Woman 'not deaf enough' for a Freedom Pass
May 17 2010 By Jessica Thompson


Tina Williams from Brentford who has hearing problems and wears a hearing aid has had her freedom pass withdrawn after 28 years because she is not deaf enough to be granted it.

A FREEDOM Pass holder of 28 years from Brentford has had it taken away because she is not deaf enough.

Christina Williams, of Hazel Close, told The Chronicle of her anger at Hounslow Council for withdrawing the ticket for free travel.

The 44-year-old teaching assistant at Woodbridge Park Education Centre said: "I have had problems with my hearing since I was six, it's a damaged nerve and it's never going to go away.

"This will affect my independence, it means I don't have to rely on people. Why give it to me in the first place, it's the principle of this that has annoyed me."

The mother of two has hearing problems in both ears and has to use a hearing aid. She says she has submitted three audiograms to Hounslow Council as well as appealing the decision three times but has had no success in overturning the decision.

After receiving correspondence from the council, Miss Williams claims to be only 2dBHL off being entitled to a pass under the new criteria.

She said: "They have told me I have only mild to moderate hearing loss, if this was the case as they say then why do I need a hearing aid and a loop installed in my home? Why after 28 years have they decided to take it now and why wait this long to change their policies?"

She is not the first reader to get in contact with The Chronicle, Yvonne Chappell, 39, of Bath Road in Hounslow was told her IQ was not low enough to be given a pass when she reapplied.

A spokesman from Hounslow Council said: “The Government sets clear criteria for those with hearing difficulties applying for a Freedom Pass. Unfortunately for Mrs Williams, she does not meet these. Her disappointment is understandable, but we hope she appreciates that these criteria are there to make sure the system helps those who need it most.”

I feel it would benefit so many who've originally had the pass for many years and have now been refused it on the most diabolical made up lies, you either have a disability or you don't and if you are registered disabled then you should be entitled to the pass.

Hounslow council seem to be the biggest offenders right now with spokesmen saying that there is a criteria set out by the Government
which is a total lie to deprive so many with disabilities from receiving a pass which they've had for many years previously.

The question that should be asked is when did the criteria change for anyone who had the pass previously when it was renewed every two years or did the changes come about when the pass was extended to five years this year?

How dare they deny anyone with a disability from having the freedom pass to get around. It just goes to show that the most vulnerable in society are an easy target for bastards like these ones in Hounslow.

It would be nice for people who have had similar experiences to get together and organise even if you have your pass to assist those who've been denied it because next time it could be you denied it and councils giving you the the excuses & lies.

Patrick (Freedom Pass Holder)