In the first ever survey focusing on public transport accessibility for people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the UK, we are urging deaf people to share their experiences.
If you are deaf or have hearing loss, find out how you, a carer or travel companion can take part in the survey
What we want to learn
The survey is part of a major project, funded by the Motability Foundation, which aims to understand the barriers faced by people who are deaf or have hearing loss when using public transport.
Findings from the project will be used to develop a detailed report and recommendations for transport providers, policymakers and technology companies, as well as informing our future work with these organisations.
Who is the survey for?
To ensure that the voices of people who are deaf or have hearing loss remain at the heart of the study, RNID is working with an advisory board made up of people with lived experience to help guide the research.
We are keen to use the survey to capture a diversity of experiences, including deaf people and people with hearing loss who are:
- urban commuters
- public transport users who live outside of cities
- UK ferry users
- people with multiple disabilities
- people who have used Passenger Assistance Services
- people who avoid public transport altogether.
The survey can also be answered by a carer or travel companion of someone who is deaf or has hearing loss.
How to take part
It should take you around 15-20 minutes to complete. It is available in British Sign Language (BSL), and open-ended answers can be made in BSL.
The survey closes on Monday 13 April.
As a thank you for taking part, people who complete the survey have the option to enter a prize draw to win a voucher. The prize draw is open to residents of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland aged 18 years or older.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Why this research matters
Frankie Garforth, Head of Inclusion at RNID, said:
Public transport should be accessible to everyone. However, right now, that’s not the reality for many people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
“This survey is a crucial opportunity to share your experiences of using public transport. By taking part, you’ll be contributing to one of the most comprehensive pieces of evidence ever gathered on the accessibility of public transport for people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the UK.
“It’s vital that we capture experiences directly from people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Whether you live in a city or rural area, whether you take public transport regularly or avoid it altogether – we want to hear from you. Your answers will be invaluable in helping us push for real, lasting improvements.”
Chelsea Fleming, Programme Director of Transport Solutions at the Motability Foundation, said:
Accessible transport must work for everyone, including people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Through our funding, research and partnerships, we are working to improve today’s transport systems while ensuring accessibility is built into future design and innovation.
We’re proud to fund RNID’s research, which will generate important new evidence about the barriers people who are deaf or have hearing loss face. By putting lived experience at its heart, this work will inform practical recommendations and help drive lasting change across the transport system. We encourage people to take part and share their experiences – their voices are vital to making transport truly inclusive.”