The Montreal Metro on the Way to Universal Accessibility

The Montreal Metro on the Way to Universal Accessibility

by | 02 Apr, 2021

Inside a metro wagon

The Montreal Metro on the Way to Universal Accessibility

With 1.36 million passengers per day, the Montreal metro is the first network in Canada and the third in North America behind New York City and Mexico City. The network, which was inaugurated on October 14, 1966 and is operated by the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM), has 68 stations on 4 lines. In 2009, the STM embarked on the path to universal accessibility. Even if there is still a long way to go, many initiatives deserve to be highlighted. Installation of elevators, adaptation of infrastructure, staff training, improvement of passenger information and signage, modernization of the ticket sales system, all stages of the customer journey are covered with projects to improve the consideration of the specific needs of people with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Since sharing positive initiatives is in our opinion an excellent way to advance accessibility for all, we suggest that you continue our world tour of best practices in the subways in the largest city in Canada.

Who are the disabled or reduced mobility users in the Montreal metro? 

Universal accessibility allows everyone to access, navigate and move around a metro station in order to make full use of all the services offered to the population. The Quebec survey on activity limitations, chronic diseases and aging 2010-2011 (EQLAV) made it possible to estimate the population living with an activity limitation that results from a long-term health condition or disability. The figures compiled by the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ) for the Montreal region, allow us to establish that: 

⊗ Almost a third of the 1.6 million targeted Montrealers aged 15 and over, living in a private or institutional household, have a disability, i.e. 528,385 people. It is a slight disability for the majority of them (67%). 

⊗ The rate of disability increases with age, especially from the age of 50.

⊗ Disabilities related to agility and mobility are the most common.

However, the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) does not have statistics on users with disabilities or reduced mobility traveling on its metro network. The only known data concern people who use the adaptive transport service. 73% of them have a motor disability, which shows that they are the most penalized in accessing the regular transport network. 

 

Access to Montreal metro stations for people with reduced mobility

Accessing metro stations from the street today remains a major difficulty for people with motor disabilities. In July 2020, Omer Juma, an entrepreneur committed to a more inclusive city, launched the 4 days 4 lines project, a complete audit of vertical accessibility to metro stations in Montreal. He covered the 68 stations and more than 8,600 steps in 4 days. His results, which he readily shares with the general public, show that:

⊗ 76% of stations (52) do not have an elevator at at least one of their entrances;

⊗ 47% (32) of them have at least one entrance without an escalator;

⊗ 26% (18) of them have an entrance with a staircase doubled by an ascending escalator but none descending.

A single station out of the 68 of the subway network offers the possibility of a continuous journey from the upper level to the platform by taking the escalators. In 58 of them, even if escalators are present, there is still a break in the path, where travelers must go up or down steps. The 9 other stations do not have any escalator.

In 2017, the Superior Court authorized a $ 1 billion class action lawsuit against the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) and the City of Montreal on behalf of people who had had their access to public transport restricted due to their disability.

 

A universal accessibility development plan for the Montreal metro

Pursuant to article 67 of the Canadian Act to secure handicapped persons in the exercise of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplace integration, the STM implemented in 2007 its first development plan for universal accessibility. The 3rd plan for the period 2016-2020 setting the objectives for 2025 is articulated in 3 parts:

⊗ Strengthen the implementation of universal accessibility;

⊗ Speed up the accessibility of metro stations;

⊗ Expand the fields of intervention for universal accessibility.

The universal accessibility team is part of the Planning and Network Development Department. They work in close collaboration with three committees: the sub-committee, the associative committee and the technical committee for universal accessibility.

 

41 metro stations equipped with elevators in 2025

When building the subway in 1966, the elevators were not planned. It is now a challenge to integrate them while hindering passenger service as little as possible. It is often necessary to acquire new land, modify existing buildings, move equipment… Several projects are underway to reach the number of 41 stations equipped by 2025. Today, there are 16 to be equipped, 9 of which are fully accessible.

Elevator installations are prioritized according to various criteria in order to optimize cost-of-investment to service-provided ratio. These criteria are:

⊗ The technical complexity of the installation;

⊗ The geographical distribution of the stations equipped in order to fairly serve the various districts of Montreal;

⊗ The category of stations: priority goes to transfer stations or terminals;

⊗ Proximity to schools, health institutions or transit centers;

⊗ The possibility of combining the installation of an elevator with other infrastructure works.

25 additional stations will be equipped with elevators by 2025, including the 5 new ones on the blue line. In addition, the 26 stations of the Metropolitan Express Network (REM) which will be partially operating from 2022 will all be equipped with elevators and will be fully accessible.

The elevators are open to all passengers: people with reduced mobility, but also elderly people, parents with young children, passengers loaded with bulky luggage… Wheelchair users may ask staff for help to use them and navigate the station. The elevator service status is available in real time on the homepage of the STM website.

 

Motorized butterfly doors

The butterfly doors, which are typical of the Montreal metro, are designed to limit the piston effect, i.e. the air pressure differential due to speeding trains in the tunnels. These double doors pivoting on an axis were originally made entirely of stainless steel, which makes them heavyweight and difficult to open for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. Lighter models were introduced from 2010. In 2020, 22 subway stations were equipped with motorized butterfly doors with a push button to control their opening. The STM plans to double this number by 2025. An enlarged motorized butterfly door has been designed to be installed on the entrances equipped with elevators to accommodate people using strollers or wheelchairs.

 

Platform screen doors for the safety of all

All of the Montreal metro platforms are equipped with tactile strips to prevent the risk of falls, in particular for people who are blind or visually impaired. Platform screen doors are glazed walls installed along the subway platforms, which open automatically once the train is stopped. Already present on the Paris, London or Tokyo networks, these platform screen doors increase the safety of travelers by avoiding the risk of falling on the tracks.

By 2026, platform screen doors will be installed on the orange line of the Montreal metro. The new REM stations will also all be equipped with such doors.

 

Accessible solutions for purchasing tickets

Providing several options for purchasing tickets is the best way for people with special needs to find one that suits them. The STM offers its customers various means of purchasing transit tickets: from home through a dedicated card reader, on a smartphone, from partner shops, from station agents, from vending machines and recharging stations. 

Ticket vending machines and recharging terminals are equipped with an audio navigation system. The bank keypad is equipped with tactile cues and the screen has improved contrast and readability. 

By 2025, the STM plans to further diversify the possibilities for purchasing tickets and to facilitate access to selling points for people with disabilities.

 

Passenger information for all

Since the end of 2014, MetroVision information screens have been installed on the platforms of all stations. They inform passengers in real time about upcoming departure times, the weather and STM news. A new sound system has been installed in the stations to improve the audibility of voice announcements. The voice announcement of the next station in the trains is automated. Actress Michèle Deslauriers is currently the voice of the Montreal metro.

