12 11月 2024

Purple Pound: My Trip from Leicester to Paris via Train and Eurostar

In recent years, the ‘Purple Pound’ movement has gained momentum, spotlighting the economic power of the Disabled community. This initiative emphasises the significant spending capacity of Disabled individuals and their families, estimated to exceed £274 billion in disposable income in the UK alone. This represents a substantial opportunity for businesses to enhance their reach and profitability by embracing accessibility, and Purple Tuesday on November 12^th is the perfect opportunity for this.

Purple Tuesday is an opportunity for staff of organisations from all sectors to pledge to foster awareness, deepen understanding, and implement solutions for improved accessibility in their customer environments. By committing to improve accessibility initiatives, businesses demonstrate dedication to improving the experience of Disabled consumers. This is extremely important for increasing safe and inclusive experiences for the 1.3 billion Disabled people worldwide.

However, Disabled people often encounter barriers due to inaccessibility, which prevents them from accessing a building or business. I have frequently found that in my local area, cars are parked in a manner that blocks the dropped kerb, which means that I am expected to push my wheelchair on the road, and the stores in my local area have steps to enter. Therefore, I cannot independently choose what I would like. Situations like this make me feel ‘Disabled’ as the Social Model of Disability would rightly state that environmental factors disable me rather than my actual Disability. I am forced to travel further to stores that are step-free and accessible for my wheelchair, highlighting how businesses not embracing accessibility reduces their reach and profitability.

A 2021 study by the National Travel Survey highlighted that Disabled people travel significantly less on average than non-disabled people, with Disabled participants averaging 21 trips per year for entertainment and leisure, compared to 32 trips per year for non-disabled participants.

I love to travel; I love exploring new cities, from the coffee shops to the unique sightseeing spots on offer – but as a wheelchair user, I am very much aware of the levels of planning that this entails, from the transport to the access at each venue. Organisations that participate in ‘Purple Tuesday’ are dedicated to making public commitments each year to improve accessibility and practices, ensuring that Disabled customers have a more inclusive and positive experience. These commitments involve initiating at least one new activity or initiative.

In this article, I will share my journey of travelling from Leicester to Paris using Eurostar and I will highlight why embracing accessibility is excellent for both the company and the consumer. I will also highlight my experiences of the train journey from Leicester to London St Pancras station and then the trip on the Eurostar from London St Pancras station to Paris Gare du Nord station, one of the most straightforward and accessible journeys I have been on.

The first thing that stood out to me when booking tickets was that I could immediately inform the staff of my Disability when booking online. Disabled and companion tickets are £39.00 for a single ticket all year round, and we sat in first class. This is amazing as a wheelchair user, as I wanted to ensure that I travelled during off-peak season; this means that it will be less crowded and much more enjoyable if I am not trying to navigate through masses of tourists! After I had booked my Eurostar, it was time to book my train ticket from Leicester to London and my hotel in Paris.

The first part of my journey from Leicester to London was incredibly smooth. I requested my assistance using the Passenger Assistance App. This allowed me to exert control, in just a few taps I could alert staff of my access needs in advance, such as a ramp to get on the train, help carrying my luggage, a ramp, and a wheelchair space on the train. This was key to ensuring a safe and stress-free journey to London. There have been some occasions in the past where suitcases have been placed in the wheelchair space, which is super-inconvenient, but this time, the staff put the ramp out for me, and I was able to sit in the wheelchair space safely, with my friends on the seats next to me.

After a short journey, we arrived at London St Pancras train station, and I can only vouch for and praise the station’s accessibility. As I requested assistance in advance, this allowed ample time and opportunity to explore the stations’ amenities. It is honestly amazing. All the shops have step-free access, and various shopping options help you pass the time. We stopped at Joe and the Juice as we had heard great reviews, and the tunacado sandwich was excellent. I recommend it. Another thing I thought was amazing was the beautiful, spacious lounge where wheelchair users could rest whilst we awaited our Eurostar train. The lounge was slick with a dark interior and access to an accessible toilet fitted with hoists, lowered mirrors and a red cord that wasn’t tied to the wall!

