To think this is Disablist?

[AdriftOnMemoryBliss]

We are part of the local motorbike scene, we go to a lot of the rallies and the kids always enjoy looking at the bikes.

There is one that we cannot go to, because they don't allow cars. You have to arrive on a motorbike. The only cars that are allowed are those who have a blue badge.

My ds is disabled, He has Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing disorder and severe dyspraxia. He gets Higher Care and Lower Mobility DLA, there is absolutely NO way we can go to this rally because of their refusal to accept cars.

Its been suggested we use a side car. You CANT put an autistic child in a fucking side car.

I have told them that they're breaking the law with regards to access and disability discrimination, because not all disabilities require a blue badge, but it doesn't mean the person is able to get about on a fucking motorbike.

[LurkingHusband]

I have told them that they're breaking the law with regards to access and disability discrimination, because not all disabilities require a blue badge, but it doesn't mean the person is able to get about on a fucking motorbike.

Which law is that ?

[Openmindedmonkey]

Have you applied for a blue badge?

[Ameliablue]

Surely if only motorbikes are allowed that will rule out a lot of people with children whether they have disabilities or not?

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

If it's only allowing motorbikes and not cars, that's most people who can't go isn't it? Not just your son, many able bodied people as well.

[splendide]

Might be breaking the law. I would have thought allowing cars for people who cannot ride bikes could be a reasonable adjustment. Devil is in the detail though, couldn't say definitively from your OP.

[splendide]

It doesn't matter if it excludes others as "not having a motorbike" is not a protected characteristic but being disabled is.

[AdriftOnMemoryBliss]

Equality act 2010. Its illegal to discriminate against people because of their disability.

By not making adequate provision to allow a disabled person access to the event, they are contravening the act.

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15
sections 15 and 20.

[AdriftOnMemoryBliss]

My local council will not issue a blue badge unless you are in receipt of the Higher Mobility element of DLA. We have appealed, and been refused.

[LurkingHusband]

By not making adequate provision to allow a disabled person access to the event, they are contravening the act.

Is there a limit on what they are expected to spend "making adequate provision" ?

[gamerchick]

If they make allowances for you then anybody could rock up and before you know it there's cars there.

I think pushing this one may just result in a blanket ban on cars full stop.

[CrohnicallyAspie]

Have you applied for a blue badge? Lots of councils can issue concessionary passes, so if you don't qualify for HRM but have a genuine need (and I would say a combination of HRC and LRM is a genuine need) you can still get one.

Otherwise I would be taking evidence of the DLA award and asking the organisers what adjustments they will make for your child's needs.

[TheFairyCaravan]

I agree with you OP.

They're not making "reasonable adjustments" so that people with disabilities can go. Disabilities don't just affect mobility.

[fakenamefornow]

How old are your children? I would have thought this event excluded almost all children anyway because of the motorbike access.

[CrohnicallyAspie]

Xpost re blue badge.

Gamerchick- not necessarily, they could state 'cars allowed by prior arrangement only, we will need to see evidence of your need' or something along those lines. There are lots of places that have discounts or adjustments for people who can prove they have a genuine need- not just people with blue badges. The organisers can't ban cars full stop- that would be akin to banning disabled toilets because some people misuse them!

[ApocalypseNowt]

They have made provision in that cars with blue badges can go. Try ChronicallyAspie's suggestion of obtaining a concessionary pass?

[CrohnicallyAspie]

Fakename- An NT child could use a sidecar- that is what the organisers recommended to the OP.

[Cressandra]

Will they not just ban children instead?

[tabulahrasa]

"If they make allowances for you then anybody could rock up and before you know it there's cars there."

Not really, if they were willing to accept other official evidence of a disability other than a blue badge then it's still making adjustments without just opening it up to all cars.

OP - that's what I'd be asking for, for them to accept other paperwork as evidence of a disability.

[AdriftOnMemoryBliss]

Cress, but then you'd have the same issue with any adult with a neurological disorder. Its not just disabled children who don't qualify for a blue badge who wouldn't be able to travel in a sidecar.

[Ameliablue]

It does matter if they exclude others as it is only discriminatory if they are less able to attend than someone without a disability.

[CrohnicallyAspie]

cressandra at least that won't be disablist, and the OP will be no worse off!

[MamaLazarou]

That does seem unkind of them not to make an exception in your case, OP. Is there no way of getting there by taxi or public transport?

[AdriftOnMemoryBliss]

DS won't get in a taxi unfortunately.

[MamaLazarou]

Sorry to hear that

[Furiosa]

You should contact the organisers and explain your situation and that you'd like them to make an exception.

I'd also be looking into how owns the event venue as they will be covered by the disability discrimination act and will have to comply. The fact that they only want people to turn up on bike makes me think they don't really want kids there though.

TBH do your kids really enjoy these events? It sounds noisy and a bit boring for them (misses the point)