Lego Land and DDA

sheeps68

I used the special disabled pass at Chessington a couple of years ago and they a one hour rule for the bigger rides. It suited me great as i could go on a ride without a huge wait in line and then sit and rest between rides etc. Suited me great as I got short lines but didnt get any advantage of getting extra rides in the day.

Perfect system I thought as they met my need for not standing in line for huge lengths of time and I didnt feel I was getting a unfair advantage over others as my wait times were similar but I could do it from a convenient bench or cafe.

GlasweJen

Flyboy152 wrote: »

Do you know how the scheme is administered?

I'm not sure what you mean.

I do know that anyone who is in receipt of DLA or who has a blue badge can present themselves for these tickets at any time. The theme park cannot possibly ask for evidence from everyone that they need specific adjustments with regard to standing in a queue.

As an aside I don't understand how a child with severe autism who cannot cope with standing in a queue can cope with the 3 minutes or so of high stimulation that one of the top 6 theme park rides provides.

daska

I loathe going on rides so I've bothered to make the effort to go to a big theme park for 15 years or so (and that was only to Futuroscope which isn't exactly rollercoaster city LOL) other than that local steam fairs are my limit and I can seldom get on those rides myself now.

The DDA is supposed to stop disabled people being disadvantaged, yes? But for ease the parks have to come up with a policy that isn't impossible to administer so they try to find a 'one size fits all' version. It's never going to be possible for them to be entirely even handed. Not all disabled people are unable to queue so some will be getting an unnecessary advantage. Those who are unable to queue quite rightly get to bypass it BUT at the expense of being able to experience the ride as part of their family/friends - something which my (admittedly limited) experience has taught me is invaluable where my children are concerned.

As a comparison, think of the heated arguments on this board about people using motability cars, we all shouted down PBS when they asserted that only the disabled child should be transported in a small car and the rest of the family should use some other car or mode of transport. Really, where's the difference, this is about 'family life' and not treating disabled people less favourably.

Beki88

We went to lego land last year with my son who has aspergers, without the pass we would never have been able to go because of the queues. We took our little girl as well who was only a few months old so for all the rides there was only ever 2 people on them.
We couldnt go on the water rides as DS freaks out when water goes on his head or face.
I think its fair to say do not return to the ride within an hour, infact we never actually rode the same one again, but I sort of think its a bit unfair (maybe not the right word) to say any of the big 6 within an hour, that means a minimum of 6 hours in the park to do them all, which is a long time for a child in general regardless of need, but I sort of understand their reasoning.
It is very kind of legoland to do what they do and it made our "holiday" last year.:T
It will just be a case of adjusting and trying to plan a bit more before we go again this year.

Brassedoff

munchings-n-crunchings wrote: »

I can understand if able bodied people

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The OP's child is able bodied, can queue, take place in line or be guided. I cannot understand why they give four places. I think the recipient and carer is too generous and I would not be surprised that they got complaints.

Of course disabilities are not obvious, but the average kid with ASD, ADHD etc can move and stand far longer that a disabled person without the use of their legs etc. I would have thought one would have tried to get the child to join the regular queue to help them start to quote and prepare for life as an adult.

Brassedoff

dmg24 wrote: »

* I emphasise the word genuine because the ADHD term can be used by parents who try to excuse bad behaviour where there is no clinical cause.

I am in complete agreement with you. Knowing of some false claimants myself who managed to con the medics and Schools with coaching from a parent who unfortunately had a poor child with the condition (not disability) you have hit the nail on the head there. Too many parents now use or look for an excuse for poor parenting, bad kids or for DLA. As I have said there is a demographic imbalance of the condition spread in some social groups.

* Not for one minute suggesting the OP or Munchie is pulling a flyer

munchings-n-crunchings

Brassedoff wrote: »

* Not for one minute suggesting the OP or Munchie is pulling a flyer

No offence taken.

When my daughter was diagnosed aged 8, the clinical psychologist described ASD as 'the new adhd' and I didn't want to feel as if I was jumping on that bandwagon.
I was quite gutted by that.
I was so familiar with friends who wanted a diagnosis of dyslexia because their child was later reading than their peer group, or parents labeling their children as it suited their needs.

With my daughter, so many things were connected, but diagnosed independantly. Firstly her intolerance of milk aged 6 months, apparently fairly common in children with autism, then it was her asthma aged 1. Her autism diagnosis came adged 8, followed by her diagnosis of DCD-Developmental Coordination disorder, where all children have this to some degree, but where it's over and above it's given it's own separate diagnosis. the whole process of diagnosis involved consultants from the paediatrician, psychology, speach and language and occupational & physio therapy, all contributing from their specialist field.

Personally, I didn't want my hopes and aspirations for her to fade away with the diagnosis. The attitude of relatives who were ashamed, only spurred me on to give her all the opportunities I could, so that she could do everything any other child would do.
We have always been open about her autism, but as she has moved into her teenage years, people tend to judge her by her disability, rather than by her talent or what she can achieve, so we only disclose if we really need to.

I just have to be the best parent, and a single one, that I can. By being positive, proactive and creative I can put things in place to support my kids, and help them to become independent young adults.

Munchie

lilly81

As a parent of a child with ASD and ADHD I would like to respond, having the card sign to prevent you going on that ride again within the hour is fine, but any of the big ride? that means you will have to spend at least 6 hours there! :mad:
Which is not always possible.
My son is 8 and would be horrified at people seeing the big yellow card, because he has a hidden disability and that would just highlight it!
Have you contacted legoland with your complaints?
Also do you know if they are doing this at all the merlin theme parks??
Thank you for highlighting this as I will by able to prepare my son.

lilly81

GlasweJen wrote: »

I'm not sure what you mean.

I do know that anyone who is in receipt of DLA or who has a blue badge can present themselves for these tickets at any time. The theme park cannot possibly ask for evidence from everyone that they need specific adjustments with regard to standing in a queue.

Yes they do, its a letter of dianosise not DLA or Blue badge, preferably stating that the child can not queue. If a child is in a wheelchair but able to queue then they dont get the access passes as most rides have flat queue areas. I think its a case of people seeing families walk up and go straight on a ride, and they have the queue bot people doing the same, so they get annoyed.

birkee

Flyboy152 wrote: »

So, do you think he should have to go on the rides by himself and then wait for everyone else whilst they have their go? What should he do in the meantime, should I just let him wander around by himself?


It is not a case of folding the card, it is the fact that we have to have a conspicuous label which defines his status. Do you have one of which shows your status as an able-bodied person?



I am sorry, but I really don't believe you have any children with ASD, with remarks such as "Queing is a pary of everyday life, and like it or not......." Or, if you do, they are not old enough yet to experience such difficulties, in which case you have a very rude awakening ahead of you.

So what is queuing in the disabled queue doing?
What is a screwed up body doing?
What are walking aids doing?

Crap argument!