Finally, it was time to check in and board our train. The entire process, from start to finish, was efficient and quick. The staff escorted me to the entrance door of the Eurostar, and they fitted a ramp so that I could easily get on the train. The Eurostar itself is extremely spacious and clean; there’s plenty of room to move around and an accessible toilet.

At St Pancras I had access to a lounge to rest and an accessible toilet, this eased the pressure of asking the stores at St Pancras if they had accessible toilets. Generally, businesses often don’t have an accessible toilet which makes outings stressful and if I’m lucky enough to come across an accessible toilet, I am often pressured to buy an item so that I can use it. In comparison to flying abroad, the Eurostar was an incredible mode of transport as I was able to remain in my wheelchair from start to finish, reducing my anxiety massively.

This experience highlights how journeys for wheelchair users can be so simple and straightforward when businesses consider the access needs of Disabled people and why initiatives such as Purple Tuesday are so important for businesses to adopt. Did you know, 75% of Disabled People and their families have walked away from businesses due to poor customer service or accessibility?

I used Transreport’s Passenger Assistance App to request my assistance from Leicester to St Pancras. The app was useful for the rail travel section of the journey, but it would be great if it was available for more transport modes like Eurostar. I informed the team of my Disability during the booking process but having the opportunity to request the assistance I require using the Passenger Assistance App would put my mind at rest knowing that my needs are acknowledged and processed so that in the event of an emergency e.g. in the event of a train cancellation my Disability would be considered and changes would be made accordingly. Unfortunately, I experienced this incident on a previous occasion when I used the Eurostar which is why I advocate for transparent and clear communication and using apps such as the Passenger Assistance App to ensure a smooth journey.

As more Disabled people share their accessibility stories, businesses are starting to recognise the importance of creating inclusive environments. Accessibility goes beyond compliance with regulations; it is about understanding and meeting the diverse needs of all customers. The Purple Tuesday website highlights some of the ways that businesses can commit to improving accessibility. For example, businesses can commit to a Digital Accessibility Audit, sign up to Purple 365 for Disability training for your whole organisation, introduce formalised quiet hours in your physical spaces, conduct an audit of your recruitment process and implement the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.

Disabled people have a range of needs and the best way to know how you may implement change positively is by simply speaking to us and hearing our views – there is nothing about us, without us.

About the Author

Umaymah Dakri, 23.

Disability awareness and accessibility advocate.

Disability.living on Instagram.

28 10月 2024

Travelling with Confidence

Travelling is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Whilst disabled and older people have the right to travel without the need to request assistance in advance – planning ahead can help mitigate any unexpected or unpleasant surprises, which is why I find the Passenger Assistance App helpful.

I not only travel for pleasure but for work. My name is Joe, I’m a wheelchair user, and I’m the Community Manager at Euan’s Guide, the award-winning disabled access charity. In short, my job is to visit transport locations around the UK to review accessibility and improve the information available to disabled passengers as part of our new travel-focused project. At Euan’s Guide, our mission is to improve the disabled access information available and make it easier, safer and more rewarding for disabled people to find and visit accessible places.

Recently, I travelled from Glasgow to Aberdeen for work. I first purchased train tickets on the ScotRail website, making sure to take advantage of my Disabled Persons Railcard. I then requested assistance via the Passenger Assistance App, matching my departure date and time with my ticket booking and leaving a note explaining the type of assistance I need.

When I arrived at Queen Street Station I spoke with Steven, who works for Network Rail, and provides assistance to disabled and older passengers. Steven let me know that he was expecting me, reading my name from the sheet before I had time to offer it.

