TfL launches badge to recognise customers with invisible impairments

(Source: TfL)Transport for London (TfL) has launched a‘Please offer me a seat’ badge to recognise customers with invisible impairments.The‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ badge and card was created following requests from customers, particularly those with invisible impairments, conditions and illnesses, who struggle to get a seat as their need for one isn’t immediately obvious.A six-week trial with 1,200 users was held in autumn last year to test if the badge and card would help people getting a seat. Over the course of the trial, participants’ confidence in using the network increased. More than 72% of journeys were easier as a result of the badge, and 98% said they would recommend the badge and card to somebody who needed it. Supporter Johan spoke to TfL about his experience of using public transport in London and what the badge will mean to him: "Having rheumatoid arthritis for over a decade now I find I have to talk about my condition and explain myself [on the tube] over and over again. I’m hoping that this badge will get me a seat when I need it."Olivia Belle, Director of External Affairs at Arthritis Research UK, commented: "There are over 750,000 people in London living with hip or knee arthritis alone. The daily pain and fatigue caused by their condition can make everyday tasks, such as standing on a train, extremely difficult."However, the pain is invisible and its severity can fluctuate on a daily basis, which can make it really d...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news