Tom and I are both volunteers at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. It’s a
prestigious location that welcomes visitors from across the world, its diversity and cultural
experience unsurpassed.
As I write, David Goodhart, a well-known journalist, commentator, author and recently
appointed to the Equality & Human Rights Commission, is talking on the radio about a
recent YouGov poll. Although the poll he is referring to is about whether race has an
impact on ability to succeed, it made me think of Tom’s situation and the many like him.
There is a wealth of evidence, both objective and subjective, that confirms that those with
disability have additional barriers they have to confront to be able to pursue and realise
their dreams and aspirations. It’s the responsibility of every one of us to enable them to be
valued members of society and to make their contribution evident.
The London Transport Museum is an important and visible landmark in Covent Garden
and its core business is people. The ability to welcome visitors with a genuine warmth and
to be able to relate to them naturally is a fundamental attribute. Tom is therefore ideally
suited to the role we volunteer for.
Tom can smile as he welcomes people and that is one of the all-important first impressions
a visitor is greeted with. Tom can say hello and welcome, he can scan returning visitor’s
tickets, give younger and young at heart visitors Museum trails, point to where the facilities
are and wish folk a happy farewell and come back and see us, when it’s time for them to
leave.
Tom wears his turquoise blue volunteer uniform t-shirt with pride and covers it with his
smart, black LTM volunteer emblazoned fleece whilst welcoming visitors at the entrance
doors on colder days. He is able to relate to members of the staff and his fellow
volunteers, whether they are keeping the environment safe and secure, engaging young
people in the variety of activities on offer, keeping the floors and toilets clean or taking a
break in the staff area.
Tom is resilient enough to deal with the visitors who ignore him and don’t respond to his
welcoming words or gestures as well as those who refuse the information leaflet he offers
them as they leave. He will call for help when visitors attempt to access the Museum
through the exit doors or when he’s asked a question and isn’t sure of the answer.
Like most of us, Tom has likes, dislikes, dreams and aspirations and, like most of us, he
should be afforded the opportunities to realise them. We all need and have support or
inspiration from others close to us and Tom’s Dad, Mark, strives to ensure that Tom can
participate in relevant and productive experiences.
Tom needs Mark to find the windows of opportunity, to get him where he needs to be and
ensure he has all he needs for his day. Mark can then depart and leave Tom to forge his
own experiences, contribution and achievements.
