Nermin Hassan is 25, has Limb girdle muscular dystrophy and is currently doing work experience with the Trailblazers Campaign team at Muscular Dystrophy UK Office, as part of our Moving Up project.
Today I made my first trip on public transport without help into the Muscular Dystrophy office! Hooray!
This was all thanks to the workers at MDUK advising me of the Transport for London (TFL) Buddy System. The TFL ‘buddy’, accompanies people to their desired destination and helps them find the way.
My first journey to the MDUK office from East London was by bus and train. It was quite straightforward as helped by a very friendly travel mentor called Brian. He met me outside of my front door with a calm smiley face which assured me that I was in safe hands. Being an electric wheelchair user, I always worried ‘What if the battery of my electric wheelchair ran out in the middle of my journey?’ He advised me that this is a very rare scenario and if it ever occurred to call the police. If there were no access to a phone, I was told that the worst that would happen was that I would just stay on the train and wait as there would always be someone who would check the carriages. My chat with Brian really comforted me, as electric wheelchair users know, we sometimes think of the worst outcomes, and it was clear that Brian had experience in assisting disabled people.
I was very pleased to find out that buses and trains are free for wheelchair users! Although it was a very cold and grey London weather, even the rain couldn’t wipe the smile on my face after learning that! Smiling a bit too much for an early morning journey with serious people in suits around me giving me the odd look, wondering if ‘I’m ok’ or not made me feel that maybe I appeared too jolly so I pursed my lips and had a party in my head!
On the bus
Brian added that in order for bus drivers to know that I needed their specific bus, I should wait by the doors that people get off, where a ramp would be lowered for me to access. The front doors only opened for the other passengers after I arranged my wheelchair in the spot that was designated for me. Electric wheelchair users have nothing to worry about in the case of needing the ramp again for when they need to get off as there is a blue disabled bus stop button that alerts the driver that you need the ramp.
This was the first time in 10 years that I have used the bus and train as the last time was when I was walking - so I felt beautiful emotions of freedom.
On the train
I was advised to check for the disabled logo of the blue wheelchair user in a white circle for every station. There was a train assistant at the entrance. She said that we would need a portable ramp in order for me to board the train and fetched it with no hassle at all. People that work at the train stations deal with these kinds of things all the time so everybody was kind. The lady rang the other train station to make sure a ramp would be waiting for me at my destination.
When the train stopped, I was greeted through the window by a man showing me the thumbs up sign and holding the ramp. People on the train were quite patient in waiting for me to turn my chair around and get off safely.
I arrived at MDUK and was greeted by Isabel, my supervisor, who praised me on my journey as she also knew that this was all new to me. With great support comes great achievements so be sure to be ready to succeed. Joining Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers is a great experience to get back into writing again after graduating and has definitely assured me that people can be understanding and helpful for disability in the work place!
If you'd like to find out more about the support and advice we offer during our work experience placements please contact movingup@musculardystrophyuk.org.