Challenging the Status Quo - The Accessible Link
Challenging the Status Quo - The Accessible Link
Why it's time to shift from individual actions to systemic solutions
You can listen to the main article of this newsletter (read by myself).
Hello everyone,
Have you ever heard of the "Plastic Straw Effect"? It's a concept in which small, individual actions to address environmental issues get attention, like not using plastic straws. These actions then overshadow the need for more significant systemic change through public policy. This phenomenon isn't just limited to environmental concerns; it also extends to social and disability-related issues.
In the case of plastic straws, the action even caused issues for those disabled people who can only drink with bendable straws and can't use alternatives like metal or paper straws (because they are too dangerous for them, are not bendable or don't work for hot drinks).
The onus is on disabled people
Instead of fixing the accessibility, disabled people have to constantly prove they are disabled or have to jump through several hoops to get reasonable adjustments instead of organisations expecting that some customers might need assistance or adjustments and just provide it.
Take, for instance, the sunflower lanyard initiative. While it's a step towards recognising the needs of disabled people with non-visible impairments (by the way, nobody is hiding anything; some impairments are just not visible), it places the onus on disabled people to signal their needs rather than overhauling the system to be more inclusive and accommodating by default.
That includes a culture where needs can be openly discussed without the fear of resistance, awkwardness, or even discrimination. It also includes disability equality trained and knowledgeable staff who expect disabled people to be part of their customer group.
Systemic improvements
Similarly, requiring disabled people to book assistance when travelling may seem helpful. However, it often doesn't make a difference in reality. It diverts attention from the real issue: the need for systemic improvements, e.g. level boarding of trains, improvements in assisted travel provisions in general and making planes more accessible for wheelchair users.
What's needed is a shift of focus from the individual actions and expectations of disabled people to systemic change that can make a difference. It's time to challenge the status quo and push for policies that create a more inclusive and sustainable world for everyone.
Have an accessible week!
Some interesting links
The US will strengthen protections for wheelchair users travelling by air. The proposed rules would make mishandling wheelchairs an automatic breach of law. Good! UK next, please.
Research from Scope shows that 29% of disabled people say they refuse to use public transport due to prejudice and discrimination. 31% of the time, the abuse actually came from rail staff! 33% of the time, it was bus staff who were abusive.
I got overcarried. Again. That means nobody was there with the ramp when I wanted to leave the train, and I had to go to the Terminus station. I noticed a physical impact this time when I opened my Health app.
Something to read
The rail regulator ORR has commissioned audits of five operators focused on regulatory requirements related to the delivery of assistance. These audits looked at the use of the Passenger Assist system, which operators must use to log and manage assistance bookings.
Maybe the most remarkable comment in this document is about the industry body RDG: “Operators bear a collective governance responsibility, as members of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), to ensure that shared industry systems such as Passenger Assist and National Rail Enquiries enable them to meet the needs of their passengers.”
The rest is quite interesting, too. I hope they focus on the provision of “Turn Up and Go” (assisted travel without booking) next because that’s the future.
Something to watch
I think I found my dream house. Would it be possible for all houses on hills to have a funicular with level boarding, please?
[Video description: A blonde woman is using a funicular up the hill to her house. It has a big platform and balcony-like railings. The house itself has a sea view over the bay.]
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Some final words
“The one argument for accessibility that doesn’t get made nearly often enough is how extraordinarily better it makes some people’s lives. How many opportunities do we have to dramatically improve people’s lives just by doing our job a little better?”
(Steve Krug)The Accessible Link is a reader-supported publication. So, if you like what you’re reading, consider to
Who is writing this newsletter?
I’m Christiane Link, and I improve the customer experience in aviation, transport, and travel. I worked as a journalist for over two decades and travelled extensively for business and leisure. I’m a wheelchair user. If you want to read more from me, follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Bluesky or Mastodon. You can also reply to this email if you want to contact me.
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