14 December 2022

My favourite places to visit during the festive period as a blind person

I love nothing more than going on a day out with my friends and family. Like many other disabled people, accessibility is a huge factor for me. It dictates many aspects of my life. Accessibility means something different to everyone. We all have our own needs when it comes to whether somewhere is accessible or not.

Top tip: check out AccessAble which gives you detailed access information at your fingertips, for venues right across the UK.

So let’s explore some of the places I love visiting as a blind person during the festive period.

Edinburgh

The capital city of Scotland is one of my favourite places to visit at Christmas.

From wandering around the old town, doing a shopping spree, or taking a bus tour to learn about the sights and history of the city.

Of course, a trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without visiting Edinburgh Castle. It might be a chilly visit in winter, but well worth it!

In terms of accessibility, one of the things that stands out for me is the accessible bus tours. The audio guides make it a great way of finding out more about the city. As a blind person, I found that the tours have great attention to detail about the buildings and monumental parts of Edinburgh.

As Edinburgh is a fairly small city, it’s relatively easy to get around which makes it accessible for getting from A to B as a disabled person. There are trams going to and from the airport, trains from all across the UK and local buses too. Most people are also very friendly and happy to offer assistance.

London

I always get super excited when I’m visiting London, especially at Christmas.

From doing a spot of shopping down Oxford Street and admiring the Christmas lights, to visiting some of the world-famous tourist attractions – there’s so much to do!

Not forgetting about Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which is the perfect Christmassy activity, it’s on my bucket list for sure!

I personally find London one of the most accessible places to visit due to the great transport options – from talking buses and the option to travel on the tube make it very easy to get around. There are a number of options to get from A to B, with dedicated accessibility information to help you plan your journey, even the finer detail. If you’re like me, it’s always best to be prepared! When travelling to London via train, I find the assistance at the station invaluable.

One of my much-loved activities is booking tickets to a West-end show, with audio description of course. London Theatre has a good list of audio-described performances. VocalEyes website is my first port of call for shows in London and up and down the country.

Manchester

The city of Manchester will always have my heart, particularly as I’ve made some wonderful memories there with some of my best friends.

There’s something extra special about visiting at Christmas, not least because of the very popular Christmas market.

My visits to Manchester always usually involve a concert at the arena which is fantastic for accessibility.

I also find Manchester a great place to get around as it’s very easy to hop on a Metrolink and travel around the city. They also have talking announcements, so you always know where you are. They have tactile paving at every station, as well as step-free access.

I’ve also found a number of accessible hotels in Manchester which give you plenty of options for overnight stays. The Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre is ideal if you’re visiting the arena. Also not forgetting Hotel Brooklyn Manchester, an award-winning accessible hotel which offers 18 fully accessible rooms, both wheelchair accessible and ambulant accessible rooms.

New York

It would be great if we could hop across the pond whenever we wanted, but visiting New York at Christmas time is truly magical. It’s an experience like no other. Wandering the snow-covered filled streets is breathtaking.

Visiting famous tourist attractions such as the Top of the Rock, Central Park, and the Empire State Building and seeing a theatre show on Broadway make for unforgettable memories.

I was very impressed with the accessibility of New York, not just for the transport options – the subway, buses and lots of cabs are accessible. There are also lots of restaurants, as well as stalls on the streets so you can grab something to eat whilst you’re travelling around the city which is also a good, easily accessible option too.

Due to its popularity, apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, BlindSquare, AiRa and BeMyEyes are all great companion buddies when it comes to getting visual assistance and getting around.

If you’re travelling by train in the UK as a disabled person, don’t forget to book your assistance to make it a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Where are your favourite places to visit during the festive period?

About the Author

Holly Tuke is a disability blogger and freelance writer. She also works as a communications professional within the charity sector. Holly is the Author of the blog Life of a Blind Girl which she started in 2015 as a platform to share her experiences of living with a vision impairment, educate others and tackle the misconceptions surrounding disability.

She was named one of the most influential disabled people in the UK as part of Shaw Trust’s disability Power 100 list in 2018 and again in 2019. She also won the Social Media Influencer of the Year award at the 2019 RNIB See Differently Awards.

Away from the blog and freelance writing, Holly enjoys going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with a good audiobook.

30 November 2022

Accessible restaurants in the UK with festive menus

With December around the corner, many people will plan festive activities to enjoy with loved ones. In my opinion, food is always a good idea. Sometimes there’s nothing better than enjoying a great meal with some great company – especially when the festive menus are brought out for the season.

