Alan Benson @AlansTweets Twitter profile

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Alan Benson

9 months

There will be a memorial gathering at Mortlake Crematorium (TW9 4EN) at 11:20am on January 19th 2024. This will continue from 1:30pm at York House (TW1 3AA) where libations and nibbles will be shared for all. RSVP to <gathering @panic .fluff.org>

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Someone hasn't thought this through.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Spoilers. There's no way I'm getting down THAT street, on the pavement OR the road.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

Stuck on another bloody train. This one terminated at an inaccessible station.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

I've arrived at Nine Elms on foot. Let's see what it's like.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Today I took a 3 hour round trip bus ride to attend a 10 minute medical appointment. If transport was step free it would have taken 1 hour 40 minutes. The closest hospital was 20 minutes, but it isn't step free. There, in a tweet, is the disability time premium, a wasted day.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

"No one told us" said Hammersmith, only I heard Green Park make the call. Thanks to Pax who tried, & failed, to un-pull the cord & the one who tried to lift me off 🤣 & to driver who told the entire train about me. Fortunately I'm wearing DGAF armour tonight. #DelayATrain

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Brand new station, and the lifts are way too small. I can't turn round, I have to reverse in or out. These feel like a squeezed-in afterthought. It's going to be worse when they're busy. So incredibly disappointing.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

How can an MP have enough self-confidence to look at @BootstrapCook and think "yeah, I can take them on on the subject of food poverty." but lack the self-awareness to know what a stupid idea this would be?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

Remind me how much was spent on the London Bridge rebuild? The one lift is out so my 40 minute trip to Tonbridge now goes via Charring Cross and takes 2 hours.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Pleased to reveal that I've been appointed MBE in the 2022 New Years Honours. This is in recognition of my efforts over the last decade. I couldn't have achieved anything without all the great people I've connected with over that time. This reflects on you too.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

4 years

Just seen @BorisJohnson in the new £2m media room. Stage with no ramp and no #BSL . A blank sheet of paper and £2m, with no consideration for disability. Inclusive society? Guess we're not #AllInItTogether .

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

Now, look me in the eye and tell me you can't make your historic building accessible, I dare you.

JELLY HEAD

@LordOrk

5 years

New disabled-friendly lift to be installed at the Acropolis by Summer 2020 The new lift meets the requirements and specifications that will allow disability access as well as space for trolleys and a stretcher.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

4 years

Been working to support someone in a care assessment. The social worker has suggested this perfectly continent person wears adult diapers rather than receives PA support for toileting needs. Intellectually I knew this happened, but this has struck me viscerally. #BrokenCare

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

@MOVEconference Tried the new on-spec bus. I couldn't get on.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

So today this thing happened. It seems I have some new jewellery.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

So Questions Who terminated at an inaccessible station? Why did driver leave without checking passengers? With disruption why were no staff on the platform? Why isn't there a bridging ramp? Why was communication so poor? Why wouldn't anyone register my complaint? 7/?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Minister for Disabled People 'not aware of' the Social Model. This is going to go well. More great work by @johnpringdns

New minister for disabled people on the social model, cost-of-living and jobs

For someone who still claims to be “backing Boris” on her own website, it may not be surprising that the new minister for disabled people, Claire Coutinho, is not yet up to speed on important aspec…

www.disabilitynewsservice.com

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Late night I was made an Honorary Freeman of Richmond-upon-Thames. This real honour is a reflection on those many friends and colleagues who've contributed, and that includes the support I've had from the twitter community. Thank you all.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

This man spent £2m on a briefing room with no step free access or #BSL interpreter, but he's got a purple tie so that's okay.

Boris Johnson

@BorisJohnson

3 years

Today I’m wearing a purple tie to mark #IDPWD2021 This government is determined to build back better and fairer for all disabled people. Our #NationalDisabilityStrategy is dedicated to making that happen.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

"If you’re upset about people hoarding toilet paper, wait until you hear about how a tiny minority of rich people have hoarded most of the world’s wealth ☕️"

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Who's up for a mass wheel around #Soho next Saturday, 6pm? Weather should be good. Guide Dogs come too.

