BART invites members of blind and low-vision community to a sensory orientation

Three people are pictured: one in a blue jacket and pink shirt exploring the emergency call button with a person in a maroon sweater holding a BART map behind and another person in the background watching.

If you are a member of the blind or low-vision community and would like to explore BART in a relaxed environment, we invite you to our sensory orientation event from noon to 1:30pm on Wednesday, March 25, at 19th St. Station in Oakland. 

This free public event presents two unique opportunities to:  

  • Leisurely explore an out-of-service ten-car train. BART staff will demonstrate features such as Braille car identification numbers, inter-car barriers, and the location of train intercoms aboard the Fleet of the Future train. 
  • Practice getting to safety in the event of an accidental fall onto the track with a set-up mimicking the crawl space under the platform next to the trackway. 

Another focus of the event will be navigating the vending machines, fare gates, and platforms with plenty of staff on hand to answer questions and provide information. BART has an online accessibility guide that provides additional information. 

Some service providers, like Lighthouse for the Blind and Clipper, will table at the event to provide more information and resources.  

Let us know if you intend to participate in this sensory orientation by signing up at Eventbrite, which will ensure that we have adequate staff at this event. To request language translation, interpretation, or special accessibility accommodations,, email your specific requests to Elena Van Loo at [email protected] no later than March 17 so we can have the appropriate resources on hand.  

The event will take place in the middle of the station on the concourse and the upper platform levels, which are both underground. The most direct street entrances are found on the east side of Broadway, one between 20th and 19th Streets and the other at the 19th Street intersection. Elevator access between the street and concourse is found at 1736 Broadway. 

We look forward to seeing you there.