I took the opportunity to have a short chat with Steven who spoke of the station-side of the Passenger Assistance App, he liked how helpful it is, particularly how it allows stations to communicate with each other, and that amendments can be made quickly when passengers arrive early or need to make a change to their journey. This not only benefits passengers who have requested assistance in advance but allows for the creation of profiles to relay the access needs of passengers who choose to travel on the day.

The Inter7City ScotRail train I boarded had a pretty steep ramp, but Steven supported me in boarding and guided me through to the accessible space I’d booked. Knowing that my assistance was booked, brought a sense of ease. When I arrived at Aberdeen 2 hours and 40 minutes later, I was met with a smile and assisted from the train. I didn’t get the chance to get the man’s name but I was sure to thank him. The staff at the gates opened the accessible gate for me and waved me through.

Before I left Aberdeen Railway Station, I spoke with Louise at the Information desk. Louise works for Network Rail and assists disabled and older customers in making their journey. Knowledgeable about accessibility overall and eager to help, she took time to speak to me about her role and how Transreport’s Passenger Assistance App has changed things. She highlighted the benefits of having a customer’s access needs provided in advance so that the support provided is bespoke to each passenger. 

My time in the city was spent reviewing accessibility at transport hubs and popular visitor locations, and I documented my experience at the station on Euan’s Guide. I found Aberdeen to be a lovely city, though there are a fair few hills to be aware of – sore on the arms if you’re a manual wheelchair user (trust me).

On my way home, I encountered Louise again and it was like chatting to an old friend. We had a laugh about some silly events I encountered on my visit to the city, and she made sure that I got on the train. A member of the assistance team at the station helped me onto the train quickly and efficiently, so efficiently in fact that we didn’t have time to talk but they made sure I was comfortable before heading off to their next passenger. Though Aberdeen Railway Station is small, it’s busy, so I understood the haste.

On the journey back to Glasgow, along what has to be one of the most scenic routes in Scotland, I spoke with Sue. Sue lives in England but loves spending time in Scotland. She boarded the train at Dundee with help from the station staff, so I thought I’d ask her about her experience with the Passenger Assistance App.

Sue, an experienced traveller, told me that she loves the app, and likes how she can travel, confident in the knowledge that her access needs will be met. Sue has a true sense of adventure and enjoyed telling me of the places she’s been.

In my opinion, one of the real purposes of the Passenger Assistance App is to dismantle travel barriers for disabled and older people who need a little support to make that trip they’ve been longing to make. I find rail is a pleasant way to travel and a great way to see parts of the country you may not otherwise get to see. Call me romantic but there’s wonder in the dramatic landscapes of the UK, and I love to see the transition from farms to fens, and on that rare coastal route, the sea.

I’ve touched on what travelling with confidence means in a general sense, but it’s much more than just knowing I’ve requested assistance, it’s leaving the house without fear, recognising the challenge but not letting it stop me, and being out there in a world that many disabled and older people feel excluded from. When I can lift my head and cross that threshold, knowing that I can go where I need to go, that’s confidence.

If you’d like to explore another way to request assistance, you can install the Passenger Assistance app on your smartphone or try out the web version at the following link: passengerassistance.com

It brings peace of mind knowing that staff understand what assistance you need, so you can focus on your journey. Get out there!

About the Author

Joe Logue is the Community Manager at the award-winning disabled access charity Euan’s Guide. With a focus on travel as a disabled person and a passion for writing, he’s eager to share his experiences and open the world to others living with a disability.

24 6月 2024

Three Generations, One Train Journey: How Passenger Assistance Makes Family Adventures More Enjoyable

Sunshine! Finally, the long winter had loosened its grip, and the promise of golden fields and warm air whispered of long-awaited adventures. This time, the adventure involved a train journey to Surrey, a chance for a special family outing with my daughter, Sunny (26), and my mum, Glenys (a sprightly 75!).

