London Underground Sign at Kilburn Station Explains Invisible Illness to Passengers

For people living with an invisible illness, communicating that you to need to sit on a crowded public train or bus can be difficult if you look perfectly healthy. Fortunately, a sign posted in the Kilburn Station of the London Underground explains what passengers may be missing when a seemingly healthy looking person asks them for their seat.

The sign reads:

Please offer me a seat.

Our baby on board wearers all like to rest,

The old and less abled are put to the test,

But it isn’t just them, there are many cases,

Different people, different races,

Moving in pain and wearing a frown,

It might help them out greatly by just sitting sitting down,

But why would you want to give up your seat,

To someone who looks quite well and complete,

Some people have issues you just cannot see,

So don’t make them ask and don’t make them plea,

Please make an effort and please be aware,

Show them respect and show them you care,

Stand up and be counted, you’ll do a good deed,

Give up your seat to someone in need.

Transport for London (TfL), London’s department of transportation, has been trying to make public transportation more accessible for those with invisible conditions. This past September, TFL introduced a badge trial program for people with invisible disabilities.

“We appreciate that asking for a seat on public transport can sometimes be difficult, particularly for customers who have hidden disabilities or conditions. That is why we are launching this trial,” Mike Brown, London’s Transport Commissioner, said in a statement published by the TfL.

The badge, which reads “Please Offer Me a Seat,” was initially offered to 1,000 London travelers. An expanded program will be launched this spring.