The Life of a Disabled Commuter: How Accessible Signage Fosters Belonging

In this blog, Catherine reflects on her experience as a disabled commuter and connects her experiences to two insights from Innovation Hub’s design research. 

Written by Catherine Dume, Community Coordinator, Master of Arts, Political Science  

---

Living outside of downtown Toronto, I commute roughly 4 hours a day. Depending on how I’m feeling, I sometimes take trains, catch a ride on the streetcar, use a rideshare app, or simply walk to get to work. Having to commute long hours every day can be difficult as a disabled person who encounters inaccessibility during my commute. For this blog, I would like to reflect on my experiences as a “disabled commuter.” I hope to use my personal experiences to highlight the importance of creating disability spaces and signals of belonging, based on the iHub projects:  “Reimagining Commuter Spaces” and “Signals of Hope: Engagement and Belonging for Students with Disabilities.” 

Visual Signals of Belonging

You could say that I am a “passenger princess,” as my poor eyesight makes it difficult to drive. So, by necessity, I had to learn how to take the subway. Fortunately, Line 1 was easy to navigate, with its visual signage (maps, blinking lights and screens) making it easy for me to get anywhere I wanted to be. However, when I hopped onto Line 2’s rickety train for the first time, I instantly realized that there was something wrong—all the visual signage that I loved from Line 1 was gone.

Up until that moment, I could forget that I had hearing loss; I felt like I belonged among the masses of daily commuters. But every time I ride Line 2, I am constantly made aware of the fact that I do not belong. It is a harsh, exposing feeling of exclusion. In the “Signals of Hope” report, students with disabilities shared that these “signals” indicate to them that they belong in the space, and by extension, society. Thus, it is important to include them when designing spaces.  

Becoming Visible

So, what do you do when you are in a space that is inaccessible? You make your invisible disability visible.  

“Excuse me miss; the ramp is for those who need the ramp. I’d ask you to use one of the other doors,” said the female Station Ambassador as the GO train came to a stop in front of us. I was the only one on the ramp. “Oh sorry,” I replied almost instantly. I suppose the Canadian habit to always apologize kicked in. I turned to get off the ramp and follow her instructions. But halfway down the incline I paused mid-step, questioning my actions.  

Sure, I was not in a wheelchair, and I did not have a cane, but my poor depth perception makes it difficult to distinguish the silver step from the grey platform when getting off at Union Station. After experiencing a nasty fall last year, I’ve always used the ramp as a safety measure. But of course, the Station Ambassador did not know this; she saw me walk up the ramp and determined that I did not need to use it. I was used to getting stared at whenever I sat in blue seats on the TTC, used to strangers forcing me to disclose my disability and question my right to exist in space built for persons with disabilities.  

As a result, I decided to make myself visible, wearing “please offer me a seat” blue buttons, or my Sunflower Lanyard which reads “invisible disability” on the front of the card. The card is useful for getting the support I need.  

Why Spaces to “Just Be” are Important

In the Commuter Spaces Report, disabled students expressed the value of having disabled spaces where they could be themselves. Having an invisible disability means that I exist on the fringes between what is assumed to be “normal” and what is assumed to be “disabled.” In some spaces I am too “normal” to be disabled, in others I am too disabled to be “normal.” It is exhausting to find spaces where I can “just be” without having to fight for my own existence.  

That is why I appreciate the Innovation Hub. One of iHub’s core principles is to create a space where individuals can be their true selves. The iHub maintains a space where everyone who works here can “just be” and grants them the freedom to disclose their disability how much or how little they are comfortable with. Even though commuting to work may be stressful at times, once I arrive at the office, I am excited to work with my colleagues.  

My Tips for an Accessible Commute

After commuting for 5+ years, here are some of my tips for fostering a sense of belonging on your daily commute. 

• If you see anyone struggling, offer assistance. At the same time, do not assume they are incapable. If they say they don’t need assistance, respect their answer.  
• If you happen to see a blue pin “please offer me a seat” or sunflower pin or lanyard, ask how to best support them.  
• If you have or know anyone who has an invisible disability, encourage them to apply for a sunflower. It is a great tool to communicate with others that you need accessibility support.  
• If you need assistance, ask a Station Ambassador or anyone with a yellow vest and uniform. Sometimes they have a sunflower pin as well. In my experience, they are always supportive when you ask for help.