Ukrainian leading railway stations install accessible equipment for hearing impaired passengers

The Ukrainian Railways JSC has installed special tablets with a program for passengers with hearing disabilities in the information zones of Kyiv and Lviv railway stations, the press release says.

What is the problem?

People with hearing impairments are among those who need more attention as war and natural disasters pose a serious threat to all Ukrainians, but they are the most vulnerable. They cannot hear the air raid warning or the shelling well.

The war forces these people to flee from shelling and move to another safer region, using railroad connections. They also feel uncomfortable staying in public places and communicating, as most Ukrainians do not speak sign language.

What is the solution?

Ukrainian railways should also be comfortable for every passenger, regardless of their individual characteristics, the press release says.

"We continue to make train stations more accessible and inclusive for all travelers."

How does it work?

Since December 1, employees of the information zones of the main railway stations in Kyiv and Lviv have received special tablets with a program for passengers with hearing impairments.

The program allows station staff to communicate with passengers using Ukrainian sign language. The employee contacts an interpreter via video, ensuring comfortable communication without any barriers.

The project will be scaled up to stations with a large flow of passengers. Ukrzaliznytsia has not yet named the list and timeline.