I have watched the recent submissions to the Supreme Court in regard to a disabled persons access to transport I.e the wheelchair vs buggy dilemma facing bus travellers.
I see this morning that First Bus in light of the ruling have amended one word and added 9 words to their conditions of carriage which basically changes nothing.
www.disabledgo.com/blog/2017/02/first-bus-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-treats-disabled-people-with-contempt/#.WKLoLJHfWhA
The report also mentions rail companies agreeing to let disabled passengers know if the disabled access toilets are available on their train.
My problem with all this is at the same time there is a huge government push to get disabled people back into work. Given the challenges that anyone with a disability faces I can see how employers would be reluctant to take on staff they perceive will be subject to the vagaries of transport even just getting to work.
As an example I worked in The Strand in London. A mere 21 miles away door to door. Today there's a 12 mile tail back on the M25 ( always supposing I was up to a 2 hour drive into work starting 3 1/2 hours before I need to be at my desk just to get there.).
The District Line has severe delays . So even if I could use the underground because my arrival and departure points were accessible (out of 270 stations only 24 % are step free) I couldn't get there.
I could go overground but I need to book assistance 24 hours in advance and I didn't know yesterday I would need this option.
There's nothing wrong with my ability to work , it's just my mobility that's compromised not my brain. I had to give up work because of the transport challenges.
I feel like a second class citizen on public transport and rarely have an idea when I will get to my location or more likely 'if' I'll get there.
Is there a solution ....... or am I asking too much ?
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Everyday Ageism
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