Rant Alert - Disabled assistance in UK Theme Parks

pleasedelete

It would be interesting to know the relative percentages of those registered disabled in the uk and the USA.

I have taken family member (child) in a wheelchair (very severly disabled) to theme parks, concerts and events in the uk and had amazing treatment. Usually one adult going with him whilst others queued.

I have also seen entire families queue jumping at uk them parks because they have a child with a broken arm.

Today I saw a woman park on the pavement in a busy pedestrian area in a sports car. Put a blue badge in the window. Run to back of car- take out 4 bigs bags and run across to the dry cleaners. Everyone was watching- she just drove up onto the pavement. The watching traffic warden said she had been reported before as she regularly does this but apparently she is eligible to use the badge. We seem to have a culture of abusing disability benefits including blue badges in this country and so you can hardly blame the theme parks for taking a tough line on it.

heavensbug

pleasedelete wrote: »

It would be interesting to know the relative percentages of those registered disabled in the uk and the USA.

I have taken family member (child) in a wheelchair (very severly disabled) to theme parks, concerts and events in the uk and had amazing treatment. Usually one adult going with him whilst others queued.

I have also seen entire families queue jumping at uk them parks because they have a child with a broken arm.

Today I saw a woman park on the pavement in a busy pedestrian area in a sports car. Put a blue badge in the window. Run to back of car- take out 4 bigs bags and run across to the dry cleaners. Everyone was watching- she just drove up onto the pavement. The watching traffic warden said she had been reported before as she regularly does this but apparently she is eligible to use the badge. We seem to have a culture of abusing disability benefits including blue badges in this country and so you can hardly blame the theme parks for taking a tough line on it.

If she has been reported the department at the council who issue the blue badge should investigate it. If she is seen to be abusing it, in the paperwork you get with the blue badge (which has to be renewed every 3-5 years) states that it can be recinded.

Sounds like the council need to do something about this. But they don't.

pimento

Well, I've learned something. I always thought Cerebral Palsy was a physical disability. I never knew it also affected temperament.

zzzLazyDaisy

heavensbug wrote: »

She then has to have a red stamp on her hand to say she is disabled. )

I am disgusted by this practice and would make a formal written complaint to the organisation concerned. If that didn't put a stop to the practice I would seek the assistance of the EHRC.

It is perfectly easy to give the parent a card to identify them as being entitled to special assistance without physically labelling the child in this way.

heavensbug

pimento wrote: »

Well, I've learned something. I always thought Cerebral Palsy was a physical disability. I never knew it also affected temperament.

Cerebral palsey is a umbrella term. There are varying degrees of Cerebral palsey from diaplegia which affects the motor skills and can manifest itself further in temperament up to a combination of physical disabilities including but not restricted to speach, hearing and eye site issues.

A sufferer can be a minor sufferer who can't walk properly (Tip toe Walk) or have motor skill problems. Can't thread a needle etc.

TheY can be a major sufferer where they are totally wheel chair bound.

This can then cause temperament problems with frustrations of not being able to do something they should be able to do and can result in temper loss etc.

Every case is different and can be coupled with other disabilities like autism etc.

It can also affect toileting as well, and end up with frequent toilet trips and accidents. Sometime 4 or 5 times in an hour.

I didn't know anything until I started to have to learn with my daughter.

ceebeeby

pimento wrote: »

Well, I've learned something. I always thought Cerebral Palsy was a physical disability. I never knew it also affected temperament.

I'm sure I read OP saying wee one had brain damage. That would affect temperament.

To OP - I'm alright with the UK pass system also. I think it sucks that it makes the day harder for you guys, but is the fairest for everyone. I say this having taken multiple very disabled people around parks before - so hear where you're coming from. I'm sure you'll still have an amazing day and hopefully you'll come acorss the same cheery and helpful staff I always have done which will make the day as good as possible for you all. There's no reason for anyone to miss out.

Oh yes, just edited to say - also, I think they could have a better way of the pass system rather than hand stamps.

pleasedelete

I realise that she may also have a disability that is worse at times.

Of course it may not even be her badge!

The thing was there were empty spaces- both standard and disabled. No need to go onto the pavement at all. Parking is free as well so no cost saving. Just seemed ignorant to me.

heavensbug

pleasedelete wrote: »

I realise that she may also have a disability that is worse at times.

Of course it may not even be her badge!

The thing was there were empty spaces- both standard and disabled. No need to go onto the pavement at all. Parking is free as well so no cost saving. Just seemed ignorant to me.

If its not her badge she is not allowed to use it without the disabled person in the car. Not being there they may well have been in the car.

But she should have used a designated space.

heavensbug

ceebeeby wrote: »

I'm sure I read OP saying wee one had brain damage. That would affect temperament.

To OP - I'm alright with the UK pass system also. I think it sucks that it makes the day harder for you guys, but is the fairest for everyone. I say this having taken multiple very disabled people around parks before - so hear where you're coming from. I'm sure you'll still have an amazing day and hopefully you'll come acorss the same cheery and helpful staff I always have done which will make the day as good as possible for you all. There's no reason for anyone to miss out.

Oh yes, just edited to say - also, I think they could have a better way of the pass system rather than hand stamps.

You are correct. This particular type of Cerebral Palsey is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls the arms and legs.

Not all the damage shows up on the scan but as you quite rightly point out additional damage to other parts of the brain can cause the temperament and toileting issues. As well as the additional effort to concentrate the brain on doing things like moving your legs that takes away the concentration on temper and frustrating.

The human brain is a very complex thing.

pleasedelete

heavensbug wrote: »

If its not her badge she is not allowed to use it without the disabled person in the car. Not being there they may well have been in the car.

But she should have used a designated space.

No she was alone. Open top sports car- not much room to hide someone.