It is understood that an entertainments company who currently provide a ride access pass to help visitors access their theme parks who have difficulty queueing because of their disability or medical needs, have made changes to the pass. Currently, those who struggle with queuing or have difficulty navigating large crowds have qualified for the disability ride access pass. However, it has recently been reported that the company have seen an increase in the number of disabled visitors utilising this pass which has led to increased wait times for pass users requiring the Provider to reconsider the pass and it’s functionality.
It is understood that changes are being trialled to the pass so that only those with difficulty standing, who have level access needs or have urgent toilet needs will qualify. It is understood that the proposed changes apply to physically disabled guests visiting a number of theme parks across the country during February half term.
The impact of this is understood to be that those who have ‘hidden disabilities’ such as Autism, ADHD or Anxiety will unlikely benefit from the pass and will be required to queue similarly to non-disabled guests.
The law
All service providers have a statutory duty to make reasonable adjustments when a provision, criteria or practice/physical feature of their premises puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with others who are not disabled.
The duty is to take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the individual being subjected to the disadvantage.
The aim of this duty is to ensure as far as is reasonably possible that disabled members of the community are not precluded from accessing all services that those who do not have their conditions are able to.
The duty recognises that this should include the removal of physical and non physical barriers encountered by disabled individuals to enable them to engage in access to services with as much ease as non disabled members of the community.
It is understood that the changes to the pass are only part of a temporary trial for a short period of time where the approach will be reviewed thereafter, before the theme parks open fully again in March for the start of the new season. It remains to be seen as to how effective the trial is.
If you believe that you have not been provided with reasonable adjustments when accessing a service, our specialist Discrimination Law Team may be able to advise you and assist you in bringing a claim under the Equality Act 2010 if required.
Alternatively, if you are a business who is seeking advice on the reasonable adjustments that you could make to foster a disability inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010, or if you have received a complaint of discrimination or had a claim brought against you, please contact our specialist discrimination law team on 0161 696 6170 for advice surrounding the provision of reasonable adjustments generally and, if necessary, assistance in defending discrimination claims.
Comments