Disabilities of M40 passengers and their taxi service requirements

Range of Disabilities

In carrying out your job as a Taxi Driver you will have encountered a range of passengers with temporary or permanent disabilities who required the assistance of a caring and sensitive driver. The degree of disability experienced by the passenger may have ranged from an obvious physical disability when the use of a wheelchair is required through to less obvious disabilities as those people with hearing impairment, to elderly people where physical frailty may be a problem. Some disabilities are more obvious than others are. The person in the wheelchair, with a guide dog or walking aid is more visible than someone who has had a stroke, is arthritic, blind or a person with epilepsy. Some other disabilities may also not be evident such as people with a hearing impediment, heart condition, fatigue due to illness or age, or those with intellectual or psychiatric disabilities.

Reduced mobility

There are also others whose mobility is temporarily impaired, including people with broken limbs, women in the later stages of pregnancy or people pushing strollers. These people may need special assistance in getting in and out of vehicle and with luggage or equipment.

Needs of Passengers with babies

Babies must travel in approved child restraints. If your taxi does not have such a restraint you may offer to call a taxi that does through your Radio Network.

Dementia

Dementia is a condition of extreme confusion. As a professional Taxi Driver you may help people with Dementia avoid danger. Ensure they are not in danger and if appropriate contact your Radio Network or Emergency Services.

M Codes for Passengers With Disabilities

You will probably already be familiar from your driving experience with the M40, M50 and M11 codes. We review them briefly here.

Three M codes are used to identify the transport requirement of people with disabilities:

The M50 code identifies a person with a disability who is confined to a wheelchair and requires transport by a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Service (WATS) vehicle. Note that drivers of WATS vehicles in NSW must have successfully completed the Taxi Industry TAXICARE WATS Driver Training Course as approved by the Director General of the NSW Department of Transport. (Note that this Module in the TAXICARE Professional Course is not sufficient training for a driver of such vehicles).

The M40 code is used for a passenger with a permanent disability who is able to use any taxi.

The M11 code is used for passengers who are temporarily incapacitated. Such passengers do not qualify for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS).

For passengers with a permanent disability using the TTSS Scheme the M code is recorded on the passenger identification card.

Standard taxi equipment for M40 category passengers

Seat belts

Certain people have less control over their body and will require a seat belt to be fitted by you. Ensure you do not touch them when doing this. Ensure the seatbelt is properly fitted. Check they are comfortable.

Child restraints

If your vehicle carries a child restraint fitted you must ensure you know exactly how to fit it. Refer to the manufacturer's handbook for instructions.

Special purpose vehicles for passengers with disabilities

Those passengers with disabilities who are unable to use the conventional taxicab may hire a taxi from the fleet of specially modified taxis. These special purpose vehicles are able to carry passengers in their own wheelchairs. They include Flash Cabs, Stretch Cabs, Maxi Taxis and Metro Cabs.

Assisting passengers with disabilities

As a general rule let common sense and consideration be your guide when assisting passengers with disabilities. Keep in mind that people with disabilities are just like you are, only with a physical difference that does not have to make them feel or think differently. The following points will help you in dealing with people with a disability:

Assistance

When picking up or setting down people with disabilities position the taxicab safely to provide maximum assistance to the passenger when entering or alighting from the taxi. If you are in doubt whether a passenger with a disability is in need of assistance ask the person if help is required, but do not insist and do not assist without asking. You could ask "May I help you?"

Accidents

If a person with a disability falls remain calm. Wait for them to give you a cue. If the person needs a lift they will tell you which is the easiest way to get them back on their feet. Do not strain yourself or attempt to lift someone. You may hurt yourself and them.

Equipment

For some people with disabilities crutches and wheelchairs are necessary accessories. Don't take them away unless they indicate they would like to have them out of the way.

Total person

Remember that it is a total person you are dealing with. It is not a blind person or a paraplegic. It is a person who has is simply different in a physical or intellectual way.

Attitude

Patience and understanding are most important qualities. Remember you may be frail, elderly or a person with disability yourself one day. Do not be patronising to a passenger with a disability. Don't "put them down".