East Midlands Railway (EMR) has launched a new children’s book titled An Adventure Through Railway Past, celebrating 200 years of railway history while promoting accessibility and inclusion.
In a pioneering initiative, EMR collaborated with students from the Royal School for the Deaf Derby (RSDD) to produce a British Sign Language (BSL) version of the book’s digital edition. The children helped sign the story, bringing it to life in a meaningful and inclusive way.
The book follows Miles, a young explorer who journeys across EMR’s network, visiting stations, heritage railways, and key locations that highlight the rich legacy and future of the railway.
Alongside a Braille edition, 14,000 copies of the book are being distributed to schools and families, with 6,000 already handed out to over 70 schools. An additional 8,000 copies will be shared at EMR stations and onboard services over the Easter holidays. Each copy includes a bookmark with a 50% discount voucher for EMR travel.
Lynsey Buxton, EMR’s Head of Employee Communications and co-author, said: “Having the students involved has made the project even more special. Their enthusiasm and creativity really shine through in the BSL version.”
Students from Year 3 to post-16 took part in the filming. One of them, 13-year-old Rhyaan, shared: “I was nervous at first but felt confident in the end. This experience has made me excited to travel by train.”
The school joined EMR for a live reading on World Book Day at Derby’s Museum of Making and helped deliver the story to over 25 schools across the Midlands.
Marie Clampitt, a teacher at RSDD, praised the project: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity for the students to showcase their BSL skills. The video is amazing, and I’m so proud of everyone involved.”
Paul Burrows, the school’s headteacher, added: “This partnership is a step forward in championing accessibility across the railway. Together, we can ensure travel is inclusive for everyone.”