Source: Liliboas

The following chain restaurants are renowned for their Christmas menus, and sometimes they’re more likely to have access provisions in place. Every venue and location will differ, so it’s still important to check out their access before making a booking or turning up – you could look on their website, get in touch with staff, or have a look at the outside of the building and the pavements or area around it using Google Maps. You may also find it helpful to use apps like AccessAble, where you can filter venues by your specific access requirements even when you’re out and about.

Restaurants generally launch their festive menus around the middle of November, though this can vary. Tables tend to get booked up quickly even well ahead of Christmas, so make sure you’re on the ball and ready to book so you don’t miss out!

Here are a few options to consider:

Pizza Express

Sometimes the only way to improve upon a delicious pizza is to make it Christmassy, especially when you have an abundance of ‘snowball’ dough balls on the side. In recent years Pizza Express has really upped their offering for vegans, so there are plenty of tasty choices for those who eat plant-based or avoid dairy too.

The Ivy

If you’re looking for something extra-fancy, The Ivy always offers a stunning environment and a dining experience like no other. Whether you opt for the set menu, a la carte or even afternoon tea, there’s an elegant meal or treat to please everybody.

The Botanist

Many people enjoy a party vibe around the holiday season, and The Botanist definitely delivers on that front. As well as a gorgeous menu and buffet options, they’re renowned for their ultra-Instagrammable alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Check your local venue to see when they have live artists playing – you can even request your favourite song.

Toby Carvery

For many of us, the highlight of the festive season is a hearty roast dinner. If you live with fatigue or struggle to cook, you may like to treat yourself to a roast out of the house this year… and Toby Carvery is the nation’s favourite. Bookings for Christmas 2022 are open now.

Zizzi

This restaurant is a firm favourite for many families, and this year their Merry Menu features rustic pizza and pasta, wild boar with all the trimmings, and puddings that will please everybody. There are also some great vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegan Zillionaire’s Fudge Cake for dessert that shall henceforth become my personal mission to try this year.

If you’re booking a festive meal at an accessible restaurant this year, we’d love to hear your plans. If you’re travelling by train in pursuit of the best food, don’t forget to book your journey assistance using the free Passenger Assistance app and booking website!

About the Author

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer and presenter based in Yorkshire. She also works in communications consultancy in the charity sector and has been named by The Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In her free time, Pippa enjoys theatre, reading, travel, and blogging about her experiences at Life Of Pippa.

18 November 2022

Travelling during the festive period when you’re visually impaired

If you’re anything like me, once Halloween is done, it’s Christmas time! I appreciate November is a month early, I just love this time of year. For me, finding the perfect present for someone is a must. Although this can be harder at times.

I’m registered blind and I have mild cerebral palsy. This can make travelling problematic — especially when it is busy! Here are my top tips for visually impaired people who will be travelling during the festive period.

Travel off-peak if possible

It might sound obvious, but off-peak travel is cheaper and often quieter.

Get ahead of the crowds and leave more time for that all-important festive shopping. When travelling during the festive period, I tend to leave plenty of time. For example, I might choose to travel the night before an event so there is less rushing and I can travel when it’s quieter.

Off-peak travel isn’t always possible. However, it can help to check for train disruptions before you travel.

Bring a suitable bag

Are you armed with luggage to keep all the presents together? I don’t know about you, but I find multiple bags a logistical nightmare. This is especially true when I’ve spent the day buying Christmas presents.

It is hard to carry everything in one hand if you use a long white cane. Also, it can be easy to leave a bag behind when you have a must needed coffee shop break.

I tend to use a backpack when I know I will be shopping. Even if that means I get on the train with an empty bag!

Using mobility aids

Some people who are visually impaired will use a long white cane or guide dog to mobilise. This can be vital in terms of getting about, but also is a visual symbol for everyone else.

If you are visually impaired and don’t use a long cane, you might find it helpful to use a symbol cane when travelling during the festive period. Here’s why:

● It could help you get a seat when the train is busy.

● It’s easier for train assistance to find you.

● Means people give you space when in crowded areas.

● Mobility aids can be empowering and not something to be afraid of.

I appreciate that not everyone will want to ‘announce’ their disability, and that’s okay! I started to experience sight loss when I turned 18 years old. Using a long cane took time to adjust to.

Book train assistance with Passenger Assistance

Whether you’re a seasoned train traveller or want to attend a festive gathering, Passenger Assistance can ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. They can help you:

● change trains or find the station exit

● get a seat on a crowded train

● carry bags and make sure no presents are left behind

You can download their free app on android or IOS, or use the online booking website. I use the app and love the profile feature. It has all my access needs saved and can be customised to accommodate multiple impairments. This makes it quick and easy to fill out, so I have more time for Christmas shopping!

