[{"command":"openDialog","selector":"#drupal-modal","settings":null,"data":"\u003Cdiv id=\u0022republish_modal_form\u0022\u003E\u003Cform class=\u0022modal-form-example-modal-form ecl-form\u0022 data-drupal-selector=\u0022modal-form-example-modal-form\u0022 action=\u0022\/en\/article\/modal\/9117\u0022 method=\u0022post\u0022 id=\u0022modal-form-example-modal-form\u0022 accept-charset=\u0022UTF-8\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHorizon articles can be republished for free under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003EYou must give appropriate credit. We ask you to do this by:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n 1) Using the original journalist\u0027s byline\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n 2) Linking back to our original story\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n 3) Using the following text in the footer: This article was originally published in \u003Ca href=\u0027#\u0027\u003EHorizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003ESee our full republication guidelines \u003Ca href=\u0027\/horizon-magazine\/republish-our-stories\u0027\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003EHTML for this article, including the attribution and page view counter, is below:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022js-form-item form-item js-form-type-textarea form-item-body-content js-form-item-body-content ecl-form-group ecl-form-group--text-area form-no-label ecl-u-mv-m\u0022\u003E\n \n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n \u003Ctextarea data-drupal-selector=\u0022edit-body-content\u0022 aria-describedby=\u0022edit-body-content--description\u0022 id=\u0022edit-body-content\u0022 name=\u0022body_content\u0022 rows=\u00225\u0022 cols=\u002260\u0022 class=\u0022form-textarea ecl-text-area\u0022\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ENext stop: a transport system accessible for all\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce known for its matchstick industry, the small Swedish city of J\u00f6nk\u00f6ping has another claim to fame. It is one of the most accessible cities in Europe for people with disabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe winner of the 2021 Access City Award, J\u00f6nk\u00f6ping was recognised for its inclusive and universal bottom-up approach. Working closely with disability organisations, city officials rolled out a wide range of initiatives to make buildings, products and environments accessible to as many people as possible.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ECity-wide improvements include tactile maps and signage, audio descriptions, tactile paving, easy to read facilities, accessible pavements and barrier-free wheelchair access. From the concert hall to the matchstick museum (one of only three in the world), J\u00f6nk\u00f6ping\u2019s attractions, shops, public buildings and infrastructure meet the long list of accessibility criteria.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EIndeed, J\u00f6nk\u00f6ping is one of many examples of European cities that are friendly to people with disabilities. And with one in five Europeans living with some form of disability, city actions are proving indispensable in order to cater to a growing need for accessibility.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaking it easier to move around\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ETo rise to the challenge of universal accessibility, cities can benefit from innovative technologies that promote a barrier-free and inclusive society. Solutions may involve the use of augmented reality, wearables and artificial intelligence. These are just some of the smart tech solutions that scientists are co-designing together with disabled persons in line with the EU\u2019s Urban Mobility Framework.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ETransportation researchers in the Netherlands recently made an important discovery by surveying disabled commuters. They learned that the single most popular item in demand amongst users with different types of disability would be a simple, smart information tool. Imagine a special version of Alexa for travel - an interactive accessible journey planner that would greatly improve people\u2019s mobility and willingness to travel.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers, who are working closely with a Europe-wide network of disabled citizens and are supported by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cordis.europa.eu\/project\/id\/875588\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETRIPS\u003C\/a\u003E project, are drawing on this finding to develop and test mobility solution models.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Kristina Andersen, Assistant Professor at the Future Everyday cluster of the Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology, a smart planner is needed to provide accurate information on the accessibility of transport. It could include, for example, the availability of seats on the next bus or whether certain accessibility infrastructure is \u201cout of order\u201d. The smart planner would provide this information in multiple ways - sign language, audio, lip-reading \u2013 as well as be integrated with smart glasses. It would also be free to use and not require registration.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018Poor access to public transport means people are stopped from accessing job opportunities, education, social and leisure activities and other services,\u2019 explained Andersen.