When travelling by train in Germany, you can receive free assistance with boarding, disembarking and changing trains as well as assistance at stations before and after your journey. You should contact train companies, train stations or tour operators at least one day before departure to clarify what assistance you require and what aids you will be bringing with you. You will often need to arrive at the station about an hour before the train's scheduled departure or final boarding time so that assistance can be provided on time.
Deutsche Bahn offers an online mobility service. The website (in German) provides a range of information about travelling by train and includes a form you can use to request assistance for yourself or another person. Offers and discounts on long-distance and local transport for holders of a severe disability pass can be found on the Deutsche Bahn website (information in standard written German).
The einfach teilhaben website provides an overview of free transport options for people with disabilities in Germany (information in standard written German, simple language and sign language).
When travelling by train abroad, you should check with the national railway companies for information on options and requirements. You can find an overview of European countries on the European Consumer Centre Germany website (in German) and the Interrail website. The Man in Seat 61 website offers a detailed overview of wheelchair transport in different countries (in standard written English).
When travelling by train in non-EU countries, it is best to check with the respective railway company about the accessibility of its services.