All the subway signage has been revised taking into account the principles of universal accessibility: visual contrast, clearly legible fonts, use of colors, symbols and pictograms. The STM is also carrying out several projects aimed at making passenger information available to their customers on as many platforms as possible: web, mobile, print, telephone, etc. In addition to information on schedules, connections and network disruptions, the STM also intends to provide all the information necessary for planning a route taking into account the specific needs of passengers. Real-time information regarding the operation of elevators, escalators and motorized butterfly doors is expected to be available on all platforms in the years to come.

 

New more accessible trains

The layout of the new AZUR subway cars put into service in 2018 takes into account the principles of universal accessibility:

⊗ Color contrast to facilitate object identification,

⊗ More ergonomic seats,

⊗ Adjustable suspension to adapt to platform level,

⊗ Wider doors,

⊗ Wheelchair spaces in each car,

⊗ Automated visual and audible information indicating stations, connections, opening and closing doors,

⊗ Accessible call points.

In MR-73 trains, only the lead car of each set of three cars has a wheelchair space. Audio information is present in all cars and visual information about connections in almost all of them. 

By 2025, an emergency call system accessible to all should be present on all trains. Audio and visual announcements will also be modified to make them easy to understand.

 

Special support for people with disabilities 

Wheelchair users as well as people with visual or intellectual disabilities can ask to be accompanied by an STM agent to facilitate their navigation within the stations. In most stations, it remains difficult for a person using a wheelchair to cross the gap between the train and the platform independently. The help of an agent is then necessary to unfold the access ramp. 

Agents trained on accessible customer service

The training programs for STM staff include modules devoted to universal accessibility, welcoming and support to people with disabilities. Employees are particularly trained in the handling of accessibility equipment such as access ramps. 

Companion card

People with visual or intellectual disabilities who have difficulty accessing the regular STM transit system independently may request a companion card. This card allows the person accompanying them to travel for free on the whole network.

Guide and service dogs are of course admitted free of charge within trains and stations.

 

Workshops to learn how to use the metro system

In order to improve the independence and safety of travelers, STM teams provide awareness and training workshops on the use of the metro system. These workshops are aimed at school groups, newcomers, the elderly, people with disabilities, etc. In 2015, more than 42,000 people attended one of these workshops. People with visual disabilities also have access to workshops offered by the Institut Nazareth et Louis Braille (INLB) as well as the Metropolitan group of the blind and partially sighted of Montreal (RAAMM). This learning program integrated into a rehabilitation course allows the identification and memorization of the routes to get more independent. 

Although universal accessibility was not taken into account when the Montreal metro was built in 1966, there is no doubt that substantial efforts have been made over the last decade. Today, universal accessibility standards and criteria are embedded in all metro design and renovation projects. This also involves raising the platforms, realizing yellow stair nosing, installing double-height handrails, ischial supports, seats with armrests, call points, etc. One thing is certain: the Montreal metro is progressing well on the way to universal accessibility!

Would you like to know more about subway accessibility? These articles are made for you:

How to Help People with Disabilities Get a Better Experience on the Subway?

A World Tour of Best Practices for a Subway Truly Accessible to All | Summary of a French Study

Obstacles in Public Transport: What Solutions for Physical Disability?

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Inside the Montreal metro where we can see elevators for PRM

When building the subway in 1966, the elevators were not planned. It is now a challenge to integrate them. (…) Several projects are underway to reach the number of 41 stations equipped by 2025.

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Lise Wagner

Lise Wagner

Accessibility Expert

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For more than 25 years, we have been developing architectural access solutions for buildings and streets. Everyday, we rethink today’s cities to transform them in smart cities accessible to everyone.

By creating solutions ever more tailored to the needs of people with disabilities, we push the limits, constantly improve the urban life and make the cities more enjoyable for the growing majority.

Subway Accessibility: London Goes Above and Beyond for its Users with Disabilities

Subway Accessibility: London Goes Above and Beyond for its Users with Disabilities

by | 12 Mar, 2021

A train at a platform in London

Subway Accessibility: London Goes Above and Beyond for its Users with Disabilities

Having an accessible subway means taking into consideration the difficulties met by several categories of users like the ones with disabilities. We’d previously seen what New York City undertakes to provide proper subway accessibility to its riders, now let’s focus on another great example with London!

In terms of subway accessibility, London is committed to best serve people with disabilities making their getting around in the city easier. First opened in 1863, the London underground now has 11 lines, 270 stations deployed on 250 miles and is used daily by around 5 million passengers. Being the 12th busiest subway in the world, the Tube needs to constantly rethink its whole system network comprising lines above and under the ground in order to meet the needs of its users with disabilities. It turns out that 45% of its system is located above ground reaching the outer environs of the capital city. 

Why is London’ subway accessibility such a good example for other cities to follow? How can public transportation enhance inclusion? Riders, get ready for a great trip! 

What does subway accessibility entail?

Mobility represents one of the most challenging issues concerning people with disabilities. A seamless mobility chain is key to ensure they can remain autonomous in their trips whether they’re visiting a museum, browsing at shopping malls or using the subway. Every step of the way, all the links have to be connected for them to go from one place to another, no matter how many links in between.

Although the subway may be the fastest and easiest way for anybody to reach their destination, it can be difficult to apprehend for people with disabilities being such a crowded and congested place. Especially when it’s not thought to welcome users with disabilities in the first place. What does it mean to use the subway for people with disabilities? Where can accessibility take place? Let’s take a look at 6 major stages:

1. Preparing the trip: the most important step for people with disabilities. It’s best they look into the route to take online or via an app. Checking beforehand which stations are accessible and real-time information about traffic and the functioning of escalators and lifts enables them to have a smooth trip. 

2. Finding the station entrance: it can be quite difficult for blind or visually impaired people. They need to have an adequate signage system to find the exact location of the station:

 

⊗ Audio beacons like NAVIGUEO+ HIFI that can be activated on demand thanks to a remote control or a smartphone with the MyMoveo app (available on both iOS and Android),

⊗ Visual contrast signage,

⊗ Tactile guide paths,

⊗ Secured stairs: handrails and contrasting non-slip stairs.

3. Buying a ticket: it’d be easier for people with disabilities to do it online but some may need to buy a ticket directly at the station either with the help of a staff member or using the ticket machine by themselves. Solutions exist for both options:

⊗ Lowered counter for wheelchair users,

⊗ Staff members trained to deal with users with disabilities,

⊗ Embossed buttons or Braille on the ticket machine,

⊗ Simplified presentation or information with the use of pictograms.

