Od 24. junija do 12. julija je na Univerzi v Mariboru potekala poletna šola BFPT, osredotočena na dostopen čezmejni javni prevoz v Evropi. Dogodek je združil 26 študentov iz 9 držav, željnih raziskovanja rešitev za dostopen javni prevoz.
Poletna šola je vključevala raznolika predavanja, delavnice in študentske ekskurzije. Udeleženci so imeli edinstveno priložnost učiti se od strokovnjakov iz industrije o najnovejših napredkih pri ustvarjanju dostopnih transportnih sistemov.
S podporo Avstrijskega združenja za slepe in slabovidne ter Društva študentov invalidov Slovenije so potekale razne delavnice, ki so ponujale neposredne izkušnje vsakodnevnih izzivov, s katerimi se soočajo osebe z invalidnostjo. Študenti so pridobili dragocen vpogled z doživljanjem teh izzivov sami, tako iz perspektive slepih in slabovidnih kot tudi gibalno oviranih oseb.
Študentska ekskurzija je bila še ena pomembna sestavina poletne šole, saj je ponudila praktični pogled na izzive in prepreke pri uresničevanju dostopnih čezmejnih sistemov javnega prevoza med Mariborom in Gradcem. Študenti so bili razdeljeni v dve skupini z namenom uporabe tako avtobusnega kot tudi železniškega javnega transporta. V obeh primerih smo naleteli na številne ovire in identificirali številne kritične težave, ki bi jih bilo potrebno odpraviti za ustvarjanje dostopnih storitev za osebe z invalidnostjo. Ogled glavne železniške postaje v Gradcu pa je po drugi strani predstavljal dober primer dostopne infrastrukture in ponudil vpogled v praktične vidike ustvarjanja vključujočega in dostopnega okolja.
Raznolikost študentov je dodala bogato plast medkulturne izmenjave in obogatila učno izkušnjo, saj so udeleženci delili svoje perspektive in izkušnje iz svojih domačih držav ter spodbujali globalni dialog o dostopnem prevozu.
Poletna šola je bila več kot zgolj izobraževalna izkušnja; služila je kot platforma za mreženje in ustvarjanje trajnih povezav med bodočimi vodilnimi delavci na področju dostopnega prevoza. Znanje in spretnosti, pridobljene na tem dogodku, bodo nedvomno prispevale k razvoju bolj vključujočih in dostopnih sistemov javnega prevoza po vsem svetu.
University of Maribor hosts international BFPT Summer School on accessible cross-border public transport
From June 24th to July 12th, the University of Maribor hosted the BFPT Summer School, focusing on barrier-free, accessible, and inclusive cross-border public transport in Europe. This dynamic event brought together 26 students from 9 countries, eager to explore accessible public transport solutions.
The summer school featured a diverse array of lectures, workshops, and student excursions. Participants had the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts about the latest advancements in creating barrier-free transportation systems.
With the support of Austrian Association Supporting the Blind and Visually Impaired and Slovenian association of disabled students several workshops were carried out, offering firsthand experiences of the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Students gained valuable insights by experiencing these challenges themselves, from the perspectives of both visually and mobility-impaired persons.
The student excursion was another important component of the summer school, as it offered a real-world perspective on the challenges and successes of implementing accessible cross-border public transport systems between Maribor and Graz. One group of students experienced rail transport and the other bus transport. In both cases, we encountered many obstacles and identified numerous critical issues that need to be addressed to create reasonable service for people with disabilities. The visit to the Graz main railway station, on the other hand, showcased a good example of accessible infrastructure, providing invaluable insights into the practical aspects of creating inclusive and barrier-free environments.
The student diversity added a rich layer of cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the learning experience. Participants shared their unique perspectives and experiences from their home countries, fostering a global dialogue on accessible transport.
The summer school was more than just an educational experience; it was a platform for building networks and forging lasting connections among future leaders in the field of accessible transport. The knowledge and skills gained during this event will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more inclusive and accessible public transport systems worldwide.
