To ask about taking autistic child in wheelchair space on eurostar?

[newyorknewyorkforevernewyork]

Autistic dc - can walk but would be comfortable in a wheelchair

Want to go on a day trip to France - what will happen if I take them on the eurostar using the wheelchair space - i would go with them for free

This might be the only way we can afford the eurostar

Has anyone done this? Please dont flame me

If they need a wheelchair - seems reasonable.

if you’re putting them in a chair to get a free seat - seems a bit off .

I think wheelchair spaces should be left for those that really need them.

Euro star tickets are £50 each if booked in good time.

They can walk but would struggle for the day trip so we would use the wheelchair! Would make our day easier

Thats £200 which is a lot right now

I’m a wheelchair user. You don’t get a free companion ticket on Eurostar, but both wheelchair user and companion pay for seats at a reduced price.

ETA: You can get a companion ticket to travel with your DC without sitting in a wheelchair space.

You would have to book the space in advance. If your child DOESN’T actually need it you are potentially taking the space from someone who did. Because DC is autistic you should still go free as a carer whether you use the wheelchair space or not? I don’t see why you wouldn’t? Have you got a Disabled Child Railcard or an Access Card?

So go on a coach, it will be cheaper.

Does your child use a wheelchair on a regular basis or would you be looking at borrowing one for the trip?

Not on the eurostar, its only for those with wheelchairs

I have a wheelchair for them, and we still use their buggy for days out sometimes

Bought the wheelchair on sale, as i thought it might come in handy as they grow/in an emergency

Ah @DreamyJadeyou know more than me. I’m also a wheelchair user but have never been on Eurostar!

Just seen it.

Apologies if I sound like a dick. I am not trying to be, just trying to take them to france as cheaply as possible.

I'm rethinking it tbh as I am not that brave

I cant do that to them. Will cause all kinds of distress due to the length of the journey

My autistic DC has a disability chair. If I had to go on a train, he would be in the chair because he would likely be overwhelmed and trying to run off the train. I wouldn't take him on a long train journey for this reason, unless necessary. Nor would I use his disability as a way to get cheaper travel, especially if that meant sitting him in the chair when he didn't need it. We do our best to avoid it because I want to maximise his independence as much as is safely possible.

No one thinks you’re a dick. You’re trying to get a reasonable adjustment for your child but you can do that without needing to take someone else’s. Are you hoping to take them to Disney? If memory serves it has a train station.

Be BRAVE!

Would you be ok with your child being blocked from a dedicated service by non-autistic child with a parent doing what you are planning to do to do to save cash? If the answer is yes, crack on....

If you are doing it due to the costs then yes you are being a dick.

If you are doing it because your dc needs to use a wheelchair to be able to make that trip than no, you are not being a dick.

True. We would use the wheelchair! Honestly, they'd sit in it while we walk around Paris.

But I dont want to cause harm to someone in a chair who can't walk at all.

In which case you are actually using the wheelchair, it’s not just for appearances only and not just to get the discount. It’s legit. Don’t overthink it.

People who use wheelchairs don’t always use them full time. They are a mobility aid to assist moving around - some people use them full time, others don’t, there isn’t a hierarchy so long as the use is legitimate.

You may already know this, but just in case. You can use tescos clubcard points towards the cost of the tunnel, if you happen to shop there?

Will check it out now thank you

Thank you @ValleyClouds @MedusasHead

Does your DS actually want to go to Paris? And how are you planning to get around once you hit Gare de Nord

Can you not take him in the buggy?