Sign language announcements have been introduced on high-speed trains and on screens at the Kyiv and Lviv railway stations, according to Ukrzaliznytsia. This important step has been implemented to ensure accessibility to information for people with hearing impairments. The translation into Ukrainian sign language was carried out by professional interpreters from the Public Movement “Social Unity.”
With these new features, passengers can now receive information about the start of air alarms, the location of restrooms, children’s areas, auxiliary services at stations and on trains, as well as other important details. This significantly facilitates navigation at stations and on trains for individuals with hearing impairments.
These changes are part of Ukrzaliznytsia’s global accessibility strategy aimed at creating a safe and accessible environment for every passenger. Over the past two years, more than 100 projects have been implemented, including the modernization of stations, updating rolling stock, introducing new services for people with disabilities, and providing the option to book inclusive carriages online.
Through collaboration with the NGO “Social Unity,” staff in information zones at stations in Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Uzhhorod, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi now use tablets with a specialized application. This application provides 24/7 access to sign language interpreters, ensuring smooth communication for passengers with hearing impairments.
The application allows railway staff to call a sign language interpreter when needed. Communication occurs via video call: the staff member speaks, and the interpreter immediately translates this into sign language; when a passenger with a hearing impairment speaks, the interpreter voices it.
These innovations significantly enhance information accessibility and support inclusivity in Ukraine’s transportation system.
We have also reported that the second phase of the “Dream” educational initiative has begun.
