ParalympicsGB chef de mission Penny Briscoe has expressed her outrage over the treatment of 11-time Paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who was forced to “crawl off” a train due to lack of assistance. The incident occurred when Baroness Grey-Thompson arrived at London’s King’s Cross on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train. Despite booking assistance to help her off the train, no one was there to assist her when she arrived on the 19.45 train from Leeds.
Baroness Grey-Thompson, a former wheelchair racer, stated that she “had a contract” for assistance and should have been helped off the train. After waiting for 20 minutes with no assistance in sight, she made the difficult decision to crawl off the train. This experience highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing public transportation and going about their daily lives.
Penny Briscoe emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the difficulties faced by disabled people on a daily basis. She stressed the need for systemic change to create a more equitable society where disabled individuals can navigate public spaces without barriers. As ParalympicsGB strives to inspire a better world for disabled people, Briscoe underscored the importance of advocating for change and pushing for greater accessibility and inclusivity.
In response to the incident, LNER stated that they were investigating the matter and expressed regret over the situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing transportation and other public services.
As Paris prepares to host the Paralympic Games for the first time, Briscoe highlighted the city’s efforts to improve accessibility. While Paris has made progress in making its bus services more accessible, challenges remain in areas such as accessible bathrooms in hotels. Briscoe acknowledged that creating a truly accessible society is a global challenge that requires ongoing commitment and support.
Baroness Grey-Thompson’s remarkable athletic achievements, including winning a total of 16 Paralympic medals, underscore the importance of ensuring equal opportunities and access for all individuals, regardless of disability. As one of ParalympicsGB’s most decorated athletes, her experience highlights the need for continued advocacy and action to address the barriers faced by disabled individuals in society.
The incident involving Baroness Grey-Thompson serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all individuals. It underscores the ongoing work needed to address systemic barriers and ensure that disabled individuals can fully participate in society.