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\u0022tw-text-center tw-text-blue tw-font-bold tw-text-2xl lg:tw-w-1\/2 tw-border-2 tw-border-blue tw-p-12 tw-my-8 lg:tw-m-12 lg:tw--ml-16 tw-float-left\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cspan class=\u0022tw-text-5xl tw-rotate-180\u0022\u003E\u201c\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003Cp class=\u0022tw-font-serif tw-italic\u0022\u003EBy focusing on the experience and needs of disabled people, we address a wide variety of barriers such as age, health, or language in current urban transport systems.\r\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cfooter\u003E\n \u003Ccite class=\u0022tw-not-italic tw-font-normal tw-text-sm tw-text-black\u0022\u003EProfessor Kristina Andersen at Eindhoven University of Technology and TRIPS lead.\u003C\/cite\u003E\n \u003C\/footer\u003E\n\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ETo showcase how such co-designed mobility solutions can provide inclusive urban transport for all, TRIPS is rolling out case studies in seven pilot cities: Brussels, Bologna, Cagliari, Lisbon, Sofia, Stockholm and Zagreb.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBy inviting those with disabilities to highlight the problems they face in using public transport and empowering them to co-design solutions through brainstorming with experts, Andersen and her team hope to address the most serious risk facing people with disabilities: that of social exclusion.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018By focusing on the experience and needs of disabled people, we can address a wide variety of barriers such as age, health or language in current urban transport systems,\u2019 said Andersen.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAll of this information is not just helping with new innovative services, but also sheds light on what\u2019s needed when designing future transport systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeveraging digital technologies \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe user perspective is important when designing and testing mobility solutions for persons with disabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EIn this context, researchers from the MOBI Mobility, Logistics and Automotive Technology Research Centre at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) are conducting a pilot study in Antwerp. They are testing a new method to assist visually impaired people at pedestrian crossings by sending audio and vibrating messages to their smartphones, so they can safely cross the road.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018In most cities, only a select few traffic lights have pedestrian signs with audible signals,\u2019 said Assistant Professor Imre Keseru, who is the lead researcher on the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cordis.europa.eu\/project\/id\/875533\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EINDIMO\u003C\/a\u003E project. \u2018Often, these get installed on demand and cause complaints from local residents due to the noise produced. They are not always reliable and can malfunction. Therefore, more often than not, blind people have to trust in their own hearing to make sure the pedestrian light is definitely switched to green.\u2019\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EKeseru also noted that until recently, digital mobility solutions were mainly developed to address the needs of average users, leading to the exclusion of specific groups with very specific needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, \u2018while significant achievements have been made mainly in terms of improving the physical accessibility of transport, digital accessibility and inclusion have not been fully addressed,\u2019 said Keseru.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EINDIMO researchers are tackling this issue, working with policymakers, tech developers, transportation operators and persons with disabilities. They have created a toolbox featuring universal design principles that include accessibility standards for transport services, plus cybersecurity and privacy guidelines to encourage more accessible and inclusive digital mobility solutions for all.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\u0022tw-text-center tw-text-blue tw-font-bold tw-text-2xl lg:tw-w-1\/2 tw-border-2 tw-border-blue tw-p-12 tw-my-8 lg:tw-m-12 lg:tw--ml-16 tw-float-left\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cspan class=\u0022tw-text-5xl tw-rotate-180\u0022\u003E\u201c\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003Cp class=\u0022tw-font-serif tw-italic\u0022\u003EWhile significant achievements have been made, mainly in terms of improving the physical accessibility of transport, digital accessibility and inclusion have not been fully addressed.\r\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cfooter\u003E\n \u003Ccite class=\u0022tw-not-italic tw-font-normal tw-text-sm tw-text-black\u0022\u003EImre Keseru, Urban Mobility Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and INDIMO lead, https:\/\/mobi.research.vub.be\/ INDIMO\u003C\/cite\u003E\n \u003C\/footer\u003E\n\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWhile the first version of this toolbox is being tested in Antwerp with the intelligent traffic light system, four additional pilot projects (in Spain, Italy, Germany and Israel) are exploring innovative solutions such as on-demand ride sharing in tandem with multimodal route planning.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat all research projects have in common is a call for better digital services to aid disabled users\u2019 mobility and overall quality of life. They also highlight the need for better digital education and tools to enhance social inclusion for those at risk.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOnline holiday booking site for travellers with a disability\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EPlanning a holiday or business-related travel is usually more challenging for those with disabilities, who may worry about whether their accommodation will have access ramps for wheelchairs or information in braille, for example.