Me and my mobility cane
I remember the first time I started learning to use a mobility cane. I was doing my A- levels at the former RNIB New College Worcester and I used to think the mobility cane was the most uncool thing ever created. My views gradually changed as my mobility teacher started pointing out ways in which it would prevent me from hitting obstacles and scarring my legs or falling down steps. I also got to learn how to use my mobility cane to locate landmarks to help me get to where I need to go.
When I passed my test for mobility, I had the keys to the world in my hands. I could go just about any where if given directions. This led to my second fear: People!
When I was growing up, my family (my mum and sister especially), always made me aware of how tricky and unpredictable the world is, and how I should always have my wits about me especially since I don’t have the use of the most valued sensory organ: my sight.
In many ways I am glad I had been forewarned because I have come across some interesting people in my years of independent travel. They range from genuinely nice people with whom I am happy to engage in pleasant chats, to strange people who think I’m their good deed for the day by laying their hands on me to “cure my affliction” to dodgy people who take advantage of the contact they have when they take my arm to help me across the road, as an opportunity to chat me up inappropriately.
Most times I’m polite but if I start to feel like I’m being asked obtrusive questions, I firmly ask them to stop and walk away. If I am not in a position where I feel free to do that, I would raise my voice in the hope that someone else passing by would notice what was happening and help.
I sometimes get approached by beggars asking me for money, and in one case last year, I was followed after I had withdrawn some money from the cash point. Luckily I was with my friend who intervened by asking them to leave me alone. I got the feeling they were quite harmless but they seemed desperate as they kept insisting that I should give them a bit of money so when I got home I called the Met Police and made a complaint. They assured me they would do something about it and since then I have had no more bother from those people.
Another aspect of travel that disabled people have to deal with, is inpatient members of the public. I have often witnessed station assistants get some abuse from passengers because they are having to walk at a more steady pace helping me up the stairs or assisting me on to the train. They would often say things like “Hurry up we haven’t got all day” or “For God’s sake I have a train to catch” In this case, the station assistant would tell them they’re helping a VIP (Visually impaired person) and immediately the passenger would be contrite.
One of the great London Underground station staff
On one particular evening, the Oxford circus Tube station was congested and we had to wait in a queue for up to 20 minutes before we were allowed into the station. A kind lady was helping me down the stairs after expressing her concern that as a consequence of the crowded environment I would be accidentally pushed. On getting to the ticket barriers, she was in the middle of asking me who she should speak to about assisting me, when an angry voice from behind started shouting “Get out of the way! It’s people like you that cause the long queue and keep people waiting outside for ages” so the lady helping me explained to her that she was helping me because I was blind.
A Crowded Tube Station
The passenger showed no concern. She went on to say that she didn’t care if I was blind or crippled or anything and that no one had the right to keep people waiting. At this point, I decided to speak up for myself. I told her I was in the queue myself and my journey had been delayed, but I would only travel safely if I got the help I needed hence this lady trying to get a station staff’s attention. I also told her that it was people like her who made life that bit more difficult for people like me.
When the angry lady carried on ranting, I decided there was no point having a logical conversation with her so I told her in no polite terms to keep quiet because her behaviour was unacceptable. On hearing shouting the police were called and we both had the opportunity to explain what happened.
At this point I was seething for the following reasons:
1) The station was so crowded I had no idea where I was standing, and I wasn’t standing in her way for more than 30 seconds.
2) She was venting her frustration out on me, forgetting that every one else at the station was experiencing the same thing.
3) If she had done this to another disabled person who might have anxieties attached with going out, she would justify their fears.
The wonderful police of London
So when the policeman approached me, I made him aware of the situation and why he should have a stern word with her because in Britain, we respect people and we do not make disabled people feel like they are a public nuisance. It’s people like this angry lady, who make some people living with a disability terrified of leaving their homes and such behaviour in the public should be curtailed.
The policeman told her, that her behaviour was unacceptable and she was asked to leave the station.
So here is my word to all people living with a disability, all parents/carers who have to struggle with prams, and senior citizens.
1) We all have a right to travel safely. Even if it means we have to tread more carefully, so never let any one make you feel like you’re a public nuisance.
2) Don’t be afraid to report any one who makes you feel like you are a public nuisance when you’re trying to make your way in the best way you can.
3) Never hesitate to ask members of the public for help if you can’t find any staff around. Most people you will find, are willing to support you in any way they can, but remember not to take them for granted.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the unnamed lady who helped me down the stairs and got verbally assaulted by the angry lady. I didn’t get the chance to ask your name but wherever you are, may God send you an angel in your hour of need as you were mine at that crucial point in time.
Thank you to the Metropolitan Police for being the friendly calming influence that you are. You have helped me cross the road several times in my life and you always have pleasant things to say no matter how cold, hot, wet or snowy the weather is. I know you don’t often get people saying thanks to you, but I’m grateful to you for doing your best to make our cities safe.
Have you or any friends/relations experienced anything similar? I would like to hear about your experiences and your thoughts.
VictoriaVivace 