About the Author

Chloe Tear is an award-winning disabled writer, speaker and advocate. In her blog, Chloe Tear, she writes about her lived experiences of being registered blind and having mild cerebral palsy. Chloe also works as a content designer within the charity sector. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring new coffee shops, going to the theatre or playing Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch.

31 October 2022

The new Passenger Assistance app feature: Ratings

Here at Passenger Assistance, user feedback drives us to make our app better for everyone to use. That’s why we’re always looking for new ways to involve our users in the development of the app and its future.

The new passenger ratings feature was introduced so that all passengers can share their feedback about their journeys, including the quality of the assistance provided to them during their trip. All of the feedback and information that we gather from this will mean that we can work alongside train companies to supply users with the best possible experience and highlight areas for improvement. It is also important to point out that all responses no matter what will remain anonymous, so please be as open and honest as you’d like.

Passengers can rate their journeys as soon as it has been confirmed

Passengers can rate their journeys using stars

Once passengers have completed their journey and the assistance has been completed, the app will take you to a page where you can begin to rate your journey. The feature enables users to rate their journey out of 5 stars, and are also given ‘more information’ boxes to ensure that you can leave as much feedback as you’d like! You can share information such as ‘quality of assistance’, ‘speed of assistance’ and ‘assistance received.’ All of the responses given will be saved in your journey details so, at any point, you can go back and view them on the journey details screen.

Other information boxes allow passengers to go into as much detail as they’d like

Feedback will be sent to our app team and will allow the customer experience to be improved

So, if you have an upcoming train journey that you need assistance for, then pre-book it now by downloading and using the free Passenger Assistance mobile app. Don’t forget to rate your journey and the assistance you received so that we can continue to provide the best possible service for our end users.

28 October 2022

Alternative Ways To Celebrate Bonfire Night

For many people in the UK, Bonfire Night marks the beginning of the colder months and the countdown to the festive season. Traditionally, people gather outdoors to enjoy food and firework displays around a bonfire. However, for many disabled people and those with chronic illnesses, these celebrations aren’t always accessible.

Credit: AleksandarNakic

It could be that you struggle to stand for long periods, or your mobility aids don’t work as well on the muddy grass. You may have noise or light sensitivity that’s triggered by vibrant fireworks. Perhaps you feel anxious around crowds, or you’re continuing social distancing or shielding due to vulnerability.

Whatever your ‘why’ is, it can be really helpful to think about how you can have fun on Bonfire Night in a way that works best for you.

Here are a few ideas:

1) If you do want to go out, look for bigger and more official fireworks displays. These are more likely to provide accessibility information online and have adjustments in place for disabled people. You may have to travel a little further out to reach them (so don’t forget to book your assistance!), but they will likely lead to a much more enjoyable experience when you’re there.

2) Consider hosting a smaller occasion at home. If it’s safe and respectful to do so, invite some friends or family over and purchase a few Silent or Low Noise Fireworks to set off in your garden. Alternatively, you may like to sit outside and simply watch other people’s displays in the sky above you. Grab yourself a blanket and hot drink, and enjoy your own private viewing among good company.

3) If you struggle to leave your house or room, Indoor Sparklers are also beautiful. Again, make sure you’re being safe, but these sparklers are specially adapted to give off less smoke and be more suitable indoors… and many are very affordable too.

4) Indulge in food! Traditional Bonfire Night cuisine includes baked potatoes wrapped in foil, hot dogs and burgers and Parkin cake for afters. Many supermarkets offer seasonal food and treats around Bonfire Night, so keep an eye out for these in your local store or online. Regardless of whether or not you’re in proximity to an open flame, it’s only right that you treat yourself to some marshmallows and chocolate in the evening – perhaps even make your own s’Mores too…

5) If you’re into crafting, create something seasonal. Paint fireworks in the sky, fashion a personal rocket out of paper, knit bespoke hand warmers in autumnal colours… the list goes on. There are so many creative craft ideas online that could be enjoyable, not just for kids but for teens and adults too.

However you choose to spend Bonfire Night, please ensure you’re being safe – not only with regard to the fireworks but in looking after yourself too. Also, don’t forget that if you are planning on travelling anywhere by train, download the Passenger Assistance app to pre-book your journey assistance, and have one less thing to worry about. Plans that are inclusive for you enable you to have the most fun of all, so we’d love to hear what you get up to!

About the Author

10 October 2022

Introducing the new Passenger Assistance Web Application

The Passenger Assistance app can be downloaded from both the Apple App and Google Play stores and passengers are able to pre-book assistance for their rail journeys and simplify the booking experience. However, we are constantly striving to increase accessibility and have now created a web application, meaning anyone can book assistance through a desktop website, as well as our app.