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EA unique online booking system for accessible accommodation may help solve this problem. Developed by a Swedish father whose son suffers from a muscle disease and needs a wheelchair when travelling, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cordis.europa.eu\/project\/id\/953297\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHandiscover\u003C\/a\u003E aims to simplify the search for special accommodation. Simply put, it\u2019s a community-based holiday accommodation-booking website with a unique classification system that allows users to search based on their level of mobility.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018We take into account issues like the number of stairs, distance to the parking space, the width of doors,\u2019 said Sebastien Archambeaud. \u2018This information makes it easier to choose where to stay.\u2019\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBuilding on Handiscover, he has also launched a secondary website to assist hotels, retail shops and other businesses to better understand accessibility and disability through education workshops.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\u0022tw-text-center tw-text-blue tw-font-bold tw-text-2xl lg:tw-w-1\/2 tw-border-2 tw-border-blue tw-p-12 tw-my-8 lg:tw-m-12 lg:tw--ml-16 tw-float-left\u0022\u003E\n \u003Cspan class=\u0022tw-text-5xl tw-rotate-180\u0022\u003E\u201c\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003Cp class=\u0022tw-font-serif tw-italic\u0022\u003E70% of disabilities aren\u2019t visible. We tend to associate disability with a wheelchair, but don\u2019t forget the visually and hearing impaired.\r\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n \u003Cfooter\u003E\n \u003Ccite class=\u0022tw-not-italic tw-font-normal tw-text-sm tw-text-black\u0022\u003ESebastien Archambeaud, Founder \u0026amp; CEO, and Handiscover leader, https:\/\/www.handiscover.com\/en-US\/ Handiscover\u003C\/cite\u003E\n \u003C\/footer\u003E\n\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018With half of the 65+ age group having some form of disability, and 70% of all disabilities not visible, it\u2019s important not to associate disability with a wheelchair,\u2019 noted Archambeaud. \u2018Let\u2019s not forget the visually and hearing impaired.\u2019\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBy placing technology at the heart of building and revamping our cities and transportation systems, digital technology and innovation now have the potential to make life easier for people with disabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe research in this article was funded by the EU. If you liked this article, please consider sharing it on social media.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\u0022tw-text-center tw-bg-bluelightest tw-p-12 tw-my-12 tw--mx-16\u0022\u003E\n \u003Ch3 class=\u0022tw-font-sans tw-font-bold tw-text-blue tw-uppercase tw-text-lg tw-mb-8\u0022\u003EEurope\u2019s most accessible city for disabled persons\u003C\/h3\u003E\n \u003Cspan class=\u0022tw-inline-block tw-w-1\/6 tw-h-1 tw-bg-blue tw-mb-8\u0022\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n \u003Cp\u003EThe winner of the 2022 Access City Award is\u2026 Luxembourg City.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESelected by a jury of accessibility experts, Luxembourg City has been recognised for its commitment to improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. Following a \u2018Design for All\u2019 approach to make access easier for everyone, including for disabled persons, the city features: low-floor busses equipped with ramps, visual and audio announcements at bus stops, and tactile paving to safely guide people with disabilities at pedestrian crossings.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe award was presented on 3 December by European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, who congratulated Luxembourg City.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cblockquote\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EImagine that you want to take a bus, but you cannot board it,\u201d said Commissioner Dalli. \u201cOr that your child is unable to play with other children because the playground is not accessible. Accessibility makes a real difference in daily life. It is about autonomy and equality. This is why with the Access City Award we recognise the efforts to make cities more accessible and inclusive. I congratulate this year\u0027s winner, Luxembourg City, for its commitment to equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\r\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003C\/textarea\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv id=\u0022edit-body-content--description\u0022 class=\u0022ecl-help-block description\u0022\u003E\n Please copy the above code and embed it onto your website to republish.\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cinput autocomplete=\u0022off\u0022 data-drupal-selector=\u0022form-528pifu-zhlgbu4ytvdemx9np-vkulpilboridxbviq\u0022 type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022form_build_id\u0022 value=\u0022form-528PIFU-zhlGBu4yTVDEMX9nP-vKuLpilboRIdxBvIQ\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003Cinput data-drupal-selector=\u0022edit-modal-form-example-modal-form\u0022 type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022form_id\u0022 value=\u0022modal_form_example_modal_form\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/form\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E","dialogOptions":{"width":"800","modal":true,"title":"Republish this content"}}]