Making railway freedom inclusive for all post 'Freedom Day'

摘要

Despite some efforts to address accessibility issues, the railway network is still far from being disabled-friendly. Accessibility issues are not simply limited to physically getting around the train or train station, but run deep in the sector. Staff are often not adequately trained to understand special needs, and digital offerings lack fundamental inclusive features. For many people with disabilities, 'Freedom Day' is a ridiculous, pitiful turn of phrase created by the media. The term is hung on the reopening of nightclubs and large events and is inappropriate and even offensive for many, specifically among the disabled community. As a deafblind adult, I have fought for my independence since losing my vision by the age of 14. Leaving my front door required mobility training with a cane, but as I realised that didn't suit me, I was placed on a seven-month waiting list for a guide dog. I was gullible enough to believe that having a guide dog would solve all my issues, and despite my amazing hearing aids, exceptional dog, Bella, and access to other assistive tech, we live in a society where only a select few are adequately aware of disabled needs. This select few is nowhere near enough to make the whole disabled community feel that their needs are understood and accepted, when you consider there are 14.1 million disabled people in the UK.