30 November 2022

Accessible restaurants in the UK with festive menus

With December around the corner, many people will plan festive activities to enjoy with loved ones. In my opinion, food is always a good idea. Sometimes there’s nothing better than enjoying a great meal with some great company – especially when the festive menus are brought out for the season.

Source: Liliboas

The following chain restaurants are renowned for their Christmas menus, and sometimes they’re more likely to have access provisions in place. Every venue and location will differ, so it’s still important to check out their access before making a booking or turning up – you could look on their website, get in touch with staff, or have a look at the outside of the building and the pavements or area around it using Google Maps. You may also find it helpful to use apps like AccessAble, where you can filter venues by your specific access requirements even when you’re out and about.

Restaurants generally launch their festive menus around the middle of November, though this can vary. Tables tend to get booked up quickly even well ahead of Christmas, so make sure you’re on the ball and ready to book so you don’t miss out!

Here are a few options to consider:

Pizza Express

Sometimes the only way to improve upon a delicious pizza is to make it Christmassy, especially when you have an abundance of ‘snowball’ dough balls on the side. In recent years Pizza Express has really upped their offering for vegans, so there are plenty of tasty choices for those who eat plant-based or avoid dairy too.

The Ivy

If you’re looking for something extra-fancy, The Ivy always offers a stunning environment and a dining experience like no other. Whether you opt for the set menu, a la carte or even afternoon tea, there’s an elegant meal or treat to please everybody.

The Botanist

Many people enjoy a party vibe around the holiday season, and The Botanist definitely delivers on that front. As well as a gorgeous menu and buffet options, they’re renowned for their ultra-Instagrammable alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Check your local venue to see when they have live artists playing – you can even request your favourite song.

Toby Carvery

For many of us, the highlight of the festive season is a hearty roast dinner. If you live with fatigue or struggle to cook, you may like to treat yourself to a roast out of the house this year… and Toby Carvery is the nation’s favourite. Bookings for Christmas 2022 are open now.

Zizzi

This restaurant is a firm favourite for many families, and this year their Merry Menu features rustic pizza and pasta, wild boar with all the trimmings, and puddings that will please everybody. There are also some great vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegan Zillionaire’s Fudge Cake for dessert that shall henceforth become my personal mission to try this year.

If you’re booking a festive meal at an accessible restaurant this year, we’d love to hear your plans. If you’re travelling by train in pursuit of the best food, don’t forget to book your journey assistance using the free Passenger Assistance app and booking website!

About the Author

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer, influencer, and presenter based in Yorkshire. She also works in communications consultancy in the charity sector and has been named by The Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In her free time, Pippa enjoys theatre, reading, travel, and blogging about her experiences at Life Of Pippa.

18 November 2022

Travelling during the festive period when you’re visually impaired

If you’re anything like me, once Halloween is done, it’s Christmas time! I appreciate November is a month early, I just love this time of year. For me, finding the perfect present for someone is a must. Although this can be harder at times.

I’m registered blind and I have mild cerebral palsy. This can make travelling problematic — especially when it is busy! Here are my top tips for visually impaired people who will be travelling during the festive period.

Travel off-peak if possible

It might sound obvious, but off-peak travel is cheaper and often quieter.

Get ahead of the crowds and leave more time for that all-important festive shopping. When travelling during the festive period, I tend to leave plenty of time. For example, I might choose to travel the night before an event so there is less rushing and I can travel when it’s quieter.

Off-peak travel isn’t always possible. However, it can help to check for train disruptions before you travel.

Bring a suitable bag

Are you armed with luggage to keep all the presents together? I don’t know about you, but I find multiple bags a logistical nightmare. This is especially true when I’ve spent the day buying Christmas presents.

It is hard to carry everything in one hand if you use a long white cane. Also, it can be easy to leave a bag behind when you have a must needed coffee shop break.

I tend to use a backpack when I know I will be shopping. Even if that means I get on the train with an empty bag!

Using mobility aids

Some people who are visually impaired will use a long white cane or guide dog to mobilise. This can be vital in terms of getting about, but also is a visual symbol for everyone else.

If you are visually impaired and don’t use a long cane, you might find it helpful to use a symbol cane when travelling during the festive period. Here’s why:

● It could help you get a seat when the train is busy.

● It’s easier for train assistance to find you.

● Means people give you space when in crowded areas.

● Mobility aids can be empowering and not something to be afraid of.

I appreciate that not everyone will want to ‘announce’ their disability, and that’s okay! I started to experience sight loss when I turned 18 years old. Using a long cane took time to adjust to.