Now, train travel can be a mixed bag for our little family unit.  While we all share a love for exploring new places, we each have our own set of needs that can sometimes turn a trip into a bit of a logistical dance. For me, as a wheelchair user, navigating stations and boarding trains requires its own kind of assistance. Sunny, on the other hand, has anxiety, particularly in crowded spaces like train platforms. And then there’s Mum – bless her heart – her enthusiasm for outings has often overshadowed her awareness of her body’s needs, especially when it comes to her breathing difficulties.

In the past, trying to coordinate all our individual needs could be a stressful experience. There was the time Sunny, running late and overwhelmed by a crowded platform, ended up on the wrong train, leading to a cascade of anxiety and a vow to never trust trains again. Needless to say, that particular excursion wasn’t exactly conducive to a fun day out! Mum, on the other hand, has pushed herself too hard on occasion, leaving her breathless and needing to rest for the entire afternoon upon arrival and missing out on a lot of fun. Perhaps that’s a hereditary trait – something to keep an eye on, Sunny (of course, we all know Mum would never admit it, but the resemblance is uncanny)! 

Thankfully, I know how much using the Passenger Assistance app has transformed my train travels and so I was excited to introduce it to Sunny and Mum for our trip to Surrey. All our access needs are different and I love how the app is so inclusive. Our assistance requests were sent from the app to the train company who carry out the assistance. When we arrived at the station, a member of station staff helped me from the platform onto the train and I began the day relaxed and ready to enjoy the journey. Sunny felt a sense of calm by requesting help finding her seat. The app was a big help for Mum too as by communicating her breathing difficulties to staff, she felt empowered to take things at her own pace. She enjoyed the journey more, chatting with us and taking in the scenery.

If you’re thinking of planning your own family adventure, the Passenger Assistance app is a fantastic option if you prefer to request assistance ahead of the day. You can download the app or request assistance online at https://passengerassistance.com/

We were headed towards a favourite Surrey High Street for our day out, to do a spot of shopping, but accessibility proved to be a bit of a challenge. Some of the shops we wanted to get into weren’t set up for wheelchairs, which was frustrating but sadly not unexpected. Still, we managed to find some treasures. Mum finally found the photo frame she’d been searching for and I treated myself to a new candle (seeing as my ADHD brain loves indulging in scent so much!).

Feeling a little hungry, we found a lovely cafe tucked down a side street with level access, where we could relax and enjoy a delicious spot of lunch. Of course, Mum had to have her obligatory “nice cup of tea”!

By the afternoon, I started to feel a bit tired, so we decided to head back to the station. It had been lovely but I knew I was reaching my limit. The return journey was just as smooth as the first and we chatted happily about our little adventure. It was such a simple pleasure, just being together, laughing and chatting like only we can do.

On our journey home from Surrey, afternoon sunlight streamed through the train windows, bathing the countryside in burnished gold as we rattled towards the south coast. The gentle rumble of the tracks lulled us into a peaceful rhythm, a welcome change from how we’d sometimes struggled in the past.

As we didn’t need to frantically search for seats, we were instead able to relax into the return journey. We laughed together as Sunny showed Mum some funny cat videos on her phone (which Mum tolerated with gentle amusement!). There were a few damp eye moments too, as we reminisced over past precious moments together. Living far away from each other makes these in-person connections all the more special.

It definitely isn’t always this easy. Thinking of the times I can’t leave home due to my health only reminds me to cherish these moments more. To be fully present, watching the early summer sunshine dapple the passing landscape and basking in the love of my family.

02 4月 2024

My Neurodivergent Nightmare Journey: Why It Didn’t Stop Me Travelling

April can be quite the month for us neurodivergent lot – Autism Awareness Day gets the world chatting about inclusion and empathy. But what happens when the flashy worlds of awareness campaigns collide with the real-life journey of a neurodivergent explorer? 

As someone deeply involved with disability and neurodiversity, I thought I’d chat today about a recent, raw experience – from heart-pounding anxiety to sweet relief. My tale twists and turns yet, I reckon finishes on an empowering note. 

