The city of Ghent has organized specialized training to better equip taxi drivers to serve customers with disabilities. Seven local drivers voluntarily participated in this training, which included both theoretical and practical components. The course was provided by Myriam De Schynkel, an occupational therapist at AZ Maria Middelares.

The training, which is a first in many respects, included practical tips and various practical exercises. The emphasis was on communicating with passengers who may have certain limitations, such as hearing or vision problems. “Make eye contact and write things down on paper if necessary. Also understand that some people may need more time,” De Schynkel advised.

Afterwards, participants received not only a label from the city to mark their vehicles, but also various tools they can use in their taxis to improve the experience for both the customer and themselves. Filip Watteeuw, councilor of Mobility for Green, emphasized the larger goal of the program: “It's about enabling everyone to participate in social life. We don't want people to be left behind because they simply cannot get around as easily.”

There is also the economic component. Taxi companies that invest in such training can attract a broader customer base, including people who may previously have been hesitant to use taxis. In fact, these types of initiatives achieve several goals at the same time: increasing mobility for people with disabilities, improving business operations for taxi companies and promoting a more inclusive community.