{"id":1092,"date":"2023-04-11T10:09:43","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T10:09:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/passengerassistance.com\/?p=1092"},"modified":"2023-04-11T10:09:44","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T10:09:44","slug":"explaining-your-condition-or-impairment-when-on-a-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/passengerassistance.com\/jpn\/blog\/explaining-your-condition-or-impairment-when-on-a-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Explaining your condition or impairment when on a train "},"content":{"rendered":"

When using public transport, I\u2019ve found that sometimes I have to explain my disability. More commonly than not, this is when asking for a seat. I want the interaction to be easy and not have to explain my medical history to a stranger! The use of the lanyards and cards mentioned in this blog post could help in all areas of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few ways you could do this to make these interactions more straightforward; <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only share what you\u2019re comfortable with <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t owe anyone your medical information. Please only share the information you are comfortable with. If you don\u2019t want to discuss your disability, that\u2019s okay. If you don\u2019t want to use these communication aids, that\u2019s also okay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d like to think these cards or lanyards shouldn\u2019t be needed, but I know many people find them helpful, myself included. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunflower lanyard <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: Carolina Jaramillo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A sunflower lanyard shows others that you have a hidden condition or impairment. It\u2019s dark green with a sunflower pattern. You can get them free at some supermarkets. You can also buy them for under \u00a31 on the Hidden Disabilities website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve had a sunflower lanyard for a few years now and I find it really helpful. If I\u2019m on a busy train, the lanyard allows passenger assistance to find me more quickly. It\u2019s also a great place to put badges. Some of my badges are disability-related, and some are about my hobbies and other aspects of my life.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please offer me a seat <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Train
Source: MediaProduction<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you find it difficult to stand while using public transport, you could use a card or badge to let others know you need to sit down. This is a scheme that was started in London.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please offer me a seat (Transport for London)<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have a physical disability, but this can be hidden in certain circumstances. For me, it\u2019s hard to stand for long periods of time. Yet it can be hard to approach a stranger and ask for their seat. I feel like this card would empower me to have more subtle conversations with people.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

JAM card <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve only recently come across the JAM, and it makes sense! If you need more time to do something or find it hard to communicate, the Just A Minute (JAM) card might help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

JAM card<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is an easy way to ask others for space or patience when using public transport. You could use this when: <\/p>\n\n\n\n