Passenger Assistance booking site

Our new booking site is simple to use, all you need to do is choose the train times/destinations of your journey, and then enter all of your access needs, plus any other information onto the next page. Just like the app, you are able to request a companion/priority seat and a wheelchair space when entering the journey assistance you require. After you have entered and checked your details, you can confirm your booking and the request will be sent straight to the train operators. As soon as your booking has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation of your assistance to the email you have provided.

Got an account on the app and want to use the booking site? No worries! Your login for the mobile app will also mean you have a profile set up on the web app, so just enter the same credentials and get booking! Head over to booking.passengerassistance .com now to request a booking.

Although the mobile app and booking website work similarly, we understand that smartphones are not accessible to everyone. Our app and website have been designed in consultation with those with a wide range of accessibility needs and are screen-reader compatible. The booking site will also allow those with better access to laptops/computers or who may not have a smartphone to pre-book assistance.
Don’t forget that you can still download the Passenger Assistance app on both iOS and Android smartphones and you can find out more about both applications on our FAQ page.

28 September 2022

How To Build Up Confidence On Public Transport As A New Wheelchair User

For people who acquire disabilities in later life, becoming a wheelchair user often leads to a significant lifestyle change. There are many new things to master and adjust to over this time, and one of the biggest hurdles can be navigating public transport in a whole new way.

As somebody with a chronic illness, I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user. This means I have some mobility and use different aids on different days. In 2018 I moved from using a transit wheelchair to a powerchair – and it’s changed my life for the better. Becoming a powerchair user gave me a level of independence I’d been craving and opened the world to me in many different ways. However, for a long time, I feared using my powerchair to board public transport.

Source: apeyron

It took me four months to build up the confidence to board the bus using my powerchair, and longer still to undertake a train journey. Anything unfamiliar can often feel scary to us, but here are three actions that helped me to build up my confidence:

Take A Friend

Sometimes having a familiar face with you can make all the difference. Having a friend with me took away some of my anxiety about navigating public transport, and gave me more confidence to communicate with staff when I began to board the bus. It also made it easier to laugh about anything that didn’t quite go to plan and identify how to do things even better next time. Trust me, my first few attempts at reversing into the wheelchair space on the bus were quite something to behold!

Try Smaller Journeys First

If you’re travelling solo, consider making some smaller journeys in your local area. Board public transport on a day where you’re not tied to any plans or don’t have anywhere specific to be, so you can assess the time and energy your trip requires. You could even try and travel at quieter times in the day to give you some more space to figure things out. The more experience you build up, the less daunting the longer journeys become.

Book Assistance

If you’re travelling by train, Passenger Assistance is here to help. The app is free to download and it allows you to book your journey in advance, note down any specific requirements, and somebody will be on hand to deploy the ramp at the station or cater to any of your other needs. Staff are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask any questions if you’re unsure of what you’re supposed to be doing. Head over to our previous blog post for a breakdown of how our app works.

If you’re currently feeling anxious about using public transport as a wheelchair or powerchair user, you have my empathy. However, please be assured that it really does get easier with time – in fact, it’s almost second nature to me now. Above all else, remember that boarding public transport brings you one step closer to new adventures, and let that thought spur you on. Happy travels – you’ve got this!

About the Author

20 September 2022

How to Use Passenger Assistance to Book Assistance on Trains

Passenger Assistance is an app that you can use to book assistance on trains. It’s been created in consultation with disabled people who have a range of access needs, and they have also helped develop and test the app’s features. An accessibility panel also steered the direction of the app.

It’s not mandatory to use the app to book assisted train travel in the UK, but it has been designed to simplify the process, especially for those with access needs. In order to use the Passenger Assistance app, you need to do the following:

Download the app
Create an account
Set up your profile
Request assistance

Read on for more details on the above steps.

Download the Passenger Assistance app

To use Passenger Assistance you can either download the mobile app or access it through the web version. The app is compatible with screen readers. It’s available for download via the App Store or Google Play.

Create an account

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you will need to create an account. To do this, follow the steps below:

Open the Passenger Assistance app.
Select a colour theme.
You will now have the choice to view or ‘skip’ a quick introduction to the app. This introduction briefly explains what you can do with the app.
Click ‘Sign up’ and provide your email and password. Make sure you provide a strong password by making it at least 8 characters long and including a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, a special character, and at least one number.
Review and agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Click ‘Create an account’.
A confirmation email containing a 6-digit verification code will be sent to the email address you provided. Enter the code to verify your email address and create your account.

