Rebecca’s undercover report on wheelchair bus users

May 7 2009 By Joanne Douglas

A GOLCAR woman is helping to highlight the problem wheelchair users face when using public transport.

Rebecca Unsworth has muscular dystrophy and relies on a wheelchair when she goes out.

And now the 26-year-old has joined forces with disabled people throughout the UK as part of a Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to lobby the government to improve standards.

Rebecca, a childcare and disability studies student, said: “Using buses can be a bit hit and miss.

“It all depends on the driver and the type of bus and whether it is busy.

“I use a wheelchair so need the ramp to get on the bus and some don’t have them.

“Often there is only one space for a wheelchair and there are already prams in it.

“Taxis are much better, but then they are a lot more expensive.”

Rebecca has a condition known as central core disease – a disorder that affects the muscles used for movement.

It is genetic and her mother and sister also have it, but they are able to walk much easier.

She is one of Muscular Dystrophy’s Trailblazers – a group of 16 to 30-year-olds fighting for the rights of young disabled people.