• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 28 subscribers
  • Views 3017 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

London Transport Blue Badge

Trainspotter

London Transport has just launched a 'Blue Badge' scheme for those with 'invisible' disabilities, asking others to let them have a seat.

My autism makes me very unsettled when having to stand on a tube train or bus, and I am also rather unsteady on my feet, especially when standing 'still' (which in my case often means wobbling from side to side!

I wonder whether these badges work (They say words to the effect 'Please let me have a seat'.

Has anyone got one or applying for one? I notice on the website that it appears this facility is for Greater London Residents only, as if these are the only ones who travel by tube or bus with an 'invisible' disability.  I have to go to London several times a year so such a badge would be useful to me.  I am going to write to TfL to see what their rationale for this is (and the London Mayor too perhaps)

Parents

  • NAS18906 said:

    Have you thought about using a walking stick to

    a) help steady yourself,

    b) make it obvious to people that you have a mobility problem. If you have an obvious issue then people are more likely to be sympathetic and to offer you their seat.

    I suspect that this might get a better reaction than a badge that you might have to explain - I could imagine that this might cause confusion and difficulties for someone with autism.

    I do occasionally use a stick.  However, I find it a bit of a nuisance knowing where to put it, and with my camera which I am rarely without it makes things a bit difficult.

    I would imagine it would get a better reaction though.  Like you I wonder about whether the badge will actually work, it relies totally on peoples honesty in getting them, and people's manners in taking notice.  But I do think it is something worth pursuing.

    Still don't know why only those in London and South East are worthy of the badge though!

Reply

  • NAS18906 said:

    Have you thought about using a walking stick to

    a) help steady yourself,

    b) make it obvious to people that you have a mobility problem. If you have an obvious issue then people are more likely to be sympathetic and to offer you their seat.

    I suspect that this might get a better reaction than a badge that you might have to explain - I could imagine that this might cause confusion and difficulties for someone with autism.

    I do occasionally use a stick.  However, I find it a bit of a nuisance knowing where to put it, and with my camera which I am rarely without it makes things a bit difficult.

    I would imagine it would get a better reaction though.  Like you I wonder about whether the badge will actually work, it relies totally on peoples honesty in getting them, and people's manners in taking notice.  But I do think it is something worth pursuing.

    Still don't know why only those in London and South East are worthy of the badge though!

Children
No Data