RNID uses evidence to inform our work to change the lives of individuals, systems and services, and society and public attitudes. This policy statement draws on insights from our evidence review, Clear Signals report (2026) and our work with deaf people and people with hearing loss to explore the changes we want to see, and how we can make that a reality. Read our report on public transport accessibility ....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
No actionable change for clinical practice — this is a public-policy advocacy document, not a clinical guideline.
Improved transport accessibility directly affects the independence and quality of life of deaf and hard-of-hearing patients, and audiologists can reference this policy statement when advocating for their patients' broader needs.
- 01RNID formally calls on UK transport providers and policymakers to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers.
- 02Recommendations are grounded in the organisation's Clear Signals 2026 evidence review.
- 03Areas likely addressed include visual announcements, hearing-loop provision, and staff communication training.
- 04The statement reflects an organised, evidence-informed advocacy push rather than a regulatory mandate.
- 05Audiologists and hearing care professionals can use this as a patient-signposting resource.
Public transport is insufficiently accessible for deaf people and people with hearing loss in the UK.
guidelinepartially supportedRNID's recommendations are evidence-based, drawing on the Clear Signals 2026 report.
guidelinepartially supported