Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and Institut Guttmann recently collaborated on ‘Barcelonada’26, a geolocalisation scavenger hunt in Barcelona. This initiative aimed to boost personal autonomy and urban orientation for neurorehabilitation patients. Yesterday, a solidarity bus service transported patients from Guttmann Hospital in Badalona to the Catalan capital for the recreational event.
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A group of 10 patients from Guttmann Neurorehabilitation Hospital participated in this edition of the scavenger hunt. The activity included five locations. Participants had to reach these points using public transport and digital tools. These tools included mobile phones, Google Maps, and GPS. At each location, participants solved challenges using QR codes. This practice reinforced key skills like orientation, planning, decision-making, and walking in real urban environments.
Promoting Patient Independence
The ‘Barcelonada’26 experience forms a vital part of the patients’ neurorehabilitation process. It aims to facilitate their daily integration into society. The programme also reinforces their personal autonomy and confidence in city mobility. TMB provided the solidarity bus service with volunteer drivers for the event. These dedicated drivers are TMB staff members who volunteer their time outside regular working hours. This specific support ensures patients can access the event safely and efficiently, removing transport barriers.
Decades of Collaboration
Institut Guttmann and TMB have collaborated since 2000. Their partnership fosters autonomy for people with neurological disabilities or mobility issues. They promote the inclusion and community participation of these individuals in public transport use. The initial collaboration agreement focused on solidarity bus services. TMB volunteer drivers provided these services outside their working hours.
Enhancing Urban Mobility
In 2011, the collaboration agreement expanded significantly. It then included patient participation in autonomy workshops across the metro and bus networks. Guttmann patients attend regular sessions designed to familiarise them with the configuration and use of metro and bus networks. During these workshops, TMB volunteers provide detailed, practical demonstrations. They show all accessibility and safety features available on the transport system. This long-standing collaboration highlights a profound commitment to inclusive urban mobility for Barcelona residents and those from the wider metropolitan area.
This ongoing partnership between TMB and Institut Guttmann continues to empower patients. It provides essential tools and experiences for their successful integration into urban life. The initiatives help patients navigate Barcelona independently and confidently.
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Originally published by TMB Barcelona News. Read original article.