Trains can be both a hurdle and a sanctuary for many of us neurodivergent folks. I find the constant hum of noise and chatter amidst the gentle swaying can sometimes be a bit much. Nevertheless, they’re also prime spots where I can let my mind roam, catch up on some work or my latest telly boxset, or simply soak in the beauty of the passing scenery. 

Before stumbling upon Transreport’s Passenger Assistance app, train travel could easily be a nightmare for me. The dread of not being able to hop on a train with my wheelchair would flood me with anxiety. As a full-time wheelchair user, I now routinely use the Passenger Assistance app for all my train journeys. But a recent hop into London for an event highlighted that this tool can be helpful for logistical and emotional access needs, as well as physical – something I hadn’t previously considered. 

On that evening, I had expended a fair amount of emotional stamina to combat social anxiety that nearly derailed – pardon the pun – my evening before it even started. After using the app to request my usual assistance of a ramp and wheelchair spot for my train into Paddington, I settled in for the journey. I used the time to collect myself, hoping for a sense of calm to wash over me as I approached the station. 

I then rolled through London using the tube, admiring the step-free access at the stations. Although, figuring out the elaborate lift systems was like cracking the DaVinci code – it’s almost like you need a PhD just to understand those diagrams! 

Picture then, the dread that seizes me when I realise that I’d forgotten to check the final address for the event – thanks ADHD brain – and I’d arrived at the wrong station. There I sat, surrounded by the chaotic amalgamation of sights and sounds of a Friday night in central London, hurtling full throttle into meltdown. 

To some it might appear a tiny mishap, but I felt lost – both spatially and in society.  Anxiety loomed as the truth dawned and I realised what had happened.  I sat frozen by my error, staring blankly at the ticket barrier in the station.  

My ADHD brain was having a really tough day. I found it incredibly difficult to decipher the train maps or figure out how to reach the right platform. The complexity of the situation felt overwhelming, making it hard to focus or function at all. 

Fear, fatigue, and a sense of surrender threatened to swallow me, making me contemplate throwing in the towel and heading back home. As I was sitting there feeling lost and unsure of what to do next, I felt relieved when the station staff saw I needed help. They kindly offered to help me locate the right train to reach my destination. 

When using the Passenger Assistance app, I used to request only a ramp and wheelchair space. Now, I understand I can ask for more assistance for access needs that may not be related to mobility, such as finding the platform and my train, as well as finding a seat. The app accommodates a wide range of access needs, and you can create a profile to save yours for future journeys, which I find helpful with ADHD and cognitive difficulties, making life just that little bit easier. 

That night could have gone one of two ways. But instead of feeling more intimidated, it actually increased my confidence for solo travel. What could have sent me scurrying home, anxious and defeated, instead increased my capabilities. No one becomes a success story in this world without some help along the way!  That night, faced with a pivotal decision – retreat or persevere – I decided to steam ahead. And I’m so glad that I pressed on with my journey because I had a fabulous night, connecting with some wonderful humans and engaging in important conversations. 

As I share this tale of victory with you, I hope the butterfly effect will open your world simply by reading it. Society frequently shows us disabled and/or neurodivergent lot as fragile and deserving of pity. I refute these clichés and hope to show that divergence or disability can be a marvellous, life-enhancing part of us, not a tragedy. We simply require the right support to enable us to wring every ounce of joy out of the world we live in. 

I definitely recommend using the Passenger Assistance app for your travels. I love that you can input your individual access needs and I personally find this enriches my experience, giving me more confidence to explore the world. You can download the app to request your assistance, or to find more information, you can visit the following link: https://shorturl.at/yBFQ7 

About the Author

“In 2019, life changed when I faced a sudden change in my disability and became a full-time wheelchair user. After a short period battling my situation, instead of fading away, I chose to embrace my new reality. Now, I advocate for inclusivity and acceptance. I’m proud to promote self-confidence, leading discussions on empowerment on shows like This Morning and platforms like BBC Radio and London Fashion Week. My goal is to celebrate uniqueness and empower everyone to confidently take their place in the world.”

