TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Transportation

Navigating Accessibility in Airports and Rail Stations will be Easier with New Virtual Reality Simulator

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Oculus virtual reality headset.

A new ‘Serious Game’ Virtual Reality Simulation is being developed to support disabled people to better access travel on Northern’s services.

As the first of its kind, the technology will allow passengers to explore their journey and the support they require in advance, from the comfort of their own home. Users will be able to experience trains, stations, and interact with station and on-board staff in a realistic simulated environment on their own phones, tablets and PCs or even in low cost VR headsets for a fully immersive experience. They can take simulated journeys and experience the railway environment, as well as the support Northern staff will provide along the way.

To learn more, read the full article in Global Railway Review.

How Can People with Parkinson’s Enjoy their Vacations? Try Amtrak.

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Amtrak train parked at train station.

The decision to start traveling again is personal, and it may not be for everyone.

In an article for Parkinson’s News Today, Lori DePorter shares how she and her husband got back to traveling – with Amtrak. Although the author’s preferred method of travel is usually in her private vehicle, the couple switched things up and booked a train ticket. As a person with a disability, Lori and her husband both received a discounted fare, and commented the conductor was “refreshingly polite” and eager to help.

In detailing her train journey, Lori mused that “perhaps it is time to explore more train travel, which was much less stressful than traveling by car.”

When will you hit America’s railways?

Amtrak Settles Lawsuit Over Discrimination

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Amtrak train parked at train station.

The U.S. Department of Justice has reached an agreement with Amtrak over complaints about a lack of accessibility at many of its stations. Under the agreement, Amtrak will bring accessibility to at least 135 stations, 90 of which must be completed within the next 10 years.

Amtrak has also agreed to compensate individuals who were previously harmed by a lack of station accessibility, establishing a fund of $2.25 million for that purpose.

“Passengers with disabilities have waited long enough. [The settlement] is a historic victory for individuals with disabilities, Amtrak, the rule of law, and the promise of equal opportunity for all Americans,” said Eric Dreiband, assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, in a press release.

OUR TAKE: Improved accessibility on the Amtrak passenger rail system is a victory not only for disabled travelers, but for the destinations that Amtrak serves. With the number of disabled travelers continuing to rise, accessible Amtrak services can bring curious travelers of all abilities to new stations and stops across the country.

To read more about the Amtrak settlement, click here.

Department of Transportation Commits $41 Million to Improving Accessible Transport

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Aerial view of massive highway interchange in Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, then-U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced an award of more than $41 million to 15 teams in 15 states who participated in two accessible transportation design challenges.

One challenge focused on the development of “large-scale, replicable deployments that generate increased mobility options across multiple modes of transportation to address the challenges of planning and executing complete trips” for disabled people. A second challenge focused on autonomous vehicle systems, which could soon be used to help disabled people take to America’s roadways.

The TravelAbility team congratulates Advisory Board member Eric Lipp of Open Doors Organization for his group’s participation in the Buffalo, New York project, which focuses on complete trip deployment in the city.

To learn more about the DOT’s investments in accessible transportation, click here.

Genius Bus App Shows Wheelchair Space Availability

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a smartphone with a pink and blue app that shows where spaces are free and how many

Advisory Board Member John Morris of Wheelchair Travel is always ahead of the news when it comes to accessible travel. His most recent find? An app that shows where wheelchair spots are available on local buses. While it’s still only in Europe, we see a groundswell of accessible technology solutions coming to the states soon. 

OUR TAKE: Advancing accessible transportation— what better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act? Learn more, here.