Wheelchair User Forced To Crawl London Overground Stairs

 

A distressing incident unfolded at a London Overground station,

as a disabled woman found herself compelled to crawl up a flight of stairs due to a malfunctioning lift. Jennie Berry, 29, who relies on a wheelchair, was left to shuffle up the steps unassisted while staff reportedly appeared indifferent to her plight.

 

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A post shared by Jennie Berry | Disabled Blog♿️ (@wheelie_good_life)

Ms. Berry recounted the ordeal, stating that upon her arrival at Dalston Junction station late at night. She found no assistance available. With no other option, she embarked on a 15-minute journey, navigating the stairs on her bottom. She expressed frustration at the lack of support from Transport for London (TfL) personnel. They only intervened when she was just steps away from reaching the top.

A technician, seemingly unaware of the situation, announced the lift’s repair just as Ms. Berry completed her arduous ascent. This insensitive timing compounded her distress. Ms. Berry highlighted the absence of signage warning of the lift’s malfunction and the scarcity of staff to guide her to an alternative accessible station.

Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Berry emphasized the urgent need for improvements in accessibility for disabled travelers. She stressed that her ordeal was not unique and urged swift action to address systemic issues.

Regrettably, witnesses reported staff members laughing as Ms. Berry reached the summit of the stairs, further underscoring the need for sensitivity and empathy in such situations.

Mark Evers, Chief Customer Officer at TfL

issued a statement expressing deep regret over Ms. Berry’s distressing experience. He assured that the incident is being investigated urgently with Arriva Rail London to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Evers acknowledged the significant impact of lift malfunctions on customers and reaffirmed TfL’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and promptly communicating information about lift availability.

Ms. Berry’s harrowing ordeal shines a light on the challenges faced by disabled individuals in navigating public transport infrastructure. It serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for inclusive measures and heightened awareness among transport operators and staff.

 

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