My Journey with Transport for All: Advancing Accessible Policy Work
In 2020, I began my work with Transport for All (TFA), initially supporting the Board of Trustees on internal matters and governance. At the time, TFA’s Chair of Trustees was my dear friend Alan Benson, an inspiring disability rights advocate who dedicated his life to advancing accessibility. Working alongside Alan and his team was a real privilege and provided a profound foundation for my own commitment to equitable policy.
Pioneering Accessible Policies at Transport for All
Over the next couple of years, I contributed as a freelance policy consultant for TFA, focusing on inclusive policy development and privacy practices. One of our key projects was creating an accessible Privacy Policy that became a model for how privacy information can be made genuinely accessible. This policy was not only available in British Sign Language on YouTube but also adapted into Easy Read. Although creating Easy Read documents for policies can pose challenges, as it sometimes shifts the tone from formal policy to general explanation, the process underscored TFA’s dedication to accessibility and set a precedent for inclusive documentation.
Joining as Operations Manager and Advancing TFA’s Mission
My collaboration with TFA grew, and in 2022, I was honoured to join as Operations Manager. I spent two impactful years in this role, overseeing various operational and strategic projects until funding limitations brought my position to a close in 2024. The experience was immensely rewarding, and I am proud to have contributed to TFA’s work in disability advocacy and accessibility.
Remembering Alan Benson, MBE
In December 2023, I, along with the wider community, mourned the passing of Alan Benson. Alan’s lifetime of service and his passion for disability rights, cricket, and science left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. His dedication earned him an MBE in 2022 and a recent Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Transport Awards. Alan’s legacy continues to inspire me and countless others to push forward on accessibility and equality.