Katie Pennick

@KatiePennick

3 years

Fun fact about me: I use a ‘teenagers’ wheelchair. It’s tiny. 23inches wide. If I’m struggling to get through these “gaps”, they are completely impassable for most wheelchair users and visually impaired people with dogs. Pavements must be kept clear enough for pedestrians.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

Being interviewed by @itvlondon about the ticket office closure announcement. Early in the morning so had to get my head in gear for this important announcement.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

11 months

The lift came to a stop. "Fart," I said, in the silence, "I think she means a Fart." If looks could kill. All I heard as they vanished through the crowd was the child loudly asking "Mummy, what's a fart?" My work here is done. 2/2

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

A new compact design of help point. Still a bit too high, and emergeny is still green. Where else in the world is emergency labelled in green?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

So, this thing happened. It's a real honour.

Richmond Council

@LBRUT

3 years

Cllr @Gareth_Roberts_ has announced that leading disability campaigner and @RUILS Trustee, Alan Benson MBE ( @AlansTweets ), is to be offered 'Freedom of the Borough' in recognition for his championing of the rights of all disabled people. Read more ⬇️

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

& this time I had the GoPro so have video. PS I've had some really shitty trips recently & I shouldn't be spending Saturday night typing this up. But don't stop travelling. We need to keep up the pressure to make access normal. Sorry to @LBRUTMayor for missing your party 8/8

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

4 years

PM #ClapForTheNHS when 30,000 student nurses who joined #Covid19UK fight have just lost their jobs early. This should make everyone angry.

PM joins nationwide clap on NHS 72nd anniversary

The applause was inspired by the weekly Clap for Carers during the peak of the coronavirus lockdown.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Without the noisy, annoying and lawful protests that I attended #Crossrail would not be entirely step free. I am the law abiding majority. It's your laws that will make me a criminal.

Priti Patel MP

@pritipatel

3 years

Last night Labour blocked the Government from introducing new measures to stop Insulate Britain & XR bringing our country to a standstill. Once again Labour’s actions are proving they are not on the side of the law-abiding majority - instead choosing to defend vandals and thugs.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

An outing today as a pallete cleanser. A new experience for me, two wheelchairs on a London bus. These new electrics are a step in the right direction.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

PSA If, as a disabled person, the assistance to get you off a train does not turn up, activate the emergency alarm. Train drivers don't want to 'over-carry' you. It's scary the first time, but gets easier.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

As an employer how can I expect Katie to deliver her best work when she faces this at the start and end of her day? (yet she does) This discrimination impacts businesses up and down the country, not just individuals.

Katie Pennick

@KatiePennick

5 years

After being interviewed about inaccessible transport, I tried to get a train home and this is what I encounter: @chilternrailway tried to refuse me access, told me they couldn’t allow me on the train due to health and safety, that there was no ramp, no space. This was all false.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

I took three trains today on two operators. Guess how many times I wasn't met? That's right. All three. Passenger Assist is fundamentally bloody broken. I don't swear on twitter or this tweet would be 18 rated.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Oops. Wrong photo.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

This crisis cannot, must not roll back the rights we have fought so hard for over 30 years.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Made it to the exit at Battersea Power Station. There is an accessible toilet, access with a Radar key. There's also an evacuation lift but the staff member I spoke to didn't know where. I'm going home now, just a bit disappointed at a missed opportunity.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Update - @TfL have been in touch today and assured me the signage and lift door timings are being addressed. A full audit was carried out prior to opening. These are great stations, but missed opportunities must not be allowed in future. I'm hopeful for Crossrail

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Post script. The cycle lane outside Battersea Station has dreadful contrast. It's really hard to tell that there's a height difference between it and the pavement. And my eyesight is good.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Heading off on a Grand Day Out. First picture of me in a suit. EVER.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

This morning I've been at the official opening of #ElizabethLine

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

QOTD "I've used a full tank of petrol since Friday driving round looking for fuel." There. Are. No. Words.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

Allowing 'medical exceptions' for straw use means I have to give my medical history to unqualified someone who then judges am I disabled enough. The UK is going this way this year.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

I'm waiting on the arrival from Glaagow at @NetworkRailEUS . Come get me off please.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

I've left London and am visiting the provinces, the City of Lincoln. Buses are random and subject to change at no notice and last bus is at 18.30. Taxis are as rare as rocking horse shit. How does anyone live like this?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

I've been waiting a long time for today. I've finally got to meet the diva @GuideDogAva and it was as good as I hoped. Oh, and got to spend time with @BlondeHistorian in the sunshine. Perfect Saturday.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

I've gone full hi-viz for an afternoon of testing access ahead of the launch of the Elizabeth Line.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

