Bringing new solutions to change passengers behaviour towards Disabilities and Neurodiversity
Introduction
I have developed a marketing concept as a proposal to encourage passengers to change their behaviour and attitudes towards disabilities and difficulties.
Through my lived experience and previous involvement in projects related to safer travel, I have developed this marketing concept as a proposal to encourage greater awareness and more positive behaviour towards people with disabilities and difficulties.
Background
This was developed after three years of involvement in various projects, research and initiatives aimed at improving safety in relation to the local public transport network. This has included working with Transport for West Midlands, the West Midlands Safer Travel Partnership, transport operators and other organisations.
There have been a variety of projects, research and development activities, not only to improve understanding of neurodiversity on public transport, but also to explore how we can develop positive solutions. As it can take a considerable amount of time before suggestions are implemented, I felt that there were steps that everyone could take now in relation to attitudes, behaviour and judgements.
My Approach
The approach for this project involves using a straightforward and direct message, with fonts and visual styles designed to alert people and encourage them to pay attention.
Further developments
Additional version to be expanded including:
Giving away seats to priority areas (wheelchair & buggy)
Not use feet to block gangways
Not squeeze past passengers in oncoming position
Not be hostile towards invisible disabilities
Against Hate crime
Against ableism
Not pressurise other passengers near ticket machines
Not pressurise other passengers at staff ticket offices and a travel centres
Not pressurise other passengers at ticket barriers
Encouraging quieter conversations
and much more
Presentation
These ideas were presented as part of a meeting at the West Midlands Combined Authority, the home of Transport for West Midlands. They were presented to Security & Policing Manager Paul Franks and Intern Hannah Blackburn at the West Midlands Safer Travel Partnership.
The overall feedback was positive.
Future expansion into an awareness initiative
After developing the idea, I felt that the message needed to be made consistent across public transport systems throughout the United Kingdom.
I have therefore decided to convert my creative ideas into online awareness initiatives linked with the Plus Value Awareness website and the information project "Zero Toxic".
Hopefully, in the long term, public transport systems will be able to adapt what has been developed for their own communities.
Digital facts sheet (with versions for mobile & tablet)
PowerPoint presentation
Exhibitions
Workshops
Video campaign (social media & streaming)
Good practice to other regions and transport modes.
Development
My development work provides potential short- and long-term ideas for further development and consideration, with the aim of encouraging changes in passenger behaviour and improving safety when travelling on public transport.
