Lublin Metropolitan Station with “Lodołamacze” award

— The city of Lublin has long been committed to supporting people with disabilities. Our mission is to ensure a high quality of life for all residents, including those with special needs. We also uphold a supportive employment policy within the City Hall, both in terms of providing appropriate working conditions and hiring employees with disabilities. The employment rate of people with disabilities in the City Hall has already exceeded 10%. These efforts have been consistently recognized by the competition organizers. We are thrilled that the Lodołamacz Statuette is once again coming to Lublin. This time, it was awarded to Lublin Station for the solutions implemented to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities, says Anna Augustyniak, Deputy Mayor of Lublin for Social Affairs.

The “Lodołamacze” Competition, organized by the Foundation for the Professional Activation of People with Disabilities “FAZON” and the Polish Organization of Employers of People with Disabilities, honors individuals, companies, and institutions, including employers, who are exceptionally committed to addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities in various areas of social and professional life. This year, Lublin Station received the Lodołamacz Statuette in the “Friendly Space” category. The award was given for the adaptations made in the building and its surrounding area to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

The design of Lublin Station ensures full accessibility for all residents and visitors, including those with disabilities. Outside the building, guiding tiles lead to all main entrances, external elevators, platforms, public transport stops, and pedestrian crossings. Raised curbs are used at pedestrian crossings for visually impaired individuals with guide dogs, and curbs are designed for wheelchair users. Inside, guiding tiles direct visitors to key locations such as ticket counters, restrooms, and stairwells with elevators. Contrast markings are applied to the first and last steps of stairs. Special signage has been added to glass elements to prevent collisions with large transparent surfaces. Induction loops for hearing-impaired and hard-of-hearing individuals are installed at ticket counters. Two ticket counters are lowered to a height of 90 cm to facilitate access for people with mobility impairments. The station building also features two accessible restrooms (on the ground floor and in the waiting area on the first floor), with the ground-floor restroom including a comfort station. The underground parking lot has designated spaces for people with disabilities, and similar provisions are made along Dworcowa Street and Dworcowy Square. Platforms and public transport stops are equipped with displays and audio announcements. The station will also include Braille signs and tactile maps.

This year’s competition winners include:

• The Blind Cooperative of M. Sękowski – 1st place in the “Protected Employment” category;
• “Słoneczko” Association for the Assistance of Disabled Persons – 1st place in the “Institution” category;
• Kapela Drewutnia – Honorary Mention in the “Superlodołamacz” category;
• Editor Agnieszka Krawiec – Barrier-Free Journalist.