11 months

I was in a lift today and was joined by a mother and toddler, maybe 3 years old. As the lift moved the mother said, in an exasperated tone, "Darling, I don't know what you mean by 'bubble in your bottom'" 1/2

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

I have a ventilator with air filters that are supposed to be changed every six months. I live in Richmond. The dirty grey filter is after 3 months (the new white one for comparison) We're all breathing this crud #ULEZ

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

First time seeing the wonderful @KatiePennick in 15 months, sneaking a quick pint in Soho. It felt so normal.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Deep entranceway to lift at Battersea means the doors had already closed by the time the last user had left. Dreadful design flaw and unnecessary in a new station.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Properly out for the first time in 410 days. Bus was a bit full, standard passengers. Lots of people on the street. Enjoying the sun. Train deserted.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

I done a train.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

Just received my Government instruction text to remain indoors for 12 weeks as "a vulnerable person". I have permission to open a window but must have 3 feet separation from people. WANTED - PAs. Must have very long arms. #CoronaVirusUK

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

The Nine Elms platform has lots of space and has that "new station" smell. It's like the new car smell, but concrete. The place is crawling with geeks with cameras.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

6 years

Lovely to start the day with the Diva @Kika_GuideDog . Does anyone know where we are?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Really effing bored of not going somewhere because in a theatre of 600+ seats there are 2 wheelchair spaces and they are both booked but other seats are available. Twice this week.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

@Tanni_GT no, very angry

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Spending the afternoon doing a little preparatory exploration. I'm told the Queen refuses to use a wheelchair. Having visited Windsor I know why. Pavements rough as hell, cobbles everywhere, and they've never heard of a drop kerb.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

@AnnieBtransport Like royalty, we all have "staff"

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

6 years

Actually had someone try to push me out of the wheelchair space on the tube. I requested he not do that. "But I want to sit down" WTF?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

An older woman approached me at the station yesterday with "You're doing really well, I'm impressed" Oh, here we go again I thought. she went on "I've seen you on TV a few times. You explain the problems we face really well. Thank you." So that was unexpected but nice.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Signage on the platform lift at Battersea can't decide whether it's Lift 4 or Lift C. This is a really common @TfL problem reported often. Deeply frustrating at a new station. But there's worse .....

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

4 years

Thanks to everyone who commented on the @TfLAccess closure. @tfl have agreed to postpone the closure and @transportforall and @LonTravelWatch will meet with them next week to discuss. You have been heard.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

The very definition of irony, being discriminated against at a dinner to celebrate an MBE... awarded for fighting discrimination.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

Delighted that @SadiqKhan is prioritising Disabled People in his first policy pledge. @transportforall and me personally have been pushing this for a long time. Great to be listened to

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Caught the Jubilee line into London at Waterloo. I've been moaning for years that it's hard to tell which door to use and that the step is too big. It seems @TfL have listened. Real improvement, now we need it on all other platforms on the line. #WeDidThis #Hump

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

@WheelsofSteer This would make a great activist protest. Putting 'No Cripples' stickers on every business in a street with steps. Could do it at night and see if anyone noticed!

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

10.15pm, freezing, waiting a bus stop. Driver pulls in 3 feet from the kerb and shouts through the open door "I cant get closer now" Suddenly it becomes possible when I very obviously photograph the front of the bus. I'm too tired to mess about arguing.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Delighted to see @Tesco are continuing to offer priority online shopping to disabled people . Others should follow suit.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Dear Londoners, thanks to those of you still wearing masks on @tfl services. It's making it much easier to spot decent human beings.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Twitter is often called a cesspit, but for the last 12 hours I've been flooded with such warmth and generosity. I have the kindest, nicest followers, thank you. Together the fight continues.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

PPS I need to thank @QuinnTBear for taking all the pictures, doing all the typing and generally putting up with me.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

6 years

This is the new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 City. Why can't more buses have this much space?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

I'm disturbed by the number of wheelchair users in this thread blaming @flowergirl_lon 's chair. We should know better that choice of chair involves compromise. We must unite in fight for more accessible environment, not join ableds in excluding us all.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

It's now @QuinTBear takes the photo. She's 9 stone and 5'4". I'm 6'4" & 250kg. Why can't she help me off? You do the math! and she shouldn't have to. It's not her fault or problem. 4/?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

Got on the bus, driver came out of his cab and spoke to me to check if it was OK to share the space with a buggy during the trip. More drivers should be this good.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

