What’s up flagship. While we’ve been in Ireland, I’ve noticed some good disability accommodations when it comes to public transport. First, I’d like to highlight the Luas, which is the name of the above ground train. As the train pulled up, I noticed that the gap between the curb and the train’s platform was tiny. This makes it easy for people with mobility issues to get on the train (at least compared to some other things which we’ll get into later). There’s also a ramp to help wheelchairs get on. Of course we can’t forget the bumps right before the edge of the train to help visually impaired people know where the ledge is. Genius. Whoever came up with this should get a raise.

Next let’s check out the bumps on the sidewalk here. There’s also a ramp so it can be accessible for those with mobility issues. Not included in the photo is that the crosswalk signal makes noises depending on when you can/can’t cross. It makes some quiet, slower beeping noises when the signal is red, saying you can’t cross. When it becomes green it gets much louder and faster, also getting higher in pitch. Once it turns yellow it goes back to the same sound as red, since you’re not supposed to start crossing the road but if you’re already on it you’re fine. All of this is used to help our visually impaired friends who rely on sound and touch.

Now moving on to some of the areas that could be improved when it comes to accessibility, the DART! This train system is the equivalent to the T in Boston or the New York subway, but it’s not underground. I took a photo of the map and attached it here.

This train is unecessarily far from the ledge. When I got off of it today (at the Connolly station) there was a whole foot of space between the train and the rest of the station. This is terrible for everyone, both people with and without accessibility issues. Anybody could fall through, or get stuck, which could pose a threat for that persons life, especially if they have a disability. If someone with an accessibility issue needs to get on the DART to arrive at their destination, there could be a level of fear associated with traveling this way. During my trip, there was an old lady behind me who wasn’t walking well, and she was trying to be very careful getting off of the train, otherwise she would’ve just fallen through. It made me wonder how someone is supposed to safely cross this gap if they can’t walk with ease? Or, similarly, if they can’t see, hear, etc.

Overall though, Ireland is quite accessible. In some ways I’d say more than the U.S. I’d like to give a huge shoutout to Ireland for this #hellyeah