🚆 Planning for BSL Accessibility Awareness This Week! 🤟

Tim Scannell
Jul 19
2 min read

Updated: Aug 18

This week, I’m raising awareness about the real challenges Deaf people face when trying to give feedback or get help at train stations and onboard trains.

Why is it so hard for Deaf BSL users to contact train companies?

Platform warning: Fast train approaching; do not stop here

Most contact methods rely on audio (telephone numbers) or written English, which doesn’t work well for BSL users.

There’s no easy way to send feedback in BSL video, and companies often aren’t set up to receive or respond to it.

No dedicated BSL contact points, phone, WhatsApp, or chat, exist for many-to-many communication.

Deaf users often send feedback in BSL but get no response or follow-up, which is frustrating and discouraging.

💡 I have seen Convo QR codes at some stations for amazing one-to-one communication with Deaf passengers.

But what about many-to-many communication?

I want platforms that combine audio, visual, and sign language communication, so everyone can participate equally.

📢 I’m emailing major train companies and Network Rail this Monday with a clear message for better BSL access and I’m sharing my email template here so you can join me!

If you want to support, please:

- Use or adapt the email template below

- Send your own BSL video feedback to train companies (emails listed)

- Share this post to raise awareness

- Comment on your ideas or experiences

Together, we can make train travel truly accessible for the Deaf community!

✉️ Email Template (copy & paste)

Subject: BSL Video Feedback – Improving Deaf Access to Train Services

Dear [Company Name / Accessibility Team],

My name is [Your Name]. I am Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) as my first language.

Deaf passengers like me want to help improve access at your station(s) and on your trains by giving feedback in BSL.

We can send you a short video in BSL with our feedback. If you can’t understand it directly, please contact a BSL interpreter or translation service; this is what the Financial Ombudsman did for me.

I am also happy to meet (face-to-face or online) with a BSL interpreter present to discuss improvements.

No BSL contact = no response to our videos

No response → no improvement → failed accessibility.

Please let me know if you are open to • accepting BSL videos • arranging a meeting • improving Deaf access at stations/trains.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

[Optional: Station/Route/Your Location]

[Optional: Contact preference for replies]

📧 Send your feedback to these emails:

Network Rail: websupport@networkrail.co.uk

GWR: Passenger.assist@gwr.com

Avanti West Coast: accessibility@avantiwestcoast.co.uk