This ticket office closure consultation is meant to be advertised in stations. I've been looking, and haven't yet been able to find any signs. I'd love to see pictures of any posters you see in the wild.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

6 years

Attacks, abuse and general nastiness on twitter this week but 5,000 people turn up to #SpaceShambles so maybe we're not actually doomed.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

I don't believe it. My train has been rerouted AGAIN. Told to change at an inaccessible Wandsworth Road. No staff. No ramp. Pulled the cord AGAIN. I've not even had a formal response from @tfl 's last screw up

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

Having pondered how I heard Hammersmith be contacted and yet all staff there adamant that no one told them can both be true I think I've worked it out... Someone phoned the OTHER Hammersmith station.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

Random update. 2 days of travelling on buses across London, trains and various underground lines (with & without ramp assistance). No issues to report, I got everywhere I wanted to. Just thought it worth saying.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Ch5 cameraman asked me today if there were any good/bad/appropriate/inappropriate ways that I'd been filmed in the past? Did I have any advice? So impressed by the decency of the question.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Govt Minister @MPGeorgeEustice says disabled people need to warn that they're coming. That's the context the National Disability Strategy is operating in.

Dr Lucy Henshall just Being Lucy

@DrLucyHenshall

3 years

That’s not an apology, that’s #victim -blaming of the very worst kind. 🤬 Shocking response from ⁦ @MPGeorgeEustice ⁩ ⁦ @DisRightsUK ⁩ ⁦ @DisabilityGovUK ⁩ ⁦ @HannahPopsy ⁩ #COP26

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

It's a rare privilege to be surrounded by people who changed your life and changed the world. Today we celebrated the campaign that made #ElizabethLine step-free, and remembered those no longer with us. A truly game changing victory.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

7 years

STOP PRESS - Google maps now does Wheelchair Accessible directions in London. @HannahPopsy

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

but kudos to Green Park staff member who, without asking, described me over the radio to Hammersmith (did I mention I heard the call) as "MIP and family member" * MIP is code for Mobility Impaired Passenger

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Phoned by my consultant on Easter Sunday to say he has Covid, can we move my appt on Tuesday to online. Don't tell me #NHS #Staff don't work weekends, or aren't busting a gut to care for me.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

1 year

A woman in civies turns up and tells me there's no bridging ramp. She goes off to find one & returns after 5 mins to get me off & on the next one. Turns out she was Duty Manager. Her response to my request to make a complaint? Use the website. 6/?

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Very pleased to be included on @ShawTrust #DisabilityPower100 . A real honour to be included with so many excellent and effective change makers.

Alan Benson - Shaw Trust Disability Power 100

disabilitypower100.com

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

6 years

If you learn one thing today then learn this. Disability Simulation exercises don't work. NEVER use them in Equality Training

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Who says aids can't be functional AND aesthetic?

Richard Amm ♿️🌍👨‍🦼

@Richard_Amm

3 years

Wheelchair made for Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, 1740

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

What a good job that fixed everything.

EHRC

@EHRC

2 years

On this day in 2004, part of the Disability Discrimination Act came into force which required providers to make physical adjustments to their premises to enable disabled people to use their services. In 2010, the DDA was brought under the Equality Act:

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

This is me demonstrating level access at Nine Elms. Except selfish idiot wouldn't get out of the way.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

6 years

Lesson 2 - Wheelchairs DO NOT need to face backwards on a bus. A chair user can travel forwards IF THEY WISH. I got this from 3 (three) separate, authoritative sources. There are no insurance or regulation problems preventing this.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

I've been summoned.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

5 years

I can see this is necessary but it scares the hell out of me. That 'Register of Disabled People' I've fought for years now exists.

Inclusion London

@InclusionLondon

5 years

Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food. If you’re not sure register anyway.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

Had an invite from a major corporate and charity recruiter to a drinks reception, with no wheelchair access. I want to kick up stink, but this is so frequent I'm not sure I've got it in me.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

@Concrete_Geek The best way to get good results is involve disabled people early in your designs. Take standards as a starting point, not a target.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

3 years

The new Alexandre de Cunha art work Sunset Sunrise Sunset is rather pretty in the ticket hall.

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Alan Benson

@AlansTweets

2 years

Proud to be in the team, past and present, who campaigned for and won accessibility improvements including members and these remarkable women from @TransportForAll

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