When we think about disability and the impact that it can have on people, we often view it
through a specific type of lens – those who have a visible and major disability, like those people
who require a mobility aid to succeed. However, this is not the only disability to exist – there are
others, and they can be just as difficult to live with as the ones we see all too often. For
example, those individuals who have visual and auditory processing issues find that normal life
often becomes a great hurdle to overcome.
Public transport for many with this type of disability can be a hellscape to navigate. Busy train
and tube platforms across the world serve as the major transport links for cities and towns.
However, for someone who struggles to process information delivered via eyes and ears – or
have a disability which results in a delay in processing – this type of transport is confusing,
overwhelming and impossible to comfortably navigate. This makes it very difficult to try and live
life, especially when the world around them is oblivious to the struggles that they go through.
The idea that we should be kind because we know little of what a person is going through is
true. We can not possibly comprehend how the world looks to someone who has a disability
which restricts their navigation and confidence. After all, how could we understand? For many of
us, it is a sharp reminder to be much more considerate, and to recognise that the challenges
others face – even if we can not understand them – are still great hardships and must be
recognised as such. It is clear that we must be more tolerant, especially if we are going to grow
into a more supportive society.
Are there measures we can implement into everyday life to help people with disabilities? Well,
perhaps there is. If we focus on delivering a much more relaxed and quiet transport option – like
a bus – then people who struggle with the busier areas have an alternative arrangement they
may use. This is a type of public service which might also be enjoyed by people who are a little
older or less confident – it has mainstream appeal as well. That’s probably why there are still
many parts of the world with a thriving public transport network.
We know that buses are commonplace around the world, of course – we’re not trying to reinvent
the wheel. However, we do ask for more deliberate use of them and to ensure they are
welcoming to people who have a disability. After all, if we aren’t intentional in our attempts to
help people, then it is easy to see why the gap between disabled folks and the rest of society
might continue to widen. We need to try and be more supportive and recognising of these
disabilities – you never know who might be struggling with them, so it is vital to be kind.