Efforts to nurture a more inclusive experience for neurodivergent passengers have led to a top accolade for Leeds station.
The team has been awarded the National Autistic Society’s Neuroinclusive Access Silver Award, which celebrates a range of improvements introduced across the station.
The achievement highlights the difference that small but meaningful changes can have in making rail travel more inclusive. At Leeds station, these have included:
- Creating several quiet spaces for visitors who may need a calmer environment whilst travelling.
- Providing sensory support bags, containing stress balls, colouring pencils, colouring books, ear plugs and an autism-friendly guide to travelling by train.
- Improving signage around the station so it’s clear where passengers and visitors can get help or more information.
- Adding video screens with British Sign Language and subtitles.
- Reducing the volume of announcements as loud noises can be triggering for people who are neurodivergent.
- As well as making physical improvements across the station, Leeds station staff have undertaken autism awareness training to help passengers receive the support they need.
Jason Slassor, training & competency specialist at Leeds station, said: “We want everyone who travels through Leeds station to feel welcome, supported and confident in their journey. The autism awareness training has helped our team better understand how different people experience the station environment and given them practical ways to adapt their approach to each individual’s needs.
“Simple actions, such as allowing extra time to process information, checking understanding and being aware of the impact that noise, bright lights or unexpected changes can have, can make a real difference to someone’s journey experience.
“Seeing the positive impact these changes can have on passengers and their families has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud that the efforts of our colleagues have been recognised with this award.”
Lisa Myers, head of National Autistic Society: Learn, commented: “We are delighted that Leeds station has achieved the Neuroinclusive Access Silver Award, recognising their embedded practices to meet the needs of neurodivergent people and their families.
“There are lots of small changes businesses can make to better support neurodivergent people, and just a little understanding can go a long way. We hope to work with as many businesses as possible to help create a society that works for autistic and other neurodivergent people.”
The National Autistic Society’s Neuroinclusive Accreditation Programme is built on decades of experience as the UK’s first autism-specific quality assurance programme. The programme offers a comprehensive suite of awards to support and develop organisations and services across sectors, delivering meaningful outcomes for neurodivergent people, their families and organisations as a whole.
For more information about the Neuroinclusive Access Award, visit the National Autistic Society website.
Image credit: Network Rail
