Using public transport with a disability can be daunting. It can feel even harder to travel with a hidden disability such as epilepsy. But there are ways to make others aware (for example sunflower lanyards or disabled passes).
And sometimes, despite being prepared, travel can still go wrong. It is important that we highlight these experiences. This is not to scare others, but to show why it is so important to be understanding of all kinds of disabilities. Charlotte tells her story.
‘I was told to get out of my priority seat’
“In the past few weeks, the Paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson shared her experience in being forced to crawl off the train.
“Unfortunately, this is far from rare, and I too, have experienced my own humiliating experience whilst travelling on public transport. When I have tonic-clonic seizures, I fall to the left. This requires me to sit on the left to reduce the risk of injury and at the front of the bus so paramedics can access me easily.
“Recently, I was told to get out of my priority seat on my local bus service, to make room for a second pram that was let onto the bus. This resulted in me having to sit on the floor to avoid injuring myself or the children next to me.
“I explained why I needed to remain in the priority seat, however, the driver ignored me. I knew that no amount of further explaining would change the driver’s stance. So, I moved out and sat on the floor. It was the only way I could reduce the risk of injury. However, the gangway remained obstructed, therefore, paramedics would have been unable to access me if I had a seizure.
“I complained to my local bus service, who gave the distinct impression that they considered my complaint trivial and appeared to mock me.
“They stated that the driver wasn’t aware that I had a disability. This is despite my informing the driver upon alighting, purchasing my ticket with a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass (for which the driver is required to sign off), explaining why I had to remain in the priority seat, and further explaining when I got off at my stop.”
Epilepsy Action has been in contact with the bus company. The company apologised to Charlotte and admitted that their driver’s actions were incorrect and unhelpful. Do you have any similar experiences? Get in touch and let us know!