Book train assistance with Passenger Assistance

Whether you’re a seasoned train traveller or want to attend a festive gathering, Passenger Assistance can ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. They can help you:

● change trains or find the station exit

● get a seat on a crowded train

● carry bags and make sure no presents are left behind

You can download their free app on android or IOS, or use the online booking website. I use the app and love the profile feature. It has all my access needs saved and can be customised to accommodate multiple impairments. This makes it quick and easy to fill out, so I have more time for Christmas shopping!

About the Author

Chloe Tear is an award-winning disabled writer, speaker and advocate. In her blog, Chloe Tear, she writes about her lived experiences of being registered blind and having mild cerebral palsy. Chloe also works as a content designer within the charity sector. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring new coffee shops, going to the theatre or playing Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch.

31 October 2022

The new Passenger Assistance app feature: Ratings

Here at Passenger Assistance, user feedback drives us to make our app better for everyone to use. That’s why we’re always looking for new ways to involve our users in the development of the app and its future.

The new passenger ratings feature was introduced so that all passengers can share their feedback about their journeys, including the quality of the assistance provided to them during their trip. All of the feedback and information that we gather from this will mean that we can work alongside train companies to supply users with the best possible experience and highlight areas for improvement. It is also important to point out that all responses no matter what will remain anonymous, so please be as open and honest as you’d like.

Passengers can rate their journeys as soon as it has been confirmed

Passengers can rate their journeys using stars

Once passengers have completed their journey and the assistance has been completed, the app will take you to a page where you can begin to rate your journey. The feature enables users to rate their journey out of 5 stars, and are also given ‘more information’ boxes to ensure that you can leave as much feedback as you’d like! You can share information such as ‘quality of assistance’, ‘speed of assistance’ and ‘assistance received.’ All of the responses given will be saved in your journey details so, at any point, you can go back and view them on the journey details screen.

Other information boxes allow passengers to go into as much detail as they’d like

Feedback will be sent to our app team and will allow the customer experience to be improved

So, if you have an upcoming train journey that you need assistance for, then pre-book it now by downloading and using the free Passenger Assistance mobile app. Don’t forget to rate your journey and the assistance you received so that we can continue to provide the best possible service for our end users.

28 October 2022

Alternative Ways To Celebrate Bonfire Night

For many people in the UK, Bonfire Night marks the beginning of the colder months and the countdown to the festive season. Traditionally, people gather outdoors to enjoy food and firework displays around a bonfire. However, for many disabled people and those with chronic illnesses, these celebrations aren’t always accessible.

Credit: AleksandarNakic

It could be that you struggle to stand for long periods, or your mobility aids don’t work as well on the muddy grass. You may have noise or light sensitivity that’s triggered by vibrant fireworks. Perhaps you feel anxious around crowds, or you’re continuing social distancing or shielding due to vulnerability.

Whatever your ‘why’ is, it can be really helpful to think about how you can have fun on Bonfire Night in a way that works best for you.

Here are a few ideas:

1) If you do want to go out, look for bigger and more official fireworks displays. These are more likely to provide accessibility information online and have adjustments in place for disabled people. You may have to travel a little further out to reach them (so don’t forget to book your assistance!), but they will likely lead to a much more enjoyable experience when you’re there.

2) Consider hosting a smaller occasion at home. If it’s safe and respectful to do so, invite some friends or family over and purchase a few Silent or Low Noise Fireworks to set off in your garden. Alternatively, you may like to sit outside and simply watch other people’s displays in the sky above you. Grab yourself a blanket and hot drink, and enjoy your own private viewing among good company.

3) If you struggle to leave your house or room, Indoor Sparklers are also beautiful. Again, make sure you’re being safe, but these sparklers are specially adapted to give off less smoke and be more suitable indoors… and many are very affordable too.

4) Indulge in food! Traditional Bonfire Night cuisine includes baked potatoes wrapped in foil, hot dogs and burgers and Parkin cake for afters. Many supermarkets offer seasonal food and treats around Bonfire Night, so keep an eye out for these in your local store or online. Regardless of whether or not you’re in proximity to an open flame, it’s only right that you treat yourself to some marshmallows and chocolate in the evening – perhaps even make your own s’Mores too…

5) If you’re into crafting, create something seasonal. Paint fireworks in the sky, fashion a personal rocket out of paper, knit bespoke hand warmers in autumnal colours… the list goes on. There are so many creative craft ideas online that could be enjoyable, not just for kids but for teens and adults too.

