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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you make space for a family with a disabled child on a train?

155 replies

UnbeatenMum · 04/11/2024 14:01

AIBU to think that most people would see a disability pushchair with a child who is around 6-7 and realise the child is disabled? So if they don't make space for you on a train it's not because they haven't realised? We travelled on several trains during half term and our experience was quite mixed. Ended up with his pushchair half blocking the aisle on two occasions because no one moved for us (in the wheelchair section, all non-wheelchair users or their suitcases or baggage taking up the space). My son was fine but I had to sit on the floor and then get him off the train without help because the rest of the family had walked up the train to find seats. AIBU or would I have had a better experience if he had a wheelchair? I should say a couple of people did offer us a seat but overall it wasn't great.

OP posts:
DieStrassensindimmernass · 04/11/2024 14:08

Sorry you had not so good experiences.
Part of the problem is that our trains are so overcrowded and some folk just go into 'everyone for themselves mode'. In a ideal world there would always be space for a wheelchair user in the disabled section. 👍

BackForABit · 04/11/2024 14:07

Get a badge that says 'please treat this pushchair as a wheelchair', that's what we did.

shellyleppard · 04/11/2024 14:05

I would definitely move. Did you not have passenger assistance helping you?? They are usually pretty good if you book them in advance. Also trains aren't very disabled friendly, I use a frame and there is never any space for it.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 04/11/2024 14:03

I think people are selfish and thoughtless. I would clock a disability pushchair, my husband is less aware. I gave him a nudge recently to offer to help a woman with a pushchair and another child on/off the train.

2024onwardsandup · 04/11/2024 14:03

I’d move of course

i think you’ve just got be confident to ask/tell people to move