Sandie Roberts

29 3月 2024

An Inclusive Easter

Traditionally, Easter marked the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting in Christianity. However, tradition is continually evolving and for lots of people today, Easter is a time for chocolate. For me, it’s a time where I prepare to eat more Easter eggs than my body can handle!

Easter can be a great time to engage with our local communities, make new friends and socialise. However, it may also be a time where some people feel left out or excluded from certain activities.

Therefore, in today’s blog post, I’m going to share some of my Easter experiences, and hopefully inspire others to make their Springtime shenanigans more inclusive!

My Experience

As a child, I remember going to my local community garden for an Easter egg hunt. I still have visions of my sister and I racing around the park to try to find as many sweets as possible before the other children beat us to it.

One thing I will note is that as a wheelchair user, egg hunts were not always the most accessible, as I often couldn’t reach those sneaky hiding places. If I were ever to arrange an egg hunt myself (either at home or in the community), I would ensure a range of hiding places and heights were selected, which were reachable for all participants. Considering access needs in this way is a social responsibility and it’s important to remember that accessibility should always be a priority; and this is also the case for fun leisure activities and celebrations!

30 years later, I would definitely still be keen for a chocolate trail. Who says it’s just the kids that get to have fun?

To be truly inclusive when it comes to chocolate trails and egg hunts, it’s also vital to cater to a range of dietary requirements, and allergen information is more readily available in recent years.

Several of my friends have specific dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic. So I always factor these in when shopping for Easter edibles.

A great example of a chocolate brand which may be more suitable for people with allergies is NOMO. You can find their tasty treats at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/34hzn9yu

Easter Activities

Easter is designed to be a celebration and an opportunity to make memories doing various activities. A few years ago, I even dressed up as Jesus for an Easter themed day at work!

Chocolate aside, below are some other examples of accessible Easter activities. You will notice that I’ve included a real variety here, and that’s because all Easter activities can and should be accessible, providing their organisation is inclusive:

Arts & Crafts
Petting Zoo
Face Painting
Baking Workshops
Live Music
Gardening
Storytelling

When deciding what activities to take part in this Easter, it’s also important to consider how you may travel to these events as not everyone has access to a private vehicle. If you require any support when travelling by train, and you prefer to request this in advance like me, I would recommend using the Passenger Assistance app or website before your journey. You can click on the following link to find out more: passengerassistance.com

When looking for potential venues for Easter activities, I would recommend The Eden Project in Cornwall. This year they are hosting a “Springfest” event from 29th March to 14th April. The event features a range of family-friendly games and challenges, including a rainforest chocolate trail, skittle alley, and interactive quiz. The Eden Project also offers “relaxed sessions” which have been designed for people with sensory access needs. They have great accessibility and also feature a Changing Places toilet on site – making this the perfect venue to consider if you live nearby.

For more information, you can check out their website at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/5ehst9xw

These are just a few reflections of my own Easter experiences, which I hope demonstrate some really simple ways to make inclusivity a part of this holiday.

Most importantly, just don’t forget to have fun! And if there’s any chocolates leftover… you know where I am.

About the Author

Ross Lannon is a lifestyle and disability blogger from Cornwall. Often described as a “cheeky chappy”, he uses his website (www.alifeonwheels.co.uk) to document his journey as a young man with a physical disability – whilst also reviewing accessible events, activities and products.

Ross is also a presenter for CHAOS Radio, and a proud dog-dad to Ralph.

@rosslannon

08 3月 2024

Female Accessibility Advocacy

Throughout history, many prominent disabled people have played an influential role in shaping the international Disability Rights Movement.

