Creating a railway system where everyone can travel safely, independently, and with confidence is a shared goal across the global rail community. While accessibility continues to improve through infrastructure and technology, the role of railway professionals remains vital for providing an inclusive travel experience for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
To support this objective, UIC has launched a new e-learning Training Course on Accessibility in Rail through its Rail Academy platform. As one of the first e-learning initiatives developed in this format by UIC, the course provides railway professionals with practical knowledge and internationally recognised best practices to help improve accessibility across all areas of rail operations.
Developed in cooperation with the ONCE Foundation for Cooperation and Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities and with the support of the Passenger Assistance System for Seamless Access and Guidance for Everyone (PASSAGE) Expert Group, the programme combines international expertise with real-world experience from the railway sector. Its objective is to help participants improve their understanding of accessibility, improve assistance services, and contribute to a more inclusive and passenger-centred railway.
Designed as a flexible online learning experience, the course combines text, images, audio, diagrams, and interactive activities to create an engaging and practical training programme that can be completed at the learner’s own pace.
A comprehensive programme covering key accessibility topics
The training course is divided into six modules that address key aspects of accessibility in rail transport:
- Disability awareness
- Legislation and passenger rights
- Passengers with reduced mobility
- Passengers with visual impairments
- Passengers with hearing impairments
- Passengers with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities
Throughout the course, participants explore practical scenarios and international best practices that can be directly applied to their daily work.
Supporting professionals across the rail sector
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental concepts of accessibility, inclusion, and disability
- Recognise the legal framework and passenger rights related to accessible rail travel
- Identify opportunities to improve accessibility within their professional environment
- Apply international best practices to provide high-quality assistance services
- Communicate confidently using inclusive and respectful language
- Promote empathy and proactive support when assisting passengers with different accessibility needs
The course is designed for a broad audience, including railway frontline staff, customer service teams, operations managers, engineers, designers, decision-makers, accessibility specialists, and students preparing to enter the railway sector. It will also be of interest to anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of accessibility in rail and the role it plays in creating a more inclusive travel experience for all.
Flexible online learning
The course is delivered entirely online through the UIC Rail Academy platform, allowing participants to access the content anytime and study at their own pace. No previous experience is required, and participants retain access to the course for one year following enrolment. A UIC certificate will be awarded upon successful completion.
By investing in promoting accessibility awareness and practices, railway organisations can further improve the quality of their services while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable transport system for everyone.
Registration is now open.
To learn more about the course and register, please visit the UIC Rail Academy website:
https://uic.org/expertise-development-training/uic-rail-academy/article/uic-virtual-training-course-on-accessibility-in-rail
For group registrations or further information, please contact academy at uic.org.