4. Going through the turnstiles: it can be stressful for users with disabilities especially when they lack time to cross and other users behind them are impatient. But subway network operators can implement easy solutions to help them:

⊗ Dedicated airlock for wheelchair users and parents with strollers,

⊗ Lowered counter when validating the ticket,

⊗ Contactless validation,

⊗ Visual contrast and pictograms to differentiate between the entry and exit turnstiles,

⊗ Presence detector to avoid any fast closing mechanisms.

5. Finding the platform: some stations are huge hubs with many connections so it can be difficult for users with disabilities to find their bearings. A signage system providing audio and visual information as mentioned above is necessary. But using a navigation app such as Evelity within the subway can relieve stress and be very helpful. This app guides users step by step inside complex environments and fits any profile and disability to best serve them. The New York City subway even chose Evelity to be tested in real conditions!

6. Getting off at the right station: visual and audio announcements at every station enable users with disabilities to always know where they are and get ready when they need to get off.

As we can see, throughout all of these steps, removing accessibility barriers is essential to enhance people with disabilities’ mobility in the subway. There are solutions so that they can use public transit by themselves thus remaining autonomous.

How subway accessibility in London is helping users with disabilities

Hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, London undertook a lot of construction and public works to be more accessible for tourists and athletes with disabilities. This of course also impacted public transport which had to renew itself in order to best serve the needs of people with disabilities. The Tube shows how groundbreaking its system is by always putting accessibility at the centre of its concerns. Let’s take a look at other complementary solutions the Tube implements for the mobility of all.

Preparing the trip

The network operator Transport for London (TfL) has set up a page dedicated to accessibility providing useful information to people with disabilities.Thanks to a journey planner and the accessibility and travel options, users with disabilities can plan their trip according to their needs and preferences: the means of transportation, using stairs or escalators, doing a lot of walking or not, managing the step or gap to get on a train… 

Moreover, accessibility maps and guides are available online and can even be downloaded to best help people with disabilities getting around and enjoying public transport. Visually impaired users can thus have a colored large print map of the whole subway network and people with reduced mobility can have a map that details which stations are equipped with escalators, lifts and ramps. Even people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), for whom being underground and in a pitch black environment can be stressful, can get a map that locates enclosed tunnels. 

Regardless of their disabilities, users have everything they need to prepare their trip beforehand.

Accessing the station

As we saw, elevators and lifts are crucial for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Installing lifts is considered to be step-free access, along with ramps and level surfaces platforms. Having step-free stations enable users not to have to use escalators or stairs. Around 100 stations are equipped with lifts and are therefore step-free access.

Even though the London subway system was opened more than 150 years ago, its infrastructure enabled it to equip stations with approximately 426 escalators and 184 lifts. An increasing number due to investment made over the years to make the subway more accessible and wheelchair-friendly. Despite its cost, the transport network benefits from equipping stations with such solutions seeing that it later attracts and retains more customers: customers with disabilities who can enjoy the subway and therefore the city of London.

To ensure users with a visual impairment have a good experience, most stations have tactile guide paths, markings on platform edges for safety, visual contrast color and audio announcements so that they can easily find their bearings. Users with a hearing impairment benefit from visual announcements and information.

Buying a ticket

In 2003, TfL developed a contactless system for tickets called Oyster, being the first public transit network in the world to implement it. Such contactless payment turns out to be the perfect solution for people with disabilities: no need to use a vending machine or to ask a staff member for help. This means people with a visual impairment and people with reduced mobility don’t have to struggle anymore to find or to reach the vending machine. With Oyster, they can easily top up their Oyster card from the comfort of their home or they can even do it directly on their smartphones.

Getting on and off the train

Providing safety to all users is key for any subway network operators. In 1968, the Tube coined the “Mind the gap” warning phrase that can be seen on signalized platform edges. It is now very common since other subway network systems from cities all over the world use a similar phrase to warn users of the gap between the platform and the door train. In the United States, you can see a “Watch the gap” sign.

In order to provide more accessible trains, as part of its step-free access, TfL committed to setting up ramps operated by staff members at some stations. Although gaps between platforms and trains can be found at most stations, work is underway to increase the number of step-free access stations. TfL designed a map locating every step-free access on its entire network so that users can know where they can safely and without any difficulties board the train.

Finding a seat can be difficult for users with disabilities, the elderly or pregnant women. Being wheelchair-friendly, most Tube trains have at least 2 accessible seats dedicated to wheelchair users per carriage. Besides, London residents with disabilities can apply for a “Please offer me a seat” badge so that other users can be aware of their need to be seated. It’s quite convenient for people whose disabilities aren’t visible and it enables them not to have to ask and justify themselves.

Getting everybody involved towards subway accessibility

In order to best meet the needs of their customers with disabilities, TfL has focused on having more staff at stations that can advise or help users when necessary. But what matters is having a trained staff to deal with people with disabilities. All staff members receive a Disability Equality Training upon arriving and are thus aware of the issues met by users with disabilities. They can for example help people with hidden disabilities who wear a sunflower badge. This enables people to discreetly ask for help just by wearing this sign. Providing a reliable assistance service to users with disabilities is a perfect way to retain customers. 

If the Tube can be such an efficient and accessible subway, it’s thanks to disability experts from Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG). Its members use all of their expertise regarding disability to make public transport more inclusive and accessible to all. For more information on their work, you can check their 2019 report on London’s public transit accessibility. Working closely with disability experts and making the most of their knowledge is what enables TfL and the Tube to be groundbreaking regarding subway accessibility. That’s how they have been able to find permanent solutions to people with disabilities’ mobility and to renew their system.

As we can see, London proves to be the perfect example of what subway accessibility should be like. The Tube has found solutions that enable users with disabilities to remain autonomous and to enjoy the city by rethinking its system to improve it. 

 

Further information on public transport accessibility:

Obstacles in Public Transport: What Solutions for People with Physical Disabilities?

Making Public Transport Information Accessible to Disabled People

MBTA: a Global Model of Accessible Public Transportation

 

 

 

 

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Escalators at a subway station improving accessibility

Even though the London subway system was opened more than 150 years ago, its infrastructure enabled it to equip stations with approximately 426 escalators and 184 lifts.

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Carole Martinez

Carole Martinez

Content Manager

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on the accessibility market.

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For more than 25 years, we have been developing architectural access solutions for buildings and streets. Everyday, we rethink today’s cities to transform them in smart cities accessible to everyone.

By creating solutions ever more tailored to the needs of people with disabilities, we push the limits, constantly improve the urban life and make the cities more enjoyable for the growing majority.

Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility: Examples of a Technology that Serves People with Disabilities

Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility: Examples of a Technology that Serves People with Disabilities

by | 05 Mar, 2021

A machine learning brain

Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility: Examples of a Technology that Serves People with Disabilities

Beaucoup d’entre nous pensent que l’intelligence artificielle est une notion abstraite et futuriste que l’on ne voit que dans les films de science-fiction, avec ses robots humanoïdes et ses hologrammes. Pourtant, elle est de plus en plus ancrée dans notre réalité et touche divers domaines et catégories de personnes, y compris les personnes en situation de handicap. L’intelligence artificielle révolutionne véritablement l’accessibilité et l’inclusion ! Grâce aux solutions technologiques de l’IA, les personnes en situation de handicap peuvent améliorer considérablement leur quotidien. 

Nous avons déjà vu que les smartphones sont un outil puissant pour aider les personnes malvoyantes. De nombreuses applications leur permettent en effet de rester autonomes. Par exemple, grâce à Seeing AI, les personnes malvoyantes peuvent facilement consulter leurs courriers en recevant des documents sous l’appareil photo de leur smartphone. L’IA s’adapte à tous les types de handicap. Par exemple, les personnes à mobilité réduite peuvent contrôler tout leur domicile simplement par la voix grâce à un assistant personnel virtuel comme Amazon Alexa.

Examinons l’IA et comment elle peut améliorer l’accessibilité grâce à quelques exemples de solutions innovantes ! L’avenir commence maintenant !

Qu’est-ce que l’intelligence artificielle et comment fonctionne-t-elle en matière d’accessibilité ?

L’intelligence artificielle (IA) définit des machines ou algorithmes intelligents capables d’effectuer des tâches cognitives habituellement réalisées par des humains. Cela inclut différentes solutions technologiques qui imitent l’humain et utilisent la logique, allant des échecs à la résolution d’équations.

L’apprentissage automatique est l’une des technologies de l’IA  : lorsque les algorithmes sont exposés à davantage de données, ils peuvent en tirer des enseignements et s’en améliorer afin d’anticiper les besoins des consommateurs. Par exemple, Google utilise l’apprentissage automatique : ses algorithmes collectent les recherches et les appréciations des internautes sur les réseaux sociaux afin de proposer des résultats de recherche et des recommandations plus personnalisées. 

Près de 4 milliards de personnes dans le monde utilisent le moteur de recherche Google , et donc l’IA, perçue comme un bien social. Tout le monde peut y avoir accès, y compris les personnes handicapées. La technologie en général et l’intelligence artificielle en particulier jouent un rôle essentiel dans l’accessibilité. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de trouver les dernières innovations, mais surtout de proposer une solution au service d’une catégorie de personnes afin d’améliorer leur vie. Cela représente une avancée majeure pour plus d’un milliard de personnes handicapées dans le monde qui pourraient utiliser l’IA. Que peut faire l’IA pour l’accessibilité ?

Il peut supprimer les barrières d’accessibilité grâce à différentes solutions :

⊗  Reconnaissance d’images pour les personnes malvoyantes,

⊗  Reconnaissance faciale pour les personnes malvoyantes,

⊗  Reconnaissance de la lecture labiale pour les personnes malentendantes,

⊗  Résumé de texte pour les personnes ayant une déficience mentale,

⊗  Sous-titres ou traductions en temps réel pour les personnes malentendantes ou même celles qui ne parlent pas la langue.

L’IA a un impact considérable sur le quotidien des personnes handicapées : grâce à la synthèse de textes, une personne atteinte d’un handicap mental peut facilement appréhender le monde qui l’entoure. Ce qui peut apparaître un message complexe à déchiffrer se révèle être un texte facile à comprendre. Des choses qui semblent initialement difficiles, voire impossibles, leur sont désormais accessibles au quotidien. L’IA permet aux personnes handicapées d’accéder à un monde où leurs difficultés sont comprises et prises en compte. La technologie s’adapte et contribue à transformer le monde en un espace inclusif grâce à l’accessibilité de l’intelligence artificielle. L’IA met tout le monde sur un pied d’égalité, avec ou sans handicap.

Quels sont les bénéfices de l’intelligence artificielle en matière d’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées ?

Nous avons vu les principaux points concernant l’accessibilité de l’IA, mais concrètement, où l’IA est-elle mise en œuvre pour améliorer la vie des personnes handicapées ? Comment l’IA les aide-t-elle à rester autonomes ? Concentrons-nous sur quatre situations majeures où l’IA apporte une valeur ajoutée :

Communiquer avec les autres et être connecté

Selon le type de handicap et le profil, communiquer avec les autres peut s’avérer complexe. Il en va de même pour rester connecté dans un monde de plus en plus numérisé, avec l’importance croissante des réseaux sociaux et notre dépendance à Internet. Mais la technologie et l’IA ne laissent personne de côté et peuvent être au service des personnes en situation de handicap. De nombreuses applications utilisent l’intelligence artificielle pour favoriser l’accessibilité.

Pour les personnes aveugles ou malvoyantes :

⊗ VoiceOver : un lecteur d’écran directement intégré aux iPhones. Bien que son utilisation principale soit la lecture d’e-mails ou de messages texte, VoiceOver utilise également l’IA pour décrire les icônes d’applications, le niveau de batterie et même certaines images.  

⊗ TalkBack : l’équivalent de VoiceOver pour smartphones Android. Il permet aux utilisateurs d’exploiter pleinement leur smartphone. 

⊗ Siri : l’assistant virtuel de l’iPhone. Grâce à la commande vocale, il suffit à l’utilisateur d’énoncer sa requête : qu’il s’agisse d’une recherche Google ou de la rédaction d’un SMS à envoyer à un ami. Les personnes malvoyantes peuvent facilement utiliser Siri et rester en contact avec leurs proches. 

⊗ Cortana : assistant virtuel créé par Microsoft et implémenté sur Windows. Il aide les utilisateurs aveugles ou malvoyants à naviguer sur leur ordinateur simplement en utilisant leur voix. Il est en quelque sorte similaire à Siri. 

⊗ Google Assistant : une application activée par commande vocale. Les utilisateurs peuvent facilement configurer une alarme ou gérer leur emploi du temps, comme Siri. 

Pour les personnes sourdes ou malentendantes :

⊗  Ava : une application de transcription instantanée qui utilise l’IA pour transcrire instantanément les conversations d’un groupe. Son algorithme ajoute la ponctuation, le nom de l’interlocuteur et le vocabulaire nécessaire, tiré du dictionnaire de l’utilisateur. Un moyen simple pour les personnes malentendantes d’être incluses et de suivre une conversation avec plusieurs personnes sans lire sur les lèvres. 

⊗  RogerVoice : une application de transcription instantanée en français pour les conversations de groupe, disponible en 90 langues. Son fonctionnement est identique à celui d’Ava.

Pour les personnes handicapées physiques :

⊗  Assistants virtuels comme Siri, Google Assistant et Google Voice Access : les personnes à mobilité réduite peuvent utiliser leur smartphone par commande vocale. Google Voice Access a été spécialement conçu pour les personnes à mobilité réduite.

⊗  IFTTT : une application qui connecte d’autres applications pour permettre aux utilisateurs à faible dextérité d’utiliser toutes les fonctionnalités de leur smartphone sans difficulté. Elle crée des combinaisons avec les applications pour exécuter automatiquement des tâches telles que la lecture d’un e-mail à voix haute ou l’envoi d’un tweet.

Même les personnes souffrant de troubles de la parole peuvent bénéficier de l’IA grâce à l’application Voiceitt. Grâce à l’apprentissage automatique, Voiceitt peut facilement comprendre les personnes atteintes de lésions cérébrales ou de la maladie de Parkinson, dont la parole peut sembler difficile à appréhender au premier abord. Cette application normalise leur discours pour créer un fichier audio ou texte, permettant ainsi aux personnes souffrant de troubles de la parole de continuer à communiquer et d’être comprises.

Bien entendu, les applications d’IA et les smartphones ne sont pas les seuls moyens pour les personnes handicapées de communiquer et d’interagir avec les autres. L’accessibilité du web continue de s’améliorer pour se conformer à l’ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offrant ainsi le même accès et les mêmes services à tous, quel que soit leur handicap. 

Concevoir un site web accessible peut s’avérer complexe, mais l’IA change la donne. La conception d’un site est analysée grâce à l’apprentissage automatique. L’accessibilité peut alors être améliorée grâce à plusieurs points :

⊗  Une reconnaissance faciale avec un logiciel d’IA pour remplacer les CAPTCHA qui peuvent être difficiles à trouver pour les personnes malvoyantes,

⊗  Une optimisation de la navigation au clavier via le bouton « Tab » pour les personnes en situation de handicap physique,

⊗  Une technologie de reconnaissance vocale ou de reconnaissance vocale comme le projet Euphonia de Google pour que les personnes souffrant de troubles de la parole puissent utiliser Internet grâce aux sons et aux gestes,

⊗  Contenu de descriptions audio pour les personnes ayant une déficience visuelle,

⊗  Sous-titres et traductions de vidéos en ligne pour les personnes malentendantes comme Microsoft Translator ,

⊗  Réajustements des éléments graphiques tels que les polices, les couleurs et l’espacement pour les personnes malvoyantes,

⊗  Une bibliothèque intégrée d’idiomes, d’argot et de phrases qui sont rarement utilisés pour les personnes ayant une déficience mentale.

L’apprentissage automatique imite un navigateur, de la même manière qu’il imite les humains, pour adapter automatiquement le contenu affiché à l’écran et le rendre accessible aux personnes handicapées. L’intelligence artificielle améliore pleinement l’accessibilité et l’inclusion.

Se déplacer

Pour les personnes handicapées, la mobilité est l’un des défis les plus complexes à relever. Comment les utilisateurs de fauteuil roulant peuvent-ils se déplacer en ville de manière autonome et sereine alors qu’ils doivent constamment connaître l’emplacement des trottoirs abaissés et des toilettes accessibles ?

Dans notre article « Comment aider les personnes handicapées à mieux vivre leur expérience dans le métro ? » , nous avons vu que les personnes handicapées doivent préparer rigoureusement chacun de leurs déplacements. Heureusement pour elles, de nombreuses applications de navigation basées sur l’IA peuvent les aider à gagner en autonomie et en spontanéité dans leurs déplacements.

⊗  Google Maps : l’une des applications GPS les plus utilisées au monde. Les personnes malvoyantes ou en fauteuil roulant peuvent préparer leur voyage à l’avance et visualiser leur itinéraire ainsi que le moyen de transport le plus adapté à leur profil. Grâce à l’option « Accessible aux fauteuils roulants », les personnes en fauteuil roulant peuvent connaître l’emplacement des rampes et des ascenseurs en ville.

De plus, la fonctionnalité « Lieux accessibles » leur permet d’obtenir plus d’informations sur la disposition de nombreux lieux : entrée, places de parking, toilettes, disposition des sièges… Cette fonctionnalité est également utilisée par les personnes malvoyantes pour localiser l’entrée d’un bâtiment.

⊗ Moovit : une application idéale pour les usagers des transports en commun. Elle fournit des informations trafic en temps réel et s’avère utile pour les personnes malvoyantes, notamment lorsque les annonces vocales ne sont pas activées dans le bus. 

⊗ Wheelmap : répertorie et cartographie tous les lieux publics accessibles (restaurants, commerces, cafés…). Les utilisateurs peuvent également ajouter des données et des informations concernant le niveau d’accessibilité des lieux. 

⊗ Paysage sonore : une application qui décrit aux personnes aveugles leur environnement grâce à la technologie audio 3D. Elles peuvent ainsi facilement identifier les points d’intérêt à proximité et les intersections. Pratique pour profiter de la ville.

⊗ Evelity : la première application d’orientation intérieure pour les personnes en situation de handicap. Quel que soit leur profil, ils peuvent facilement s’orienter dans des lieux complexes et fréquentés tels que les réseaux de métro, les universités , les centres commerciaux , les stades … Evelity fonctionne comme un GPS et fournit des instructions étape par étape. Elle est conçue sur mesure pour s’adapter aux profils et aux besoins des utilisateurs :

→ Les utilisateurs malvoyants peuvent le configurer pour qu’il fonctionne avec les lecteurs d’écran VoiceOver et TalkBack afin de pouvoir recevoir des instructions audio.

→  Les utilisateurs malentendants peuvent utiliser des descriptions textuelles et des icônes.

→  Les utilisateurs de fauteuils roulants et les personnes à mobilité réduite bénéficient d’itinéraires optimisés.

→  Les personnes atteintes de troubles cognitifs disposent d’interfaces simplifiées.

Cette application de navigation innovante pour les personnes handicapées est l’exemple parfait de la technologie de l’IA qui améliore l’accessibilité en général et la vie quotidienne des gens en particulier. 

Evelity est actuellement testé à la station de métro Jay Street-MetroTech à New York . D’autres lieux complexes ont installé cette application de navigation en France, où elle a été créée : le métro de Marseille , la faculté de médecine Rockefeller de Lyon et le musée LUMA d’Arles .

Pour les deux premiers lieux, Evelity reste un système de navigation classique, mais pour le musée, elle propose également du contenu culturel géolocalisé ! Pour les visiteurs aveugles et malvoyants, l’application décrit les œuvres d’art exposées et leur permet de se repérer dans les différentes salles du musée. La culture a un faible pour allier technologie et accessibilité !

Comment rendre les musées plus accessibles aux personnes handicapées ?

Les voitures autonomes (aussi appelées voitures autonomes ou voitures sans conducteur) représentent une nouvelle solution pour la mobilité des personnes handicapées, quel que soit leur handicap, car elles peuvent les aider à se déplacer de manière plus autonome.

Nul besoin de demander conseil à un proche ni de réserver un service pour se déplacer en voiture. Les voitures autonomes utilisent des capteurs, des caméras, des radars et l’IA pour atteindre la destination choisie. Leurs algorithmes collectent toutes les données nécessaires sur leur environnement, comme les feux de circulation, les trottoirs, les piétons…, en s’appuyant sur Google Maps et Google Street View. De nombreuses entreprises du secteur automobile testent ou développent des voitures autonomes.

Vivre de façon autonome 

L’IA touche tous les domaines et peut ainsi améliorer l’accessibilité, même à domicile. Les assistants virtuels peuvent améliorer la vie de chacun, et c’est particulièrement vrai pour les personnes en situation de handicap. Nous avions déjà parlé de Siri sur iPhone. Mais à la maison, grâce à des enceintes connectées comme Amazon Echo avec Alexa et Google Home avec Google Assistant, les personnes en situation de handicap peuvent tout contrôler par la voix : allumer les lumières, régler une alarme ou écouter de la musique dans le salon. 

N’importe quel objet domestique peut être connecté, ce qui signifie qu’une personne aveugle peut configurer son quatre simplement en demandant à Alexa ou qu’une personne à dextérité réduite peut baisser la température d’une pièce simplement en utilisant sa voix. 

Avant même de rentrer chez elles, les personnes handicapées peuvent contrôler leurs assistants virtuels grâce à l’application IFTTT. Celle-ci connecte différentes applications, dont des assistants virtuels comme Alexa, pour créer des combinaisons appelées « applets ».

C’est très pratique pour les personnes à dextérité réduite : n’importe quelle tâche peut être automatiquement exécutée par commande vocale. Elles peuvent par exemple augmenter la température de leur thermostat en rentrant du travail pour être plus sereines une fois rentrées chez elles. 

Avoir une maison connectée peut parfois sauver des vies : en cas de chute d’une personne handicapée, un système préconfiguré peut alerter les secours. Les personnes handicapées peuvent ainsi vivre seules en toute sécurité en cas de problème.

Les solutions technologiques d’IA permettent aux personnes handicapées de gagner en autonomie et de se sentir bien chez elles. L’IA propulse l’accessibilité à un niveau supérieur. 

Accéder aux mêmes services que tout le monde

L’inclusivité signifie que chacun a le droit d’accéder à tous les services, quels que soient son profil et son handicap. Les personnes aveugles peuvent lire grâce au braille et les personnes malentendantes peuvent regarder un film grâce aux sous-titres. Voici quelques exemples non exhaustifs de technologies d’intelligence artificielle au service de l’accessibilité :

⊗ Braille AI Tutor : une solution innovante pour pallier le manque d’enseignants en braille. Grâce à la reconnaissance vocale basée sur l’IA et à la gamification, les élèves aveugles peuvent apprendre le braille de manière plus autonome. L’éducation est un droit fondamental. L’accès à l’éducation est essentiel pour que les personnes aveugles puissent trouver un emploi et s’intégrer dans la société.

⊗ Voir AI sur iOS : une application conçue pour les personnes malvoyantes, capable de lire et de décrire tous les types de documents placés sous l’appareil photo du smartphone, comme des billets de banque ou du courrier. Elle peut même reconnaître des images, des couleurs et des visages, fournissant ainsi des détails sur les émotions des personnes. 

⊗ Lookout sur Android : l’application équivalente à Seeing AI. Elle dispose d’un mode d’analyse rapide permettant de parcourir rapidement un texte.

⊗ Projet Guideline de Google : une solution basée sur l’IA qui permet aux personnes aveugles de courir seules. Avec un simple harnais autour de la taille, leur smartphone Android connecté et des écouteurs, les personnes aveugles peuvent courir sans aide extérieure en suivant une ligne directrice peinte au sol. 

⊗ Documents accessibles grâce à Microsoft Accessibility Checker ou Adobe Accessibility Checker : les étudiants et les employés en situation de handicap peuvent toujours avoir accès à l’information pour réussir.

Le secteur médical bénéficie également de l‘IA grâce à la technologie robotisée, qui améliore la précision des interventions chirurgicales ou la collecte de données pour un diagnostic plus précis. Pour les personnes handicapées, cela représente un progrès considérable en termes de qualité de vie. L’exemple le plus frappant est l’invention d’un exosquelette alimentée par l’IA qui permet aux personnes paralysées de retrouver l’usage de leurs jambes : elles peuvent se lever et marcher. Une avancée technologique, mais aussi médicale, pour les personnes handicapées motrices !

Ce ne sont là que quelques exemples de technologies d’IA utilisées pour améliorer la vie des personnes handicapées dans divers domaines. De nombreuses solutions sont disponibles et développées par des startups ou de grandes entreprises comme Google et Microsoft . Grâce à une approche centrale sur l’utilisateur, les technologies d’intelligence artificielle utilisent une conception inclusive pour concevoir des solutions qui répondent au mieux aux besoins des personnes handicapées et améliorent l’accessibilité. En effet, l’IA leur permet de gagner en autonomie, qu’elles soient à la maison devant un film sous-titré ou au travail en train de lire un document accessible, rendant le monde plus accessible et inclusif.

Vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur les applications utilisées au quotidien par les personnes en situation de handicap ? Consultez nos articles : 

5 applications indispensables pour les personnes sourdes et malentendantes en 2022

12 applications indispensables pour les personnes aveugles ou malvoyantes en 2022

9 applications indispensables pour les personnes handicapées physiques en 2022

Mis à jour le 28 décembre 2021 / Publié le 5 mars 2021

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A blind man uses the app Evelity to get around in the subway

AI enables people with disabilities to step into a world where their difficulties are understood and taken into account.

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Carole Martinez

Carole Martinez

Content Manager

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on the accessibility market.

ABOUT US

For more than 25 years, we have been developing architectural access solutions for buildings and streets. Everyday, we rethink today’s cities to transform them in smart cities accessible to everyone.

By creating solutions ever more tailored to the needs of people with disabilities, we push the limits, constantly improve the urban life and make the cities more enjoyable for the growing majority.

How to Guarantee a Seamless Mobility Chain to Users with Disabilities?

How to Guarantee a Seamless Mobility Chain to Users with Disabilities?

by | 19 Feb, 2021

The beginning of a mobility chain as users are entering a train station

How to Guarantee a Seamless Mobility Chain to Users with Disabilities?

Whether you are a subway network operator, an architect, a roadway manager or a museum director, guaranteeing a seamless mobility chain to your users isn’t the conundrum you’d expect.

Having an accessible and uninterrupted mobility chain enables people with disabilities to remain autonomous during their trips. A visually impaired person needs to be able, among other things, to find the subway station, go to the platform and make their connection by themself. The same applies to a wheelchair user. The curbs need to be lowered so that they can enjoy the city without any difficulties.

There’s a whole range of solutions that can guarantee people with disabilities, regardless of their profile, a real autonomy.

In this article, we’ll explain to you all the links that constitute the mobility chain so that you can set up easy devices for the benefit of your users!

 

A continuous mobility chain: a major issue

For people with disabilities, getting around can prove to be a major challenge. Any obstacles or barriers on their way can prevent them from getting around in a spontaneous way and therefore damages their autonomy, ruining, to a certain extent, their everyday lives. That’s where the mobility chain takes place.

The mobility chain can be summed up through these various stages:

1. Preparing your trip;

2. Using sidewalks and pedestrian crossings;

3. Using public transportation;

4. Coming up to the building and locating the main entrance;

5. Locating the adapted path to reach the chosen service;

6. Using horizontal and vertical circulations;

7. Reaching the chosen service, communicating with the staff;

8. Locating the adapted path to leave and exit the building.

We can see that the mobility chain forms part of accessibility. It truly is essential for people with disabilities since a continuous mobility chain enables them to move around more freely. Not having to ask someone for help when there are existing solutions so that they can manage by themselves turns out to be primordial for them.

A mobility chain is efficient when all of its links are connected to each other so that users can have a smooth trip without any obstacles: users go from point A to reach point C. Consequently, point B needs to be able to link A and C together. There can be many possible combinations in just one place. This is particularly striking with multimodal transit hubs such as a bus station with access to bus platforms, train platforms, information desk, city public transport… All the possible destinations need to be taken into account in order for the mobility chain to be covered in full. Every link has a role to play and if there’s one that’s broken, it’s the whole mobility chain that’s paralyzed.

On a larger scale, an optimal mobility chain helps build an inclusive and supportive city. A true challenge for a Smart City that has to welcome everybody including people with disabilities. But cities all over the world keep innovating to provide their citizens with safe and efficient mobility options. This happens to be the case with MaaS, a Finnish mobility transport platform, that facilitates the lives of both users and urban designers.

 

What are the solutions to implement for a seamless mobility chain?

Being a hotel or shop manager, nothing is more rewarding than a satisfied customer. Because obviously, a customer who had a good experience in your establishment is likely to come back and tell others about it. Whatever your establishment may be, public or private, taking into account the needs of your customers or visitors with disabilities will be beneficial for your activity. 

The same applies to cities which are committed in providing their inhabitants and tourists with the best possible experience. Roadways and public transportation have a key role in the image they send back to their users.

The first step consists in checking on the continuity of horizontal and vertical circulations:

⊗ Large doors and pathways;

⊗ Removing steps or offsets;

⊗ Removing upright obstacles;

⊗ Visual and tactile contrasting elements to limit traffic zones;

⊗ Securing stairs;

⊗ Creating alternatives to stairs: ramps or slopes, elevators or escalators.

Here is now a summary of different devices or solutions of equivalent effect that you need to implement to guarantee your users a seamless mobility chain:

For roadways: 

⊗ Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) such as aBeacon designed by French company Okeenea;

⊗ Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI);

⊗ Guiding paths;

⊗ Visual information for people with a hearing impairment;

⊗ Lowered curbs for wheelchair users.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals, also known as audible signals, still remain the safest way for blind or visually impaired people to cross the road. They can easily be activated on demand with a remote control or a smartphone thanks to MyMoveo app (available on both Android and iOS).

The ultimate guide to accessible pedestrian signals. I want it!

For public transportation (subway, bus, bus and train stations): 

⊗ Audio beacons like NAVIGUEO+ HIFI;

⊗ Secured stairs: handrails and contrasting non-slip stairs;

⊗ Guide paths;

⊗ Visible, readable and easily understandable signage: pictograms and Braille;

⊗ Visual information for people with a hearing impairment; 

⊗ Removable access ramps on buses;

⊗ Indoor wayfinding apps like Evelity: New York City subway chose Okeenea’s app for a test in real conditions. 

To activate audio beacons on demand, people with a visual impairment use the same devices than those used for Accessible Pedestrian Signals. Quite convenient! 

For public venues:

⊗ Parking spaces for people with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users;

⊗ Audio beacons;

⊗ Amplification systems or induction loop systems;

⊗ Secured stairs: handrails and contrasting non-slip stairs;

⊗ Elevators or escalators;

⊗ Visible, readable and easily understandable signage: pictograms and Braille;

⊗ Indoor wayfinding apps like Evelity: Luma Foundation in Arles, France chose Evelity for its visitors.

In a building such as a museum, metres and metres of guide paths can distort the architecture and the design of a place. An innovative solution like Evelity is particularly relevant! It fits in all types of places and buildings and provides a tailor-made experience to its users, whatever their profile may be.

No matter what activity you’re in, the training of your staff happens to be a true asset regarding the satisfaction of people with disabilities’ needs. They could thus benefit from a good experience and would be more likely to come back to your place or use public transport again. 

Setting up these devices, you’ll guarantee your users with disabilities a continuous mobility chain. Being able to get around in a spontaneous, safe and autonomous way makes a difference for people with disabilities!

 

Would you like to know more about accessibility? Find out more articles to learn all the good practices that other cities have already implemented:

How Cities in America Communicate Efficiently about Accessible Pedestrian Signals: Good Examples to Follow

How Can Shopping Malls Be Accessible to People with Disabilities?

How to Help People with Disabilities Get a Better Experience on the Subway?

Public Transport Information Accessibility: 5 Solutions for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Users

 

 

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People getting around in a subway platform in New York City

A mobility chain is efficient when all of its links are connected to each other so that users can have a smooth trip without any obstacles: users go from point A to reach point C.

