Hello all,

How are we all doing today?

Normally I do not go out alone as I struggle to get to new places independently. Getting to work I do alone as it is a familiar route.

When getting on and off trains it can be quite difficult for a few different reasons, one of which is when the platform and trains are busy.

It can be very helpful when someone asks me if I need help. My preferred way of people asking is if they say ‘hello’ rather than touching my arm to get my attention. This is just because I don’t like people in my personal space.

If I say yes to you your help then please let me take your arm and the guide me onto the train. Then help me to find a seat. Once we have found one I will say thank you and that I am happy for your help.

People will ask me if it is OK to ask a Disabled person if they need help. My response is always, please ask if you are unsure. The reason I say this is because it is always nice to be asked and if we do not need help we will politely say no.

Things I do not appreciate as a White Cane user are people assuming I have no site at all and using this to think it is ok to push past me.

This week in one train journey the following happened:

The train pulled up and I was about to get on when someone got on in front of me. Then another person decided to the same. The second person did so as my cane was helping me navigate the train step. My cane caught in between his feet and he could have fallen over or I could have misjudged the gap and hurt myself. This is all because people are arrogant and want to get on first.

The train is not leaving any quicker because you got on first.

Then getting off the train I stood waiting to go through the doors from the carriage into the exit. My cain was stuck out and I was ready to move through the door. Then someone stepped round the side of me and pushed through the door before me. These doors are quite narrow. My cain got stuck between their feet as they continued to walk off the train. Once again this could have ended up in injury to myself or them.

If an injury were to occur, it would not be my fault. I have a cain for a reason, if you chose to ignore it and you fall over it is not my fault at all. You may think that’s a bit harsh, but it is not. My eyes don’t work well, which is why I have the cain, your eyes work, so please use them.

Please be respectful of Disabled people, well everyone really. Personally I think if you were to ask if someone needs help it is OK to do so. As long as it is coming from a good place then it is all good.

Thank you for reading.