friendliest places she has ever visited, from public transportation, guided tours, and accommodations. This traveler says things have improved in the country, especially in the tourism industry. Some of the best cities to get around for deaf people are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Cordoba, and Zaragoza.
While we explored the positives of public transportation in Spain, it’s important to remember that transportation accessibility depends on Spain’s region and the transportation type. In the bigger cities, deaf people will have a better experience as the population and living in an urban area requires it. Meanwhile, in smaller cities like Cordoba, Toledo, and others, it has potential drawbacks for deaf people, especially with public buses. However, Spain took significant initiatives in the past to develop an accessible system for a primarily disadvantaged deaf community.
Curious to know which countries rank better in accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing? Visit, https://www.unspokenasl.com/
Thumbnail Credit: Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric
