because it's about making life easier
We caught up with Damian after a new lift was installed at his local rail station in Daisy Hill.
The installation was part of the Access for All programme, to provide step-free access at rail stations and improve accessibility for passengers.
You can read a transcript of our full chat with Damian below.
What was Daisy Hill station like for you before the Access for All features launched?
Unfortunately, because of the lack of accessibility, I haven’t been in the railway station over the past 37 years.
So many times we've heard promises that the station would be adapted, and now it's here and it's been an absolute pleasure.
In your opinion, why is step-free access so important?
Step-free access provides an inclusive environment for not just me, but for other people who may have prams.
Maybe they have suitcases or packages that they need to transport. And it is about making participating in life much easier in an inclusive environment.
Financially, I won't need to be paying for taxis when family and friends aren't available, or take major detours via bus to get to other accessible rail transport.
Focusing back on the rail a little bit, what are some of future steps that you'd like to see taken to improve accessibility across the rail network?
I know it's a big ask, but step-free access onto the trains would be really helpful.
At the moment I rely heavily on the staff at railway stations and on the trains to bring a ramp, which is inconvenient, time consuming and sometimes can lead to frustration for other passengers.
And that's not the kind of image that people with disability like to portray.
Once on board, accessible toilets, which I know are available, are very important, but also seating arrangements that allow family and friends to be close by.
There are many incidents where people think the designated space is for luggage and that can be very frustrating when you've boarded. The train leaves and you're still not secure in your seating because passengers again, feel inconvenience, they're having to move the luggage.
One of the major issues for me is feeling safe, particularly when we're travelling at night or late at night. It would be great to keep stations and trains fully staffed, but I know that's a big ask. There are intercoms, but a friendly face and a helpful hand are always very, very helpful.
How do you find taking public transport in Great Manchester as a wheelchair user?
Over many years I've tried to use public transport and, until the last five years, I've been very public transport averse.
The reason being staff weren't trained to understand disability and were not always cooperative in helping you board buses or trains.
There has been a sea change since the Bee Network started.
I am now a confident user of the local bus network and looking forward to being an active user of trains from Daisy Hill station.
Watch the video with Damian and Nathaniel at the launch of the new lift at Daisy Hill
More information
Funding
The improvements are funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