However you choose to spend Bonfire Night, please ensure you’re being safe – not only with regard to the fireworks but in looking after yourself too. Also, don’t forget that if you are planning on travelling anywhere by train, download the Passenger Assistance app to pre-book your journey assistance, and have one less thing to worry about. Plans that are inclusive for you enable you to have the most fun of all, so we’d love to hear what you get up to!

About the Author

10 October 2022

Introducing the new Passenger Assistance Web Application

The Passenger Assistance app can be downloaded from both the Apple App and Google Play stores and passengers are able to pre-book assistance for their rail journeys and simplify the booking experience. However, we are constantly striving to increase accessibility and have now created a web application, meaning anyone can book assistance through a desktop website, as well as our app.

Passenger Assistance booking site

Our new booking site is simple to use, all you need to do is choose the train times/destinations of your journey, and then enter all of your access needs, plus any other information onto the next page. Just like the app, you are able to request a companion/priority seat and a wheelchair space when entering the journey assistance you require. After you have entered and checked your details, you can confirm your booking and the request will be sent straight to the train operators. As soon as your booking has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation of your assistance to the email you have provided.

Got an account on the app and want to use the booking site? No worries! Your login for the mobile app will also mean you have a profile set up on the web app, so just enter the same credentials and get booking! Head over to booking.passengerassistance .com now to request a booking.

Although the mobile app and booking website work similarly, we understand that smartphones are not accessible to everyone. Our app and website have been designed in consultation with those with a wide range of accessibility needs and are screen-reader compatible. The booking site will also allow those with better access to laptops/computers or who may not have a smartphone to pre-book assistance.
Don’t forget that you can still download the Passenger Assistance app on both iOS and Android smartphones and you can find out more about both applications on our FAQ page.

28 September 2022

How To Build Up Confidence On Public Transport As A New Wheelchair User

For people who acquire disabilities in later life, becoming a wheelchair user often leads to a significant lifestyle change. There are many new things to master and adjust to over this time, and one of the biggest hurdles can be navigating public transport in a whole new way.

As somebody with a chronic illness, I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user. This means I have some mobility and use different aids on different days. In 2018 I moved from using a transit wheelchair to a powerchair – and it’s changed my life for the better. Becoming a powerchair user gave me a level of independence I’d been craving and opened the world to me in many different ways. However, for a long time, I feared using my powerchair to board public transport.

Source: apeyron

It took me four months to build up the confidence to board the bus using my powerchair, and longer still to undertake a train journey. Anything unfamiliar can often feel scary to us, but here are three actions that helped me to build up my confidence:

Take A Friend

Sometimes having a familiar face with you can make all the difference. Having a friend with me took away some of my anxiety about navigating public transport, and gave me more confidence to communicate with staff when I began to board the bus. It also made it easier to laugh about anything that didn’t quite go to plan and identify how to do things even better next time. Trust me, my first few attempts at reversing into the wheelchair space on the bus were quite something to behold!

Try Smaller Journeys First

If you’re travelling solo, consider making some smaller journeys in your local area. Board public transport on a day where you’re not tied to any plans or don’t have anywhere specific to be, so you can assess the time and energy your trip requires. You could even try and travel at quieter times in the day to give you some more space to figure things out. The more experience you build up, the less daunting the longer journeys become.

Book Assistance

If you’re travelling by train, Passenger Assistance is here to help. The app is free to download and it allows you to book your journey in advance, note down any specific requirements, and somebody will be on hand to deploy the ramp at the station or cater to any of your other needs. Staff are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask any questions if you’re unsure of what you’re supposed to be doing. Head over to our previous blog post for a breakdown of how our app works.

If you’re currently feeling anxious about using public transport as a wheelchair or powerchair user, you have my empathy. However, please be assured that it really does get easier with time – in fact, it’s almost second nature to me now. Above all else, remember that boarding public transport brings you one step closer to new adventures, and let that thought spur you on. Happy travels – you’ve got this!

About the Author

20 September 2022

How to Use Passenger Assistance to Book Assistance on Trains

Passenger Assistance is an app that you can use to book assistance on trains. It’s been created in consultation with disabled people who have a range of access needs, and they have also helped develop and test the app’s features. An accessibility panel also steered the direction of the app.

It’s not mandatory to use the app to book assisted train travel in the UK, but it has been designed to simplify the process, especially for those with access needs. In order to use the Passenger Assistance app, you need to do the following:

Download the app
Create an account
Set up your profile
Request assistance

Read on for more details on the above steps.

Download the Passenger Assistance app

To use Passenger Assistance you can either download the mobile app or access it through the web version. The app is compatible with screen readers. It’s available for download via the App Store or Google Play.

