Travel Safe Guide for disabled launched

A new guide aimed at helping people with disabilities travel safely in Northern Ireland, has been launched by the Department of Regional Development.

NIO Minister Shaun Woodward said the Guide brought together the information people with learning disabilities needed to travel safely throughout the province.

"This Guide demonstrates the commitment of the Department for Regional Development to making transport accessible for all," Mr Woodward said. "Consultation during the development of the Accessible Transport Strategy showed that a lack of appropriate information can be a big barrier to travel for many people, including people with disabilities and older people. I want to reaffirm my commitment to making sure that people have the information they need in a format that is accessible to them."

The guide is in an "easy read" form which uses plain language and photographs to get the message across. It also contains advice about personal safety, road safety, using buses, trains and taxis.

Thursday's launch took place at Stormont Castle where the Minister was meeting with representatives of the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC). The role of IMTAC is to advise Government about matters relating to transport and older people and people with disabilities in Northern Ireland.

(MB/SP)