At present too many people with disabilities say that they don't feel confident using public transport and 1 in 4 say that negative attitudes from other passengers prevent them from travelling.1
That's why we're supporting the Department for Transport's new campaign, it's everyone's journey. The research behind the campaign shows that people's unconscious behaviours can have an impact on passengers with disabilities.
Everyone living with Crohn's or Colitis has a right to feel confident and comfortable when travelling on public transport. The Department for Transport's campaign highlights the fact that not every disability is visible and asks the general public to change their behaviour - to give someone their seat, even when the person asking looks 'well' and to hold their tongue when someone walks out of an accessible toilet and doesn't have a wheelchair.
You can't always see someone's need, and nobody should ever have to justify their need to a stranger. Showing a little compassion and kindness could quite literally make someone with Crohn's or Colitis' day and the thought of their next journey a little bit easier.
Sarah Hollobone
Campaigns Manager, Crohn's & Colitis UK
We're encouraging everyone to make small changes to their behaviour when travelling, remembering that not every disability is visible:
- Respect all accessible toilet users
- Be prepared to give up a priority seat
- Be prepared to help each other
- Be patient with each other
We hope the campaign will encourage us all to make the changes needed to create a more supportive travel environment for passengers with disabilities.
Look out for It's Everyone's Journey campaign posters at train stations and bus stops across the UK over the course of the next month. For more information about the campaign, visit the Government website, use the hashtag #ItsEveryonesJourney or follow @IEJGov on Twitter where travel stories from people living with Crohn's and Colitis will be featured.
Crohn's & Colitis UK knows not every disability is visible -we're campaigning to change public perceptions of disabilities by raising awareness about Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and changing accessible toilet signage. It's easy to make a difference, you can get involved today.
1 Independent. Confident. Connected., SCOPE, 2018
