Accessibility team 

The Accessibility team is responsible for managing Queensland Rail’s interest in meeting our requirements under the Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT).

They also manage Queensland Rail relationships disability sector organisations and individuals with disabilities.

The team are responsible for completing the annual Accessibility Report: Survey and Workshop, a copy of the latest report can be found by clicking here.

For station and rail service information please click here.

Accessibilty team activities include:

Accessibility team 2011 - first quarter

Deaf Services Information Session

At the request of Deaf Services Qld, staff from the Accessibility Team facilitated an information session for the Deaf Seniors Group in January 2011.  In conjunction with Translink, representatives provided information about the recently released GoCard / Seniors card combination, answered participants queries and concerns, and provided additional detail about the SMS service available for people with disabilities.
 
Deaf Services Qld clients and staff showed great appreciation for the information provided, and are keen to hold information sessions in the future for other similar community groups.

Rail Safety Orientation Day

Following increased promotion of Rail Safety Orientation Day within the disability sector, additional organisations have registered their interest to attend the next event scheduled for May.

Rail Safety Orientation Days provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to explore internal and external and internal train features, including accessibility provisions, onboard a stationary train.  Previous events have been well attended by organisations for people who are blind or vision impaired. The next event will include representation from Special Education Units, people with learning disabilities, and participants from Centacare community support groups.

DDA Reference Group

The first Disability Discrimination Act Reference Group (DDARG) meeting for 2011 was held in February. Twelve members from the disability sector were in attendance to provide feedback and insight into a number of Queensland Rail projects. In particular, the group aims to provide a valuable opportunity for customers to speak directly with Queensland Rail employees about relevant topics that concern them.

The newly released staff training package for customers with a disability was a hot topic for Queensland Rail as the DDARG members will play a vital role in gauging the effectiveness and success of the training. The customised training for operational and customer service staff aims to assist a customer make a safe and stress free journey.

In 2011, the DDARG is scheduled to be held quarterly.

Accesibility team 2011 - second quarter

Redlands Mobility Scooter Expo

The Accessibility team attended the Redlands Mobility Scooter Expo to promote the safe use of mobility scooters while travelling on the Queensland Rail Network.

Yeeronga neighbourhood watch group

The Disability Access Coordinator attended the Yeeronga neighbourhood watch group meeting with Yeeronga residents to discuss accessibility at their station.

DDA Reference Group

The Accessibility team facilitated this year’s second DDA Reference Group with key stakeholders from the industry.  Information was outlined about the redevelopment of the Station Access Guide, Etiquette campaign, and lift maintenance across the Network, short boarding ramps vs long boarding ramps and projects such as Eagle Junction & Narangba.

Rail Safety Orientation Day

On Wednesday 18 May, the Community Engagement team held the second Rail Safety Orientation Day at Roma Street station for the year.  The event focuses on how to use trains and services and to stay safe around train tracks, level crossings as well as supporting students in settling into their new community.

Community Education Officers educated 60 students from Milpera State High school as well as 27 students with a disability from schools including Jindalee State School, Aspley State High School and Cavendish Rd State High School.   Members from Centacare, Vision Australia and Impari Services also participated in train and station familiarisation sessions for people with a disability.

Accessibility team 2011 - third quarter

Guide Dogs Qld Expo

The Disability Access team attended the Guide Dogs Expo at Bald Hills in September for Disability Action Week demonstrating Queensland Rails commitment in making our communities a better place for everybody. 

The Next Train Information console was a popular item at the Expo, providing an opportunity for participants to familiarise themselves with accessing information and assistance if required at out City network stations.

Station Access Guide

The revamped station access guide was introduced in September to provide a quick reference to all city network stations that provide access via lifts, accessible ramps or paths.

The guide assists people with disabilities to plan their journeys listing additional facilities available at stations, including accessible toilets, car parks, lower ticket counters and hearing loops.

Accessibility team 2011 - fourth quarter

Rail Safety Orientation Day

Both the Disability Access and Community Education teams worked together to plan the Rail Safety Orientation Day which was held on the 12 October 2011 with 80 students attending from Milpera High School and also 5 people attended from the Disability Organisations.

DDA Reference Group

The DDA Reference Group meeting was held in November and is a strategic level meeting to ensure input from organisations representing people with disabilities across major infrastructure, rollingstock and customer facing projects to remove barriers to access and eliminate discrimination. Approximately 15 representatives from the disability sector attend from organisations including, Guide Dogs QLD, Deaf Services Australia, Queenslanders with Disabilities Network and Vision Australia.