Chartered Institute of Highways and Transport (CIHT) and Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) Work in Partnership to Launch ‘First of it’s Kind’ Vision Awareness e-learning for Transport Professionals

Date posted: 19th February 2025

In the first collaboration of its kind, Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) have worked in partnership with Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) to launch an accredited vision impairment awareness e-learning course developed by blind and partially sighted staff at TPT and Sight Loss Councils.

The course entitled ‘Designing Highways and Transportation for Blind and Partially Sighted People’ aims to increase awareness and understanding of the needs of blind and partially sighted people among professionals in the transport and infrastructure sectors to address this shocking statistic.

What Needs and Challenges is the Course Addressing?

Jen Sweeney, Corporate Engagement Manager at TPT explains:

“With over 2 million people in the UK affected by vision impairment, set to double by 2050, accessibility is crucial. TPT, alongside Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Guide Dogs, commissioned the VI Lives report (2022), shaping our #MakeTransportAccessible and #MakeStreetsAccessible strategy. The report, based on lived experience, revealed that 1 in four vision impaired people rarely leave home due to poorly designed streets and transport systems.”

Dave Smith is one of the contributors to the course and is the Engagement Manager (South East) for Sight Loss Councils. He describes the some of the challenges experienced by blind and partially sighted people when out and about:

“Common obstacles include uneven pavements caused by tree roots and weeds, street clutter like benches and bins, and outdoor dining setups that block safe routes. Pavement parking and overgrown vegetation also make walking difficult. On public transport, hailing a bus and accessing timetable information can be tricky due to inaccessible apps and websites, with some drivers not fully understanding the needs of blind and partially sighted passengers. Trains are generally more accessible thanks to Passenger Assistance, but navigating train stations can still prove hazardous. Routes connecting different modes of transport often have obstacles and lack proper crossing points, making the journey even more challenging.”

How the Course Addresses Challenges

Available via CIHT’s e-learning platform, CIHT Learn, this course is designed for everyone in the highways and transportation sector and professionals working in disciplines which affects the environment in which we live and the people who use it.

“The course provides a comprehensive understanding of vision impairment, its impact, and relevant disability legislation. It equips participants with skills to communicate effectively with blind and partially sighted individuals and navigate accessibility challenges in the built environment. We highlight inclusive transport solutions, the role of lived experience in co-design, and strategies to integrate accessibility into everyday planning, ensuring transport systems become truly inclusive.” Explains Jen.

The Partnership between CIHT and TPT

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“We welcome this important collaboration with the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the training we are now able to provide the sector to plan and build transport infrastructure that empowers blind and partially sighted individuals to live independently and shape a more inclusive society.”

“Through taking the Designing Highways and Transportation for Blind and Partially Sighted People course, individuals and organisations will be able to learn inclusive transport solutions, the role of lived experience in co-design, and strategies to integrate accessibility into everyday planning, ensuring transport systems become truly inclusive.”

Future Collaboration Opportunities with Other Organisations

Building on our bus driver vision impairment awareness work, endorsed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport, and aligned with the DVSA’s Driver Certificate of Compliance, we partnered with CIHT to develop a course that ensures professionals in highways and transportation understand vision impairment and embed accessibility from the outset and is a prime example of how TPT can partner with various organisations to create impactful resources. Our expertise in developing awareness and training materials can be extended to other sectors and industries, helping to foster a more inclusive environment for blind and partially sighted individuals

By partnering with us, organisations can leverage our extensive knowledge and experience to create environments that are more accessible and inclusive for blind and partially sighted people.

Contact jen.sweeney@pocklington.org.uk to learn how your organisation can benefit from a partnership with us.