Lothian Buses are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment in which disabled individuals, families and anyone with addition access needs can feel confident and safe.

The company acknowledge that accessing the community after this pandemic will be an anxious time for many people, most of all those who have been shielding for much of the last 18 months. Over the next 12 months isolation will be at an all-time high and as a public transport provider, they accept their role in creating a safe environment for people to travel with confidence so that all individuals, especially those with disabilities, feel able to access their community again.

Morna Simpkins, MS Society Director for Scotland will be joined by Lothian's Accessibility and Inclusion Officer, Olivia Sklenar, to discuss current accessibility standards. Olivia will also share Lothian’s plans for the next couple of years, including their Hidden Disabilities Campaign and Try a Bus Events.

This is an interactive session and participants will be encouraged to share their lived experiences of using public transport so we can explore together what you need and expect from your bus service.

If you have MS, or a friend of loved one does, and you live in Edinburgh or the neighbouring communities, please join us share what’s important to you when using public transport.

What will I need to take part?

All you need to join in is a laptop/tablet/phone/computer with a stable internet connection to use Zoom, the video meeting software that we use.

How do I join?

Before the event we will send you an email which will have a link to the webinar which is held via Zoom. At the time the event is due to start, click on the link and you will be taken to the session. If the session hasn’t started you will see a message to tell you this. Just hang on and when the session starts you will see 2 or 3 people pop up on your screen.

What if I haven’t been sent the link?

We send an email with a link to everyone who completes the registration form on Eventbrite and books a place. The email we send might go into your spam or junk folder so please check before the meeting starts that you can find it.

When I join can other people see or hear me?

Yes this is an interactive session and you’ll be asked, if you wish, to share your experience of public transport and ask questions. You may be muted on arrival by the facilitator but you’ll have an opportunity to contribute to the discussion.

If you’d like more information about MS please contact our Helpline at [email protected] or freephone 0808 800 8000.

Our Living Well Team are also delivering virtual wellbeing sessions for people living with MS as well as for family and friends. You can find out more about these sessions and sign up here.