The BPFT BIP combined interactive learning, hands-on experience, and a collaborative approach to tackle the critical issue of accessible transport. The programme provided students with an opportunity to engage with real-world challenges and propose innovative solutions, all while networking with peers and experts from across Europe.
Setting the Stage Virtually
The virtual sessions kicked off with a warm introduction to the programme, laying out its goals and agenda. Participants and lecturers introduced themselves through engaging presentations, creating a sense of camaraderie right from the start.
A standout moment was a lecture by Elmar Fürst from Austria’s Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen. His insights into accessibility challenges inspired participants to look at urban spaces through a new lens. To make the sessions interactive, students were assigned to evaluate their hometowns for accessibility. They identified strengths and gaps in public transport, signage, and mobility aids, sparking lively discussions about practical improvements.
Learning and Innovating on the Ground
The on-site part of the programme in the heart of Europe brought concepts to life. Participants explored barrier-free transport through dynamic lectures, hands-on workshops, and field visits. Teams tackled challenges like improving digital accessibility, refining infrastructure for people with disabilities, and brainstorming ideas to create more inclusive urban mobility systems.
One highlight was the opportunity to see mobility services in action, learning how real-world transport systems are adapting to diverse needs. Expert feedback ensured that students left not just with ideas, but with practical knowledge they could apply in their future careers.
The summer school celebrated collaboration, emphasising that accessible transport requires coordination across borders and sectors. Participants left the programme not just with skills and solutions, but with a network of like-minded peers ready to make transport more inclusive for everyone.
BPFT Summer School wasn’t just about learning—it was about reshaping perspectives and building a future where mobility truly means freedom for all.