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Carole Martinez

Carole Martinez

Content Manager

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12 tips to welcome a deaf or hard of hearing person

12 tips to welcome a deaf or hard of hearing person

12 Tips to Welcome a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person  You don’t know sign language and you sometimes welcome deaf or hard of hearing people? Don’t panic! For fear of doing wrong, we often just keep quiet. However, there are tips to facilitate verbal communication...

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powered by okeenea

The French leading company

on the accessibility market.

ABOUT US

For more than 25 years, we have been developing architectural access solutions for buildings and streets. Everyday, we rethink today’s cities to transform them in smart cities accessible to everyone.

By creating solutions ever more tailored to the needs of people with disabilities, we push the limits, constantly improve the urban life and make the cities more enjoyable for the growing majority.

How Do Student Associations Step into Action Regarding Disability in Business Schools? | The Example of HEC Paris

How Do Student Associations Step into Action Regarding Disability in Business Schools? | The Example of HEC Paris

by | 05 Feb, 2021

A class is taking place at HEC Paris

How Do Student Associations Step into Action Regarding Disability in Business Schools? | The Example of HEC Paris

In our last article, we saw all that prestigious business school HEC Paris implemented in order to welcome students with disabilities. Its goal being to support students with disabilities all along their academic journey and even beyond. Raising awareness on disability among all students and faculty staff remains essential since it enhances the inclusion of students with disabilities.

But this inclusion doesn’t just depend on the disability referents. The HEC Paris Handicap association, a student association, works closely with the school’s Disability Program for Learners to meet the needs of students with disabilities, whether it concerns their curriculum or their social life on campus.

Soline Toussaint, President of the association, brings to light all the actions of this committed association!

 

Hello Soline, can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Soline, I’m 24 years old and I’m currently doing a Master’s degree at HEC Paris. I’m the President of the HEC Paris Handicap association. It was co-founded last September.

 

Can you tell us more about how this association works regarding disability?

We created the HEC Paris Handicap association having in mind two goals: raising awareness on disability and assisting students with disabilities.

We want to assist learners with disabilities during their academic and professional courses serving as the connection between learners, Alumni, disability referents and companies that seek to be involved in favor of inclusion.

We also want to raise awareness among the whole HEC Paris community and its partners regarding disability by organizing events on campus that are linked to school’s associations and companies.

 

Why was this association created?

Several students got involved alongside the school’s administration to set up a Disability Program for Learners at HEC Paris. It became obvious for us to continue being involved by founding an association that’s by and for students. It’s often easier to reach young people when the initiative comes from a student association rather than the administration. 

 

For the moment, due to COVID-19, business schools like HEC Paris can’t organize physical events. Have you planned any actions and activities once we’ll all have better days?

We have a lot of ideas and we hope that we’ll soon be able to implement them.

We’d like first to set up round-table discussions with personalities from different walks of life to provide a meeting of minds on disability: paralympic athletes, managers/HR/CEOs, employees with disabilities, association presidents… We’d also like to organize parasports workshops, film screenings and awareness days to change people’s minds on disability.

In order to reach a large audience, including the notion of inclusion in some of our speeches is part of our goals. This will be the case from April with a module on diversity and inclusion that will be part of the LVMH Chair. We’d also like to define a strong communication plan in order to use social media to communicate key numbers, certain public debates, awareness videos and make certain diseases and the proper attitudes to adopt known.

Lastly, we’d like for people with disabilities to easily enter into working life organizing resume, cover letter and mentorship workshops with partner companies. We’d also like to incite students with disabilities to apply to HEC Paris and join us!

All of these actions are made possible thanks to the development of strong relationships with other associations (inside and outside HEC) and partner companies of HEC Paris. Our main concern is to raise awareness among the greatest number of people and not just the ones that are directly affected by disability. We are convinced that we’ll be able to change how disability is viewed at work and in everyday life by making future managers and decision makers grow. 

 

HEC Paris has implemented a whole politics towards disability inclusion, do you work hand in hand with disability referents? Teaching staff? If so, can you explain how?

HEC Paris created a Disability Program for Learners to best assist people with disabilities, whether they are learners or employees. It’s crucial that all parties involved are represented and that they work together in order to fully collaborate. Therefore, career and administration offices, teachers, disability referents and students stand together and can count on the support of HEC Paris legal and communication offices. 

For our part, we are committed to convey the voice of learners, regardless of their program (the Grande Ecole program, Specialized Masters and MSc, PhD, MBA, EMBA…) in this ecosystem by regularly participating in discussions. We’re in close contact with the disability referents dedicated to students. Some of them are teachers or are still members of the administration.

 

HEC Paris has more than a hundred associations, do you create connections with some of them?

Indeed, HEC Paris has more than 160 student clubs! In order to reach the largest number of people, including those who don’t feel concerned about disability, it’s essential to develop strong relationships with other student clubs. This enables our actions to gain more impact and bring us visibility on campus.

Last November, we were supposed to organize the screening of the movie The Specials in partnership with movies association Making Of but this was postponed due to the present sanitary situation. We’re going to organize a round-discussion table with the HEC Débats association. Student media KIP also published an article on disability. We’d like to include sports associations to organize parasports workshops during MBAT for example which is a large European sports meeting organized by MBA students from HEC Paris on the campus.

 

What do you wish for 2021 and the following years?

This being my last year at HEC Paris, I’ll graduate next June. I hope that other students will get involved so that the association remains. I wish the sanitary crisis improved so that we could go back to normal. Lastly, I wish for disability not to be seen as scary but for what it is: a strength and a richness for people with disabilities but also for everybody who interacts with them. 

 

Find out more information on accessibility in business schools and colleges in our articles:

How Do Business Schools Include Students with Disabilities? | The Example of HEC Paris

The Trailblazers of College Accessibility in the United States

 

Cover photo credits: Jean-Marc Biais

 

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A workshop mixing different profiles of students

It became obvious for us to continue being involved by founding an association that’s by and for students. It’s often easier to reach young people when the initiative comes from a student association rather than the administration.

writer

Christine Pestel

Communications Manager

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12 tips to welcome a deaf or hard of hearing person

12 tips to welcome a deaf or hard of hearing person

12 Tips to Welcome a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person  You don’t know sign language and you sometimes welcome deaf or hard of hearing people? Don’t panic! For fear of doing wrong, we often just keep quiet. However, there are tips to facilitate verbal communication...

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powered by okeenea

The French leading company

on the accessibility market.

ABOUT US

For more than 25 years, we have been developing architectural access solutions for buildings and streets. Everyday, we rethink today’s cities to transform them in smart cities accessible to everyone.

By creating solutions ever more tailored to the needs of people with disabilities, we push the limits, constantly improve the urban life and make the cities more enjoyable for the growing majority.