One woman within this movement that has inspired me is Judy Heumann. Judy contracted Polio at 18 months old and was a wheelchair user. Widely known as the ‘the mother of the disability rights movement’ Judy was at the forefront of significant disability rights demonstrations, including the Section 504 Sit-In. This protest saw approximately 150 disabled people refuse to leave the Health, Education and Welfare Federal Building, as a demonstration against the government’s failure to pass Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (an act to prevent discrimination against disabled people in societal areas that received government funding, such as in schools and on public transport). Judy helped spearhead the passage of the disability rights legislation and was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film: Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

The documentary captures the lives of young disabled people attending camp Jened in America, a camp for disabled teenagers intended to provide a safe space for self-expression. Rather than defining them by their impairments (the lens through which larger society viewed them), the camp focused on fun and accessible activities. The film traces how the campers went on to advocate for disability rights in America, depicting the early beginnings of the American Disability Rights Movement. Heumann played a leading role in this at a young age, organising group meetings so that everyone had the opportunity to express themselves.

The 504 Sit-In which Heumann led was monumental. In 1973 the first federal civil rights protection for people with disabilities, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, was signed into law. This was a breakthrough in the Disability Rights Movement as section 504 recognised that society had historically treated disabled people as second-class citizens, based on deep-rooted stereotypes and prejudice. Those attitudes had translated into pity and policies that were based on the Medical Model of Disability, rather than understanding disability rights as a societal responsibility. Section 504 dramatically changed that social and legal perception, and would not have been possible without the efforts of Heumann and the other protestors who staged it. It was a pivotal moment in disability rights activism, but it’s important to remember that Medical Model attitudes still persist today.

I highly recommend watching this documentary on Netflix, as it provides great insight into how Judy Heumann and the other advocates raised public awareness of disability issues. A quote by Heumann that stands out to me as a person with lived experience of disability is ‘disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things needed to lead one’s daily life’.

I’ve talked a lot about the American Disability Rights Movement, but let’s shine a light on one influential woman in the UK’s disability rights scene: Barbara Lisicki. As the co-founder of the Disabled People’s Direct-Action Network (DAN), she’s not only recognized as the first disabled stand-up comedian in Britain but also made a significant impact in the 1980s disability arts field. Barbara, along with Alan Holdsworth, organised the Block Telethon demonstrations in 1990 and 1992, protesting the tokenistic portrayal of disabled people in advertising and challenging the negative framing of disability. To delve deeper into her story and advocacy, I recommend watching the film “Then Barbara Met Alan,” which illustrates their journey and how it contributed to the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 in the UK. Barbara played a crucial role in challenging the Charity Model of Disability, advocating for access rather than portraying disabled people as needing charity.

In contrast to the Charity Model, the Social Model of Disability argues that societal barriers are what prevent disabled people from participating fully in society, rather than their impairments. This leads me to my next point: as a wheelchair user, I face barriers in my daily life, from attitudinal obstacles due to the social stigma around disabilities to structural barriers such as a lack of accessibility in both building and public transport design. I rely on public transportation quite heavily, especially when socialising with my friends, going to work, and accessing events and opportunities in my local area. It enables me to live an independent, fulfilled life, and give back to my community. However, travelling via train or bus isn’t always straightforward. For example, buses usually have one space for a wheelchair, and this is sometimes occupied by pushchairs. This leaves minimal room for my chair, and bus drivers are not always accommodating or don’t always take the lead in advocating for my rights, which can be frustrating. It can be daunting to rely on others to accommodate your access needs.

Despite this, I have also had many positive experiences whilst using public transport. My bus pass allows me to travel via bus for free, enabling me to lead a fulfilling and independent life. I have also encountered many bus drivers who have been extremely friendly and accommodating; they ensure they park as close to the kerb as possible so that I can safely embark and disembark the bus, and advocate for my needs when required. I often use the train for work and social purposes; apps such as the Passenger Assistance app allow me to inform the staff of my needs in advance. I personally feel reassured requesting assistance this way, as I know my access needs have been communicated. Staff await my arrival at the platform with a ramp so that I can safely disembark. Furthermore, I often use the Sociability app to find new restaurants that are suitable for my needs as a wheelchair user. The app informs me of restaurants in the area and their accessibility features. This includes step- free access, accessible toilets, sensory considerations like lighting and noise, and much more. I highly recommend the Sociability app for disabled people looking for a new restaurant to visit with their friends.

