Susie Jones
Consejos para conductores • 3 min leer

Camioneros con discapacidad: ¿qué ayudas existen?

Creado: 12/08/2024

Actualizado: 12/08/2024

En el Reino Unido, el 23% de la población en edad laboral declaró ser discapacitada; sin que muchos lo sepan, una buena parte son camioneros que recorren Europa sin cesar para entregar sus mercancías. A pesar de enfrentarse a muchos retos, su presencia en la comunidad del transporte por carretera pone de relieve la importancia de la inclusión y la diversidad en el sector.

Si tengo una discapacidad, ¿puedo conducir un camión?

Si tiene una discapacidad física o cognitiva, puede conducir un vehículo pesado. Sin embargo, debe pasar un reconocimiento médico para determinar si es lo bastante apto. Un reconocimiento médico consiste en lo siguiente:

  • Una conversación con un médico sobre su salud: Los conductores deben ser sinceros y abiertos.

  • Una exploración física en la que su médico comprobará

  • Tensión arterial

  • Corazón

  • Visión

  • Prueba de la diabetes

  • Enfermedades neurológicas

  • Trastornos del sueño.

Una vez completado, la DVLA decidirá si puede conducir.

Adaptaciones del camión

Para los conductores con discapacidades físicas, están disponibles las siguientes modificaciones:

  • Mandos manuales para sustituir a los pedales

  • Ayudas a la dirección

  • Aceleradores de pie izquierdo

  • Conversión del embrague

  • Arneses

  • Asientos especializados

  • Equipo de estiba para sillas de ruedas.

En 2021, el fabricante de camiones MAN adaptó cuatro camiones para conductores discapacitados. Las adaptaciones consistieron en equipar los camiones con una plataforma elevadora para que los usuarios de sillas de ruedas pudieran acceder fácilmente a la cabina, con todos los mandos instalados en el volante o alrededor de él.

Aunque la tecnología y las adaptaciones avanzan en el sector, muchos conductores discapacitados siguen enfrentándose a retos en el trabajo.

¿A qué obstáculos se enfrentan los camioneros discapacitados?

Puede resultar difícil para los conductores discapacitados acceder al sector, incluso si tienen las cualificaciones requeridas y han pasado el reconocimiento médico. Muchas empresas son reacias a proporcionar un vehículo adaptado, ya que puede ser una inversión costosa.

Para los conductores dispuestos a pagar las adaptaciones necesarias, Andy, director general de la organización benéfica Globe Truckers UK, afirma que sigue siendo difícil encontrar empleo.

"Algunas empresas de transporte son reacias a contratar a personas discapacitadas: a menudo desconfían de los obstáculos a los que se enfrentan los conductores fuera de la cabina, por ejemplo, escaleras y elevaciones".

David Chambers, conductor de camión discapacitado, ha denunciado las pruebas a las que se enfrenta a diario y ha pedido que se realicen ajustes razonables en la Ley de Igualdad, sobre todo después de que el Gobierno pidiera que [volvieran al trabajo] más personas con prestaciones por discapacidad(https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/chancellor-announces-back-work-plan-disabled-people-backed-tougher-sanctions#:~:text=Forming%20part%20of%20his%20Autumn,for%20and%20stay%20in%20work.).

David y muchos otros lo tienen difícil en los grandes almacenes donde, según la Ley de Igualdad, el almacén no está obligado a hacer ajustes razonables para los conductores con discapacidad. Por razones de seguridad, deben esperar alejados de sus camiones mientras descargan, lo que les obliga a caminar largas distancias y subir escaleras.

¿Qué ayudas reciben los camioneros discapacitados?

Encontrar apoyo puede ser laborioso para quienes sufren lesiones o enfermedades que les alteran la vida. La organización benéfica británica Globe Truckers fue creada por conductores para ayudar a conductores, y ofrece ayuda a heridos, enfermos o discapacitados.

"Muchos conductores discapacitados o lesionados no saben a quién dirigirse porque tienen muy poca información. Ahí es donde entramos nosotros y les ofrecemos nuestro apoyo y orientación, ya sea poniéndoles en contacto con las personas adecuadas o proporcionándoles financiación para equipos".

"Algunos conductores sólo necesitan a alguien con quien hablar, y nosotros estamos aquí para ofrecerles ese apoyo de cualquier forma posible. En el futuro, nos encantaría poder financiar adaptaciones de camiones para los conductores. Las adaptaciones pueden ser muy costosas, y la mayoría de los conductores discapacitados tienen que pagarlas de su propio bolsillo. Para conseguirlo, necesitamos más financiación y apoyo del sector", afirma Andy.

¿Cómo puede ayudar la industria?

Para que el panorama sea más inclusivo y diverso, el sector debe hacer más por adaptarse a las discapacidades físicas y cognitivas, un cambio que debe producirse pronto, afirma Andy.

"Es vital que el sector vuelva a dedicar su apoyo y su tiempo a sí mismo, ya sea directamente a los conductores discapacitados o a organizaciones benéficas como Globe Truckers. La industria no puede esperar atraer a la gente si no ofrece apoyo a las minorías".

Como refugio para muchos conductores, las paradas de camiones pueden allanar el camino ofreciendo instalaciones accesibles. En 2022, el Gobierno invirtió 100 millones de libras en el sector para mejorar las instalaciones en carretera y crear aparcamientos de camiones más seguros.

La financiación del Gobierno podría mejorar la accesibilidad de los conductores discapacitados en las paradas más concurridas. Cambios como los siguientes podrían tener un impacto sustancial:

  • Plazas de aparcamiento accesibles para sillas de ruedas: los conductores a los que les cuesta subir y bajar de la cabina necesitan espacio extra, sobre todo para los que necesitan una grúa.

  • Servicios accesibles: restaurantes, aseos y otras instalaciones accesibles garantizan un entorno integrador.

Las empresas de flotas pueden contribuir a crear un entorno más inclusivo aplicando las siguientes medidas:

  • Modificación de camiones para facilitar el manejo a conductores discapacitados mediante mandos manuales y tecnologías adaptativas.

  • Apoyo y formación: cursos para abordar retos o necesidades específicos.

  • Prácticas de contratación inclusivas: adoptar un enfoque imparcial a la hora de contratar fomenta una cultura inclusiva y diversa.

Ofrecer una cultura diversa e integradora es vital para atraer a más conductores al sector del transporte. El sector ha pasado por alto el apoyo a las personas con discapacidades físicas y cognitivas, por lo que muchos conductores no saben a quién dirigirse. Los conductores discapacitados ofrecen un punto de vista único y una capacidad de adaptación que son bienvenidos en el sector.

¿Qué hacer si queda discapacitado durante su carrera?

Si desarrolla una enfermedad o discapacidad "notificable", debe comunicarlo a la DVLA, que hará lo siguiente:

  • Decida por carta: algunas circunstancias pueden requerir más información.

  • Evalúe su estado de salud y decida el resultado.

  • Si necesita adaptar su vehículo, necesitará una evaluación independiente de sus adaptaciones.

  • Si tiene que dejar de conducir, la DVLA le dará un justificante médico.

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lunes 02 diciembre 2024 • Consejos para conductores

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miércoles 18 septiembre 2024 • Consejos para conductores

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