EXCLUSIVE - Anger over Disabled ID Proof
18 July, 2007
Paula Gibson has been disabled for 58 years
A group of three friends went to the theatre, expecting to enjoy the performance of ‘Make Do and Mend’ currently showing at The Theatre Royal.Paula Gibson and Ann Foster from Stapleford and Pam Marriott from Long Eaton had pre-booked their tickets for the matinee performance on Saturday, July 14, and on arrival went to collect them from the Box Office.
Mrs Gibson is disabled and in a wheelchair and Mrs Foster cannot walk unaided without a stick.
However, they were shocked to find that proof of their disability was required before they were allowed their tickets.
”Disabled for 58 Years”
Mrs Gibson told NG9: “I have been disabled for the past 58 years and cannot stand up, let alone walk, without aid.
“We had pre-booked the tickets and told them we were disabled as there is limited space for wheelchair users at The Theatre Royal – we always have to sit at the back where seats have been taken out to allow wheelchair access.
“I was appalled that I have to prove I am disabled. Can they not just tell by looking at me? Both my legs are encased with callipers.
Would they like me to bring a doctor’s note with me?”
Discount
Jonathan Saville, Head of Sales, Marketing and Development at The Royal Centre, told NG9: “Unlike many other venues across the UK, we offer patrons with disabilities a 50% discount.
“Up until February this year we asked for no identification when patrons requested tickets with this concession.
“However, it became very clear that this discount was being used fraudulently.
“Having undertaken four months of work with various individuals and groups we came up with five forms of identification that were considered acceptable to be asked for by all parties, these are: City or County Mobility Cards/Passes; Disabled Person's Railcard; Disability Living Allowance; Local Authority Registration Cards for Visual Impairments; Blue Disabled Parking Badges.
Request Identification
“Whenever we have a request for disability tickets it is very clearly made known to the patron that they will need to present one of these forms of identification before the tickets will be handed over.
“We do not want to discriminate against any patron with a disability and therefore we will ask all patrons to provide this identification on collection of tickets.”
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