Create an account

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you will need to create an account. To do this, follow the steps below:

Open the Passenger Assistance app.
Select a colour theme.
You will now have the choice to view or ‘skip’ a quick introduction to the app. This introduction briefly explains what you can do with the app.
Click ‘Sign up’ and provide your email and password. Make sure you provide a strong password by making it at least 8 characters long and including a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, a special character, and at least one number.
Review and agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Click ‘Create an account’.
A confirmation email containing a 6-digit verification code will be sent to the email address you provided. Enter the code to verify your email address and create your account.

Set up your profile

After creating your account, you need to set up your profile. This does not take long to do but is important as it ensures any assistance you request will cater to all of your access needs.

IOS How to create your Passenger Assistance account and set up your profile on an Apple mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Android How to create your Passenger Assistance account and set up your profile on an Android mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Watch the above videos or follow the instructions below to set up your profile.

Add a photo. This is optional, but it can help station staff recognise you.
Enter your name and contact details. You do not have to provide your phone number, though it can be useful to receive information about your journey.
Select the access considerations that are applicable to you. A range of mobility impairments, sensory impairments, and non-visible impairments are listed in the text and pictorially. Click the ‘i’ symbols for more information.
Provide any further information you would like to share about your access needs in the ‘Other notes’ field.
Click ‘Save details’. Your profile is now set up.

Request assistance

Now that you’ve created an account and set up your profile, it’s easy to book assistance for a train journey. Simply open up the app. You will automatically land on the ‘New Journeys’ tab. This is where you provide the details of your trip.

IOS How to use Passenger Assistance to book assistance on trains on an Apple mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Android How to use Passenger Assistance to book assistance on trains on an Android mobile device.
Watch this video with British Sign Language

Watch the above videos or follow the instructions below to request assistance.

Enter your departure and arrival stations.
Select the date and time of your journey.
Select the number of passengers and the connection time (if applicable).
Select ‘Find trains’. You will be shown a list of trains, and you can select the one you will be travelling on.
Review your journey details. Click ‘Select train’.
Select your access needs for the journey. Use the ‘Other notes’ field to provide any additional information. Then click ‘Save’.
Review the details and click ‘Confirm details’. You will receive a notification and an email from Passenger Assistance once the request is made. You will also receive a notification and email from Passenger Assistance when the booking is confirmed.

If the details of your journey change, or if you need to cancel your booking, you can easily edit or delete your booking on the ‘New Journeys’ tab.

During the journey

When you arrive at your departure station, you can either go to the meeting point provided in your booking, go to a Help Point, or contact station staff to inform them that you have requested assistance for your train journey. If you need it, there is a reference number for your assistance in the confirmation email.
If you’re curious, then read or watch some examples of real-life journeys using the Passenger Assistance app. And if you have any questions or require help, then please get in touch using our contact form. We wish you a pleasant journey!

19 August 2022

Train Travel Tips For People With Fatigue

Fatigue is a daily part of life for many people with Energy Limiting Conditions. Not everybody with a chronic illness is well enough to leave the house and travel, but for those who are, being well-prepared for your train journey can make all the difference. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Source: Christian Erfurt

Plan Everything Beforehand

People with fatigue rely on pacing and activity management to help their energy go further. This means carefully planning and breaking down tasks into component parts, so they can be spread out more evenly and ‘paced’ with rest time in-between, rather than being attempted all in one go. Book your travel early and visualise each separate part of the process, from entering your local station to arriving at your destination. This means you can plan everything in advance and mentally prepare yourself for the different stages of your journey.

Book Seats or Identify Priority Spaces

Where possible, opt for train services where you can reserve seats. If you don’t use mobility aids or struggle with walking, you may like to request seats near the carriage doors or toilet to reduce your walking distances once onboard. If this isn’t possible, use online information and train layouts to identify where you can find the onboard priority seats.

Wear A Sunflower Lanyard

The Sunflower Lanyard is a colourful and effective way of symbolising hidden and less-visible disabilities. They help staff and other passengers identify that the wearer may be facing invisible struggles, such as fatigue, and encourage compassion and assistance. Sunflower lanyards and accessories are very cheap to purchase online, and you can now borrow lanyards from many train stations too.

Travel With Somebody Familiar

Even if you don’t usually have a carer with you, travelling with a familiar face (such as a friend or family member) can help you to save energy and reduce over-exertion. They will have a better understanding of your needs, be able to communicate with others on your behalf, and take care of any issues that arise. Sometimes, even just having an extra pair of hands to carry your bag can make all the difference.

