At the beginning of June, we held an awareness training session for public transport employees at the Kelenföld Bus Depot. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to learn how to properly assist people with visual impairments and wheelchair users in everyday travel situations.

Our foundation was represented at the event, organized by the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), by one of our guide dog trainers and one of our volunteers. Trainer Darinka Farkas attended with two female guide dogs: the yellow Labrador Jáde and the black Labrador Corin. Our volunteer Adrienn Fabók arrived with Bix, a black male dog.

Our colleagues’ role was to give participants the opportunity to experience what it feels like to place their trust in a guide dog while blindfolded. Before each exercise, Darinka explained the most important facts about guide dogs and then answered participants’ questions.

During the practical exercises, participants, guided by the dogs, boarded a stationary bus. The dogs then found a suitable seat for them before leading them safely off the vehicle again.

Knowledge Comes at a Price

The BKK employees shared that it was both exciting—and in many cases even frightening—to experience what it is like to rely entirely on a guide dog without the ability to see. They said the experience would remain with them for a lifetime, giving them a much deeper understanding of just how invaluable a guide dog is to a person with visual impairment.

Many participants were pleased to have gained new knowledge and said they now feel much more confident about how to offer appropriate assistance to a visually impaired person in public transport situations.

One of the event’s organizers and hosts was Zsófi Lengyel, BKK’s Accessibility Officer, who, as always, attended together with her guide dog, Mokka.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about wheelchair accessibility and mobility. György Bovier, a member of the Budapest General Assembly and Councillor for Equal Opportunities and Accessibility, was on hand to answer questions and share his expertise.

It was a genuine pleasure to work with such an open, enthusiastic, and engaged group. The friendly atmosphere created the perfect environment for exciting challenges, enjoyable conversations, and meaningful learning. We need many more programs like this. Congratulations to the employees of BKK!