Transport for London (TfL) is recruiting 1,000 people to blue badges that state ‘Please offer me a seat’ as part of a pilot scheme that will run from 12 September. The organisation will also use social media andposters to encourage other passengers to look out for the badges in the six-week trial - believed to be the first of its kind in Europe.
Those qualifying for the scheme will also be given an accompanying card, to be shown if necessary, stating: Remember not all disabilities and conditions are visible.
Luke Griggs, Headway’s Director of Communications, said: “On the surface, this appears to be a good idea, but it will be interesting to see how effective it is and how it is received by the public.
“In principle, this might make it easier for people with mobility or balance issues, for example, as a result of brain injury to get much-needed seats on one of the world’s busiest transport networks.
“However, it is vital that Transport for London publicises this scheme widely in all their stations, platforms and in the media, so that passengers fully understand the circumstances around the use of the badge.
“It is also important that those wearing the badges are not unfairly challenged or put under pressure to justify themselves. Such situations could lead to conflict or uncomfortable experiences for people with brain injury – particularly those who struggle to control their anger or emotions.
“The motives behind this scheme should be lauded and we will be monitoring the scheme with great interest.”
If you have a brain injury and are participating in the trial, we would like to hear your experiences of using the badge Please contact James Coxon at press.manager@headway.org.uk
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