Review: Summer School 2024 in Maribor
From 1 to 5 July 2024, the first edition of the Accessible Barrier-Free Inclusive Cross-Border Public Transport Summer School took place at the University of Maribor, Slovenia, complemented by two virtual program days on 24 June and 12 July 2024.
The Summer School was organised by the European Platform of Transport Sciences (EPTS) in cooperation with the University of Maribor, the Austrian Association in Support of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Institute for Transport and Logistics Management of WU Vienna.
A total of 28 students from 11 countries participated, working on solutions to improve accessibility in public transport.
Learning with and from people with disabilities
The program combined lectures and workshops delivered both by experts and by people with disabilities. Specialist lectures on legal frameworks, the fundamentals of inclusion, and aspects of accessible mobility laid the foundation of the Summer School. Students gained a clear understanding of the importance of involving people with disabilities in planning processes from the very beginning.
Self-experience as a learning method
Using simulation glasses, blindfolds, canes, wheelchairs, and simulation suits, students were able to experience first-hand how barriers complicate everyday life. These experiences were deepened through joint reflections and discussion sessions.
A special highlight was the day trip to Graz, where participants visited the Graz branch of the Austrian Association in Support of the Blind and Visually Impaired and attended a panel discussion. People with disabilities shared their challenges and experiences in public transport. These authentic insights gave students an impressive and personal understanding of how barriers affect daily mobility.
Impact and conclusion
The Summer School 2024 was a great success, highly valued by both students and organisers. It demonstrated the effectiveness of combining theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and direct exchange with people with disabilities.
“I had not addressed this topic in my career until now. To experience it myself, to meet experts and people with disabilities and learn from them, was truly meaningful. My conclusion is that as future planners and managers, we should recognise the importance of accessibility.” – Participant’s reflection
Overall, the premiere of the Summer School 2024 laid a strong foundation for the design and continuation of the next Summer Schools!