7 minute read
Rail travel – discounts for parents and carers
THE DISABLED PERSON’S RAIL CARD –discounts
FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
WHILE RAIL TRAVEL FOR MANY DISABLED PEOPLE IS PROBLEMATIC, THE ACCESS FACTORS FACING ADULTS WITH A DISABLED CHILD RISE SIGNIFICANTLY
Stephen Brookes MBE, Rail Sector Champion for the Minister for Disabled People provides us with some very useful information.
I was asked my views recently on the prominence and promotion of the fact that 5 to 15-year olds who are eligible can have an application made for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
My response has to be that it is absolutely clear that the benefit to parents and carers of disabled children would be to have travel costs substantially reduced.
One local charity in Blackpool which gives free holidays to severely disabled or terminally ill children and their families, were unaware of the existence of the card and they will now be promoting it in their information pack sent to prospective visiting families. The Chair of Trustees said it will make a very big difference to some families who come to their venue.
The Disabled Persons Rail Card webpage does not, in my view, clearly promote the eligibility and availability of the card, and its importance is somewhat buried in the FAQ’s.
In fact, one group who work as a consultative body for the Department of Transport said in an email to me that they were ‘pretty astonished that the info on YDPRC was not just buried but hidden!’
To view the eligibility criteria go to the link at the end of this article and select – I’m a child and I have a disability. Am I eligible for a disabled person’s railcard? The answer is (as I stated in my opening) yes – 5 to 15 year olds who are eligible can apply for the Disabled Persons Railcard. While the Railcard doesn’t offer discounts on child’s fares (which are already discounted) it will allow one person travelling with the card holder to get 1/3rd off most rail fares. Mind you, many disabled 5 year olds won’t be too good at applying so the availability needs to be part of a wider promotion of this information. I know it is being reviewed by various groups in the rail industry, and certainly I will be pressing for
clarity of the criteria involved in its use.
But this is just one of many aspects of rail travel which are daunting for adults or carers on disabled journeys who are either brave, or well informed enough to tackle the mysteries and barriers of travelling by train.
We hear regularly in the mainstream and social media, of problems faced by wheelchair users, deaf and hard of hearing, sight impaired or blind people and the many who have hidden disabilities, but these are flagged up by adults who cannot access spaces or seats and say they get inappropriate support or assistance.
However, for parents and carers of disabled children, the matter frequently becomes even more complex as instances of disabled children using rail is not apparently a widespread acknowledged or even recognised fact. My local major station only recorded four instances of specific assistance needs for disabled children and parents brought to their attention in the last three months, compared to the many disabled adults who use the station. That then brings the next question as to why there seems to be a smaller number of disabled accompanied children using rail. Is it because of fear of confrontation and hostility with other passengers, or a perception that staff won’t care as much?
Well, the latter is not the case as the wider aspects of training and inclusion of staff covers all matters of access and support and pre-booked travel assistance does make a real difference to rail journeys.
As I pointed out, most children get fare reductions but the main gain here is that the person accompanying them will benefit from the current 30% discount. So I hope that this information, that the Disabled Person’s Railcard is applicable for use by disabled children and their parent or carer, which came as a bit of a surprise to me, will be picked up by, and heavily promoted by disability related groups and organisations who actively support the needs and activities of disabled children.
For more information visit: https:// www.disabledpersons-railcard. co.uk/help/faqs/eligibility/
Win!
The Friendly Moose, in the heart of beautiful Swedish Lapland, is making it possible for people with disabilities to experience the Northern Lights, husky sled rides, moose and reindeer encounters, winter scenery and nature and many other amazing experiences!
Lovely adapted accommodation, transfers and transport are provided, along with excellent guiding and assistance. The small-group awayfrom-the-crowds feel and the easily adapted schedule make this the perfect holiday choice, whatever your additional needs may be.
We are delighted to be teaming up with the nice people at www. disabledholidays.com, the UK’s largest accessible travel agent who specialise in accessible accommodation and holidays for travellers with disabilities and limited mobility, to give you the chance to Win a 3 Night Break for 4 people at The Friendly Moose.
THE PRIZE INCLUDES: • Northern Lights spotting opportunities and guided winter walks • Snowmobile and pulka experience • Snow Fun, sledging and snowtubing
WIN AN ACCESSIBLE
FAMILY HOLIDAY TO Lapland!
• Time to rest and relax and take in the beautiful winter scenery and fresh air or enjoy a hot chocolate in front of the wood burner • 3 nights self-catering accessible accommodation in a fully equipped and accessible 2-bedroom apartment • £300 towards flight costs • Airport Transfers and Transport throughout your stay • Friendly and welcoming hosts and guides
PLUS... • Opportunities to purchase additional experiences such as husky sled rides, moose farm visit, traditional craft workshop, reindeer experience etc. • Your stay can also be extended if wished
For further information on the Friendly Moose accommodation, facilities, activities and local area, please visit www.thefriendlymooselapland.com
To enter this fabulous competition and win a magical trip to Lapland visit www.disabledholidays.com and complete the competition entry form. www.disabledholidays.com offers a wide range of accommodation, including properties with wheelchair access and wet room showers, and are also able to offer a variety of mobility equipment for hire, where this is not included as standard, to help make taking an accessible holiday possible.
Their team of accessible travel experts are all highly trained and come with a wealth of experience both in the travel and care industries which means all your holiday needs are well taken care of.
Holiday types include: Lapland, Ski, Cruise holidays including UK departures, Overseas including Europe and long haul, UK breaks ranging from cottage & lodge to 5star hotel and pet friendly properties.
Terms & Conditions: Holiday dates will be confirmed once flight schedules have been published, but the break is to be taken between 10th January and 31st March 2021. Limited to 1 entry per person over the age of 18. Winners advised to take out their own travel insurance. Entries to be received by midday on 30th June 2020 and the lucky winners will be notified by email shortly after. Total Prize Value approx. £2,000. The prize is non-transferable.
Claire, Occupational Therapist South West
To find out more visit smirthwaite.co.uk or call us on 01626 835552 At Smirthwaite, we help support the lives of children with special needs with a range of beautifully designed furniture and equipment.
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