Students help on the bus: Accessibility thanks to new training courses in Aalen!

Students help on the bus: Accessibility thanks to new training courses in Aalen!

In an innovative initiative, students from the Galgenberg Realschule in Aalen are training how they can support people with disabilities in using public transport. This measure was launched in collaboration with the Ostalbkreis Passenger Advisory Board and the “Disabled Help Non-Disabled” (BhN) association. Your feedback shows that many people with physical limitations, such as blind people or people who rely on walking aids, have considerable difficulty getting on the bus. The steps at the rear entrance are particularly problematic, while the ramp often does not unfold properly, making access difficult. Blind passengers also face challenges because they have difficulty finding the bus door and identifying available seats, as [Schwäbische] reports.

To counteract these challenges, the students in class 8a took part in a training course that included both theoretical and practical exercises. They learn how to use aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes. This knowledge is put into practice through role play at a bus stop. Kerstin Abele, the BhN speaker, emphasizes how important it is to ask directly whether help is needed.

Commitment to accessibility

The project is supported by the “New Mobility” foundation, which has already received a donation from Dominik Schock, a partner of Shell gas stations. This initiative is in line with the goal of promoting the integration of people with disabilities in everyday life. In the educational context, the aim is to integrate children with different needs into everyday school life. For teachers like Julia Fuhrmann, communication and openness are particularly important in order to ensure the participation of all students. Her experiences from training courses on the perception of people with visual impairments and hearing impairments underline the importance of empathy in education.

Another training course is planned for July at the St. Gertrudis School in Ellwangen. The positive feedback from the students strengthens the initiative to continue these training courses next year. The “New Mobility” Foundation plans to continue to support the project. Schools that are also interested in training can contact Kerstin Abele or Ingrid Gottstein directly.

The importance of such programs was also made clear by the positive response from parents like Christina Olejnizak, whose blind daughter attends a mainstream school. She appreciates the committed support of the teachers and the open attitude of the school, as highlighted in [Barrierfrei.bayern.de]. Such initiatives are essential steps towards an inclusive society in which accessibility becomes not just a wish but a reality.