Throughout the creation of the Passenger Assistance app we have collaborated with disabled passengers at every stage. Our accessibility panel, which is made up of people with a diverse range of accessibility needs, have been instrumental in shaping the way the app works today. That’s why we wanted to take a few moments to introduce a few of them, so you can get to know these awesome people a little better.
Dr Amy Kavanagh, Chair
Dr Amy Kavanagh is an award winning disability consultant, activist and campaigner. She uses social media to share her lived experience navigating the world as a blind Londoner alongside her Guide Dog Ava. Amy has recently become a mother and believes in the need for greater representation and discussion of disabled parenthood. Amy is committed to celebrating disability, mobility aids and encouraging others to learn about the social model of disability.
Amy’s disability and social justice activism includes issues varying from public transport, digital inclusion, violence against women and girls, access to museums and the arts, LGBTQ+ rights and employment equality. Amy is also a community builder and created an online inclusive space for disabled people during the pandemic to socialise and learn skills.
Through her activism and role as a disability consultant Amy has engaged with organisations including Friends of the Earth, Sony, Living Streets, Govia Thameslink Railway, Wellcome, LW Theatres, Elect Her and the BBC.
Sarah Rennie
Sarah is an Accessibility Specialist, with a particular focus on transport. Sarah doesn’t drive so she relies on rail to travel all over the country for work and fun! She has been passionate about supporting the development of the Passenger Assist app since she got involved in testing the product in 2018. Sarah’s focus, personally and professionally, is to support projects which enhance disabled passengers’ customer experience.
Chloe Tear
Chloe Tear is an award-winning disability blogger, freelancer and public speaker. Chloe is particularly interested in public attitudes towards disability. She also works part-time for Scope as a content designer. In this role, she writes information and advice that supports disabled people and their families to live the life they choose. Most weekends you can find Chloe on a train, travelling to see friends and family.
Jennie Berry
Jennie Berry, also known as @Wheelie_Good_life, is a 29-year-old disabled travel content creator who documents her life as a wheelchair user online to her audiences of over 100,000 followers. Jennie is an avid traveller, and uses her platform to speak about how she navigates public transport, holidays and work trips as a wheelchair user, as well as calling for better accessibility accommodations throughout. As well as this, Jennie is Head of Community at Sociability App, an app that helps disabled people find accessible places.
Tanvi Vyas
Tanvi Vyas is a freelance Disability Equality Consultant and Trainer with a particular interest in improving access to transport, leisure and the built environment. Tanvi raises the profile of challenges faced by disabled people, sharing her lived experience. She is keen to embed accessibility, diversity and inclusion and in policy and practice and is a Trustee for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Eleanor Lisney
Eleanor Lisney FRSA MA MSIS is a founder member of Sisters of Frida and Culture Access. She was born and bred in Malaysia, and has lived in UK, France and the USA. She used to travel a good deal but lately travel has not been an option. Her favourite mode of travel is be train and have done that in various countries including in China, Norway, Italy. She writes on intersectional issues as a disabled woman of colour and is passionate on campaigning for social justice and inclusion.
Alan Benson MBE
In loving memory of Alan Benson who passed away in 2023. Alan was not only a remarkable disability activist and advocate but will also be remembered for his kindness and humour. Alan was a valued member of our accessibility panel and provided support to many Transreport colleagues both personally and professionally, his loss is felt deeply.
Alan will be best remembered for his unwavering activism, his compassionate heart, and the positive changes he brought into this world. Alan’s spirit and contributions will forever be a part of our journey.
Alan was a disability campaigner and activist with a particular interest in transport. He was a member of London TravelWatch, was Chair of Transport for All, a Trustee of Richmond RUILS and a Citizen Advocate supporting Disabled and Older People. He was a regular tweeter and blogged about his journeys when time allowed. Before turning to campaigning Alan was an I.T. Manager at various colleges and universities across the country for over 20 years. He held two degrees in Economics and lived in West London
Our Accessibility Panel supports our work to design products which make mobility easier for passengers with access needs. The Panel provide us with internal advice and practical recommendations on everything from product design to inclusive communication. They are paid for their time to attend meetings. Members are not employed by Transreport or ’sign off’ our products to ensure the group’s independence. Our Accessibility Panel has a wide variety of professional expertise and lived experience of disability.