DS going to the gym - can I go as his carer?

[fairgame84]

DS is 12 and has ASD, he goes to a special school. He really wants to join a gym. I am fully supportive of this because he is very inactive and anything that encourages him to do some exercise and get him off the Ipad is great.

I have got him a free trial at the youth gym session at the council gym. DS is full verbal but functions similar to a 7 year old. He will be sensible with the gym equipment and has used treadmills and exercise bikes before.
I asked the gym if I was able to stay and supervise him as a carer. Not because he will mess about but because his social skills are very poor, his comprehension isn't great and he struggles to retain information. I do not expect the gym staff to be able to properly supervise him, it isn't their responsibility. The person I spoke to wasn't sure what the rules are and thinks that I might have to get a membership of my own to be able to supervise DS in the gym.

I don't need or want to join the gym. I purely want to supervise DS, I have no interest in using any of the equipment as I already have a workout schedule at home.
If I have to get a membership of my own then I won't be able to afford for DS to go to the gym.
Do they have to allow DS to have a carer or can they insist that I get a membership to accompany him?

The other option would be to ask his school to take him to the gym (they already do this for another pupil) but I don't want him to have any more time away from learning as he is making little academic progress already.

[fairgame84]

They don't. The gym that the school use are really good. It's just around the corner from the school and the school also use it for swimming lessons.
I can't take DS to the same gym as school because it's an hours drive away as DS is at an out of area SS.

[FlippedUpRightSide]

I think you need to walk in with dla/ diagnosis or school report and ask to speak to a manager. I find over the phone is quite useless

[fairgame84]

That's a good idea. I never considered taking his dla and school stuff. I'll take diagnosis letter, dla and EHCP.
DP thinks I just need to mention disability discrimination act and they will do whatever I ask.

[youarenotkiddingme]

For me it's email! I can formulate what want to say and then press end! I have time then to think about my reply which gave to gave I don't have!

So personally I'd email and say you'd like to know if that gym, like other local ones, allow a non equipment using carer for disabled clients.

[FlippedUpRightSide]

As a professional my experience is emails can be closed and forgotten, phones put down but faces get answers! Not me personally, but it was common