Ask For Help or Book Assistance

People with fatigue and less-visible disabilities often feel afraid of asking for help or believe that they aren’t entitled to support. However, initiatives like Passenger Assistance are for every disabled person. Even if you don’t regularly use mobility aids, you can use the app to book the station wheelchair to take you to and from your trains, or request for somebody to assist you with luggage. Perhaps all you need is a friendly face to point you in the right

direction – no matter what your requirements are, don’t be afraid to ask for the things that will make your journey easier.

We hope you find these tips helpful, and that they help your journey go smoothly. If you have any further advice for travelling by train with fatigue, we’d love to hear about it!

About the Author

01 August 2022

Travel discounts for disabled people

Did you know, that there are various transport support services and schemes available that offer a host of benefits – including discounts – to make things just a little bit easier for disabled people? This post covers some of the most useful travel discounts, and what you need to do to claim them.

Travelling by car

Source: Jan Baborak

Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme exists to help disabled drivers park for free in parking spaces that are conveniently located close to the entrances of destinations. What’s more, with a Blue Badge you can apply for a discount on congestion charges – for example, Transport for London gives you a 100% discount on the congestion charge if you have a Blue Badge. You can get detailed information on the Blue Badge scheme in your area from your local council. A Blue Badge lasts for 3 years and can cost up to £10 in England or £20 in Scotland. They are free in Wales. Apply for one here.

Taxicard

This is a travel discount for use in London. You may already know that all London taxis are designed to be wheelchair accessible (and licensed taxis in other major cities across the country are working on being the same). If you live in London and have a disability or mobility impairment, you may well wish to apply for a Taxicard. The scheme is managed by London Councils and funded by the London Boroughs and Transport for London. With it, you can claim subsidised door-to-door rides from licensed taxis and private-hire vehicles.

Motability Scheme

If you have a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you may be able to exchange your mobility allowance (typically allotted to help you get around) for the Motability scheme. This scheme provides disabled people with the chance to easily lease new cars, wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV), or powered wheelchairs and scooters. The scheme negotiates with manufacturers to ensure you get the best possible price for the vehicle of your choice. Find out if you’re eligible to join the Motability scheme.

If you are disabled and own a vehicle, you can claim a disability exemption to avoid having to pay vehicle tax. This extends to mobility scooters and power wheelchairs. Bear in mind that this won’t apply if you use the Motability scheme, as the scheme will already factor this into the amount it claims from your mobility allowance.

Travelling by bus

Source: Mitchell Johnson

Bus pass for disabled people

Since 2007, the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme has ensured that people over 65 or disabled people are entitled to free bus travel during off-peak hours. Benefits will vary per council. For example, Norfolk County Council guarantees that blind and partially sighted people may travel at any time of the day, and their companions may be able to travel for free as well, while Sheffield offers free travel during peak hours. Another benefit of the scheme is that it entitles you to a 34% discount on National Rail walk-up singles and return tickets. If you’re not sure where to go to apply for a disabled person’s bus pass, then contact your local council.

National Express Disabled Coachcard

National Express offers a disabled coach card that entitles disabled passengers to discounted tickets. You can save 30% on standard and fully flexible fares, even at peak times. National Express has accessible coaches, and there are passenger lifts and onboard manual wheelchairs for wheelchair users. The disabled coach card costs £12.50 (plus £2.50 for postage and packing) a year. Contact them to find out more about their eligibility criteria, and purchase one here.

Freedom Pass

This is another travel pass for London residents, though it comes with benefits that extend across the country. If you have a disabled person’s freedom pass, you are granted free travel across London by bus, tram, train and National Rail services, and free local bus travel across the country. The pass also allows you to claim discounts on flight tickets from Emirates Airlines. Check the eligibility requirements and apply for a disabled person’s Freedom Pass here.

Travelling by train

Disabled Persons Railcard

Railcards for disabled people entitles you to 30% off on rail fares for both you and your assistant (or an adult companion), as well as 30% on any time travel cards. The average savings of those who used the card between April 2021 and March 2022 was £115. It can be used at any time of the day, and discounts can be loaded on Oyster cards. Other benefits include offers and discounts on hotels and restaurants. The railcard costs £20 for 1 year or £54 for 3 years.
The UK Government states that National Rail services must have an Accessible Travel Policy (ATP) to provide support services for disabled passengers. If you need help for an upcoming journey, then you can use the free Passenger Assistance app to book help. The app was created in collaboration with National Rail and is designed to simplify assisted travel and ensure your travel needs are met without any stress or hassle.