FSHD Sufferer Verbally Abused By Train Driver

In early June, a Melbourne man who suffers from FSHD muscular dystrophy was verbally abused by a Victorian Metro Trains driver who blamed him for causing the train to run late.   

"The train driver was abusive and insulting while putting down the wheelchair ramp, a duty expected of his role," said Ray Jordan.  "The train was already running late and ironically, the time he spent abusing me simply made it later."

On Wednesday June 2, Ray boarded the 5:53 PM city-bound train which arrived late via a ramp set down by the driver, whilst being subjected to a barrage of insults from the agitated Metro Trains employee. 

Ray was told that people such as him (which he took to mean those with restricted mobility) always caused trains to be late and that he should not be out after dark without a carer.

In an odd coincidence, when the incident with Metro Trains occurred, Ray was on his way to a meeting with the FSHD Global Research Foundation's Melbourne branch to discuss arrangements for the upcoming Lindt Chocolate Ball - a charity function aimed at raising money for FSHD research.

The incident has since received significant media attention in Australia, including a front page article in the Northcote Leader (a Melbourne newspaper) and interviews on the 6PM news programs of Channels Nine and Seven in Victoria. 

A spokesperson from Metro Trains eventually provided Ray with an apology, however only after the incident was mentioned in the media.

Ray, who lives independently without a carer, believes that the incident highlights several issues, including the negative mindset of some in the community regarding people with special needs, as well as the lack of education and training concerning disabled passengers given to many public transport personnel. 

"I think that when people are aggravated they tend to say exactly what they think," he said.  "The train driver's insults demonstrated the nineteenth century attitude where people with special needs were considered to be just an inconvenience to the community."

Ray also thinks that the incident brings to light the unacceptable standards of public transport systems, where those in wheelchairs are forced to rely on the assistance of others to achieve the normal outcome of simply boarding a train or bus. Having some experience in the area, in his view communities should be working towards the ultimate goal of independent access to public transport for disabled individuals. 

It is interesting to note that Reservoir Station, where the incident took place, has just received a complete surface upgrade at significant expense to tax payers, yet the station platform still does not match the level of incoming trains.    

According to Ray, a relatively small amount of extra funding would have allowed changes to the station's platform, solving a number of problems for the community. 

"Good disability access is good for everybody," he said.  "A change to the station surface would not only allow people in wheelchairs to roll straight on to the train without assistance, it would also mean there would be less chance of prams rolling on to the tracks, and of people dropping things between the gap and tripping while boarding the train, ultimately improving station safety."

The public transport systems in cities such as Boston and Washington DC are cited by Ray as good examples of how innovative, simple upgrades have been applied to achieve independent access for disabled citizens. 

Ultimately, Ray says that there is an important message that should be taken from the event for other FSHD sufferers or indeed those with any disability. 

"When something like this happens, it is essential that a complaint is made," he urged.  "I understand that people tire of reporting incidents when nothing is done, however it is crucial that these occurrences are recognized."

Ray, a friend of the FSHD Global Research Foundation, has long spoken out against the injustices suffered by those with disabilities.   He will be heading to Las Vegas in July, unassisted, to attend the American-based FSH Society's convention which is held once every two years.