Social media is also brimming with advice for travelling with a disability, in addition to access reviews of tourist attractions from the perspective of individuals with lived experience. (I personally love to create these posts as well as read them!). There are lots of female disability advocates using their platforms to advocate for disabled rights, especially when it comes to more inclusive public transport systems. It’s imperative to raise awareness of the availability of this information, as it can be challenging to find things online. Social media is a great tool to explore whether a new country or city is accessible for one’s individual access suitable needs. In my experience, there is nothing more discouraging than exploring somewhere new only to find lots of steps, busy, cobbled, narrow streets, steep hills, poor transport options, or minimal accessible tourist attractions. This can lead to a waste of time and money.

Finally, public transport, whether in your city or abroad, can be an intimidating experience. However, if you are a disabled person who uses public transport, I encourage you to explore and share your experiences. As a community, we can advocate for improvements for future generations and as Judy Heumann’s work is a testament, over time we can see the impact of our actions.

About the Author

Umaymah Dakri, 23.

Disability awareness and accessibility advocate.

Disability.living on Instagram.

13 11月 2023

Tips for Train Travel with Postural Hypotension

Postural hypotension happens when a person experiences a significant drop in blood pressure when they stand up. When this happens, it can lead to unwanted symptoms like dizziness, blurry eyesight, fainting, and plenty more. This, like many other conditions involving autonomic dysfunction, can make it more difficult to travel by train.

If (like me!) you’re new to managing a condition like this while also trying to get out and about as much as possible, here are some useful tips and tricks to help you take care of yourself…

Book Passenger Assistance to reduce standing and walking times. Even if you don’t usually use mobility aids, it’s free and easy to borrow a station wheelchair and request assistance from a member of staff. Once you’ve booked a train ticket, head over to the Passenger Assistance app or booking website to request the support you need. Even if using a wheelchair reduces just a few minutes that you’d otherwise have to stand up or walk to board your train, it can make a world of difference!

Source: Solstock

Use Travel Bands to manage symptoms. These are affordable accessories that you wear on your wrists while travelling. Each acupressure band has a small button on it, which you wear over the pressure point on each of your wrists. Although Travel Bands like these don’t treat the underlying issue, they can help to reduce dizziness and nausea while you’re on the move. My best advice is to put them on before you start moving, rather than waiting until you’re on the way to your destination.

Keep hydrated. Not drinking enough water can lead to a drop in blood pressure and exacerbate symptoms of hypotension. Although some people feel thirsty and dehydrated more often because of their condition, it’s absolutely vital to make sure we’re taking in enough water. Treat yourself to a reusable cup, and make sure you’re always carrying a drink with you.

Source: mediaphotos

Have salty snacks on standby. Increasing your salt intake is one of the most effective ways to manage postural hypotension and relieve symptoms. Make sure you have your favourite salty snacks (such as crisps or popcorn) to hand, or if they’re deemed suitable by your medical professional, you may also benefit from taking electrolytes. Some people with autonomic dysfunction carry small sachets of salt around in their handbags and ‘shot’ them when they feel their symptoms coming on, but I can’t say I’ve tried this for myself yet!

Elevate your legs while travelling. It’s not always easy to elevate your legs when you’re on the train, especially if it’s a busy service. However, even just crossing your legs underneath you while sitting on your seat can help to avoid a drop in blood pressure. If you’re a wheelchair user who transfers to a seat, I position my wheelchair in front of me so I can stretch out my legs and rest my feet on it. It has the bonus of being very comfortable too!

Hope these tips help you to take care of yourself and enjoy the journey!

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.