Network Rail has announced that new screens have been installed at London Euston railway station which provide information for sign language users.
Developed by Nottingham-based screen manufacturer LB Foster and Leicester-based British Sign Language company Clarion UK, the screens can provide passengers with signed informations.
The touchscreens have a library of standard messages but can provide more information when unexpected disruption occurs.
Clarion UK’s Sign Language interpreters can create messages which can then be uploaded to the screens via 4G technology within 60 minutes.
Hopefully, more screens will be rolled out across the country at other Network Rail managed stations.
Loraine Martins, Network Rail’s director of diversity and inclusion, said: “We understand that rail travel can be daunting for anyone with specific needs and we’re always looking at ways we can improve accessibility so everyone can travel with confidence.
“We’re really excited to have these screens installed and in action, to see the real difference they will make for passengers who use British Sign Language. Euston station is proud to be leading the way, and I look forward to a time in the not too distant future when screens like these will be the norm on the railway and not an exception.”
Sally Chalk, chief executive officer of Clarion UK, said: “Delivering services for Sign Language users in ways that are innovative, clear and coherent is a really big deal for our team; we are incredibly proud to be bringing language to life at Euston”
Graham Kett, technical operations manager at LB Foster, said: “Adding British Sign Language interpretation into the system is a huge step forward in making operational information more accessible. This is functionality we want to roll out to more stations and in more use cases; simply put, all key messages being put out in written text or audio can fall into the scope of this system, which will make using the rail network more inclusive for more people.”
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Responses
In reply to Mike & James, I think the idea is to be able to record video messages for use in unexpected circumstances, for example if overhead wire damage meant that trains were rerouted and passengers could use their tickets on other routes. This information wouldn’t necessarily be shown on the departure board, but often announced over the tannoy.
Oh yes, because deaf people can’t read a train departure board. How damned patronising. Emotional incontinence on stilts.
I’m puzzled . . . . sign-language users can’t read what’s already there?
Fantastic news about screens showing train info using BSL. Let’s hope it will be available in all stations and capable to cope with the ever changing train times!! 😀
Thank you