Bus stop helps blind pupils build independence

A bright yellow bus stop has been installed in the grounds of a Liverpool school to help blind and visually impaired young people to gain the confidence to travel independently.

The stop, at the Royal School for the Blind in Wavertree, helps students to practise using public transport in a safe environment before venturing on to busy streets.

It forms part of a purpose-built training area at the school, which also features a pelican crossing and other street furniture commonly found on roads across the city.

The bus stop was donated by a contractor working with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, while the groundwork was carried out for free by a local firm.

Crispin Pailing, from the Royal School for the Blind, said realistic facilities were vital in helping students learn life skills.

"We need safe environments to give them training and understanding of things that they will encounter when they're out on busy streets," he said.

"It's the real stuff which all of us take for granted, but sometimes younger people with additional needs, visual impairment and complex needs are going to need a safer environment to understand what they're encountering."

School staff said the facility would allow pupils to practise crossing roads, navigating public spaces and waiting for buses at their own pace.

Carer Lulu Nathan, who works with student Rehannah, believes it will help build confidence for both students and staff.

"If you want to go on a walk one afternoon, we can practise crossing at the traffic lights, then sit at the bus stop and practise waiting for the bus," she said.

"It's all about building that confidence up."

The bus stop was donated by a contractor working with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as part of a social value initiative, while the groundwork was carried out free of charge by a local civil engineering firm.

A second bus stop has been installed at Brushwood Care Home in Speke, where it is intended to provide a familiar and reassuring setting for residents living with dementia.

Councillor Steve Foulkes, chair of the Liverpool City Region Transport Committee, said the project formed part of wider efforts to make public transport accessible to everyone.

"It's in our own interest and everyone's interest for everyone to have access to the transport network," he said.

"The Mayor's made a pledge to make a fully accessible network by 2030 and this is a good step in that direction."

He added that helping young people develop confidence before making journeys independently was an important part of improving accessibility.

"The street can be a dangerous place," he said. "The ability to make people a bit more streetwise before they make that initial journey, this is what it's about."

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