Set up your profile

After creating your account, you need to set up your profile. This does not take long to do but is important as it ensures any assistance you request will cater to all of your access needs.

IOS How to create your Passenger Assistance account and set up your profile on an Apple mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Android How to create your Passenger Assistance account and set up your profile on an Android mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Watch the above videos or follow the instructions below to set up your profile.

Add a photo. This is optional, but it can help station staff recognise you.
Enter your name and contact details. You do not have to provide your phone number, though it can be useful to receive information about your journey.
Select the access considerations that are applicable to you. A range of mobility impairments, sensory impairments, and non-visible impairments are listed in the text and pictorially. Click the ‘i’ symbols for more information.
Provide any further information you would like to share about your access needs in the ‘Other notes’ field.
Click ‘Save details’. Your profile is now set up.

Request assistance

Now that you’ve created an account and set up your profile, it’s easy to book assistance for a train journey. Simply open up the app. You will automatically land on the ‘New Journeys’ tab. This is where you provide the details of your trip.

IOS How to use Passenger Assistance to book assistance on trains on an Apple mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Android How to use Passenger Assistance to book assistance on trains on an Android mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Watch the above videos or follow the instructions below to request assistance.

Enter your departure and arrival stations.
Select the date and time of your journey.
Select the number of passengers and the connection time (if applicable).
Select ‘Find trains’. You will be shown a list of trains, and you can select the one you will be travelling on.
Review your journey details. Click ‘Select train’.
Select your access needs for the journey. Use the ‘Other notes’ field to provide any additional information. Then click ‘Save’.
Review the details and click ‘Confirm details’. You will receive a notification and an email from Passenger Assistance once the request is made. You will also receive a notification and email from Passenger Assistance when the booking is confirmed.

If the details of your journey change, or if you need to cancel your booking, you can easily edit or delete your booking on the ‘New Journeys’ tab.

During the journey

When you arrive at your departure station, you can either go to the meeting point provided in your booking, go to a Help Point, or contact station staff to inform them that you have requested assistance for your train journey. If you need it, there is a reference number for your assistance in the confirmation email.
If you’re curious, then read or watch some examples of real-life journeys using the Passenger Assistance app. And if you have any questions or require help, then please get in touch using our contact form. We wish you a pleasant journey!

19 August 2022

Train Travel Tips For People With Fatigue

Fatigue is a daily part of life for many people with Energy Limiting Conditions. Not everybody with a chronic illness is well enough to leave the house and travel, but for those who are, being well-prepared for your train journey can make all the difference. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Source: Christian Erfurt

Plan Everything Beforehand

People with fatigue rely on pacing and activity management to help their energy go further. This means carefully planning and breaking down tasks into component parts, so they can be spread out more evenly and ‘paced’ with rest time in-between, rather than being attempted all in one go. Book your travel early and visualise each separate part of the process, from entering your local station to arriving at your destination. This means you can plan everything in advance and mentally prepare yourself for the different stages of your journey.

Book Seats or Identify Priority Spaces

Where possible, opt for train services where you can reserve seats. If you don’t use mobility aids or struggle with walking, you may like to request seats near the carriage doors or toilet to reduce your walking distances once onboard. If this isn’t possible, use online information and train layouts to identify where you can find the onboard priority seats.

Wear A Sunflower Lanyard

The Sunflower Lanyard is a colourful and effective way of symbolising hidden and less-visible disabilities. They help staff and other passengers identify that the wearer may be facing invisible struggles, such as fatigue, and encourage compassion and assistance. Sunflower lanyards and accessories are very cheap to purchase online, and you can now borrow lanyards from many train stations too.

Travel With Somebody Familiar

Even if you don’t usually have a carer with you, travelling with a familiar face (such as a friend or family member) can help you to save energy and reduce over-exertion. They will have a better understanding of your needs, be able to communicate with others on your behalf, and take care of any issues that arise. Sometimes, even just having an extra pair of hands to carry your bag can make all the difference.

Ask For Help or Book Assistance

People with fatigue and less-visible disabilities often feel afraid of asking for help or believe that they aren’t entitled to support. However, initiatives like Passenger Assistance are for every disabled person. Even if you don’t regularly use mobility aids, you can use the app to book the station wheelchair to take you to and from your trains, or request for somebody to assist you with luggage. Perhaps all you need is a friendly face to point you in the right

direction – no matter what your requirements are, don’t be afraid to ask for the things that will make your journey easier.

We hope you find these tips helpful, and that they help your journey go smoothly. If you have any further advice for travelling by train with fatigue, we’d love to hear about it!

About the Author