Events in Leeds

6/21/2012

I was looking forward to going to Temple Newsam on Sunday with my family to the Olympic Torch celebrations.
But yet again, I have been told that only one carer is allowed on the accessible viewing platform with me.
I am so angry about this, this happens at all events in Leeds and not just this Olympic one.
Yes, I do use a wheelchair but that does not mean that everything I do is with a carer, I have family, friends and even a girlfriend and I want to enjoy things with them.
Last year at Party in the Park my family were told that only one carer was allowed on the accessible viewing platform with a wheelchair. I am not a wheelchair, I am a person and have a right to try to live my life as others do and enjoy things with those that I love.
The council say that there is not enough room for people in wheelchairs to enjoy events with family and friends and have said they understand my 'desire' to see things with my family. It is not my desire it is my right and I am fed up of the council stopping me from doing this.
Why not just build a bigger platform and let everyone enjoy events equally. I am so sad about the Temple Newsam event that I don't want to go now.

Has anyone else had problems with this? Can you let me know?
Nathan

14 Comments

Kara

6/21/2012 03:39:54 am

Hi Nathan,
Ive had this problem too at a huge amount of events, public funded or otherwise. It is incredibly annoying and definitely should be changed. As with all things, it comes down to money that people just don't want to spend on access which seemingly only benefits very few. It isn't marketable. Marketability shouldn't come into it at all. But unfortunately, it does.

Nathan

6/21/2012 03:42:15 am

It's really annoying , thank you for your comment, Nathan :)

Rob Moriarty link

6/21/2012 05:28:42 am

I completely understand how you feel Nathan. This happens almost everywhere I know and it pisses me off too. I looked into going to the British GP and they have viewing areas for "wheelchair users and carers" but no mention like you say of the people that you might want to enjoy that event with.

I'm glad you tweeted me to this. I'm starting to write a whitepaper about venue/transport access and how anyone needing a carer should be able to get them in for free everywhere. I did a blog entry today if you want to read it. (http://www.robmoriarty.co.uk/blog/two-for-the-price-of-one) I'm submitting it to the Office for Disability Issues and this is something I will definitely include.

I would still go to the viewing, don't let them spoil it for you. In fact I would raise your point directly with them there and see what they say, if you argue it well enough you may get a surprise reaction out of them. You can but try anyway, nothing will change unless you give it a go. I'd turn up and not give them the choice! Say "I'm sure the press would love to hear about this" and then watch them panic...

6/21/2012 05:35:36 am

thank you Rob and it sounds like you are doing great things :) Nathan

Robyn Brockie

6/22/2012 04:10:28 am

Hi Nathan,
I think we need to get this sorted. I understand that it could be argued that we'd be getting a better view so those coming with us might be benefiting more than is fair, but we have the same right to enjoy such events as anyone else which includes being with friends and family.

We could hold a meeting to see if we can get some people together and make an action plan? Maybe picket outside council offices etc where the powers that be make such decisions? See if we can find a solicitor who can use Human Rights or Equality Laws to make them do something?

6/22/2012 04:15:07 am

hi Robyn

I think a meeting is a great idea and it is time to take action, shall we both see how many people we can get interested in a meeting? Nathan

6/22/2012 04:19:13 am

Sounds good. I know people involved with Spartacus now so should be able to get them on board. We would probably need to pick a time and place to get going. I'd suggest somewhere central if possible. Any ideas?

6/22/2012 04:38:20 am

Robyn

Maybe the coffee shop at main library? It's v accessible and has a changing rooms x

6/22/2012 05:46:50 am

Ooh never been there! Can you see when would be best so we don't clash with anything else happening? I'm away 29 June-1 July but should be able to make most times otherwise. A friend on Facebook also suggested the Leeds Centre for Integrated Living in Armley - not sure if you know it?

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