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<p>The Department is proud to support innovation aimed at making transport more accessible
for everyone, including deaf people. In July 2018 the Department published the Inclusive
Transport Strategy. Its ambition is to create a transport system that provides equal
access for disabled people by 2030 and includes a commitment to ensure future technology
is designed inclusively and opportunities are sought to harness innovation.</p><p>
</p><p>Practical action includes the introduction of the accessible information regulations
from October which will see improved audible and visible technology made a requirement
for travel on local buses, supported by grant funding of £4.65m for small operator
implementation costs. Almost £2m has been awarded to Transport Research Innovation
Grants (TRIG) for small and medium sized enterprises and academia to solve accessibility
challenges, including projects focused on improving information assistance for deaf
people at railway stations. The First of a Kind (FOAK) programme, which promotes innovative
new technologies on the railway network is funding three rail accessibility projects,
aimed at improving the travel experience for people with hearing impairments. This
includes projects aimed at converting travel information into British Sign Language
(BSL) or subtitles through mobile phones or on-board information.</p><p> </p><p>The
Department has an active BSL communications working group, with BSL integrated into
the It’s Everyone’s Journey inclusive transport campaign and the Air Passenger Travel
Guide.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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