Alton Towers to remove disability pass for people with ADHD and anxiety

[AnitaRita]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2gwgj4xreo
Too many people wanting to join the "Fast pass queue" so you actually end up with two queues rather than one queue and a fast entry! Got to agree with them - if you're too anxious to queue then a white knuckle ride is probably not for you!

That is actually a really sad attitude to take. Disabled people have had to fight for their rights since forever, and still continue to do so.
It sounds like you have just given up and are accepting a limited life as a result.

Can't you use some of there dla to pay for fast passes if they benefit from rides so much

The problem is that is hard to differentiate between genuine complex needs and those who could cope.

The system has been open to abuse in the same way for other areas where adjustments have been made there are those who think it’s not fair and shout me too. Direct any anger at those who have abused the system.

I fear similar will happen to therapy dogs - another area that is widely abused

They do for some rides. But unless you’re quick off the mark they can sell out.

For ASD the anxiety might be people brush8 g lightly against you or coming too close. However, bring flung around produces significant vestibular sensory feedback that might settle them.

So saying, we would not be seen dead in Alton Towers as the crowds in general would stop us going yet alone the queue. We struggle just with squares in different cities.

Just being realistic. Its no different then someone being rich or poor the rich person has more opportunities to do things then the poor person. Its just life.

Also just going to point out theme parks have more than just white knuckle rides in them. Some have virtually none in fact (Legoland for example). Is it acceptable to the uneducated on sensory challenges to need a RAP if you're going on the merry go round rather than nemesis?

Absolutely 💯

Anyone can buy a lanyard online or pay for a diagnosis that has been ‘gamed’

Who in their right mind would want to be diagnosed with autism when they don’t have it. What a ridiculous ignorant post. The reason why more people are being diagnosed is because it is more easily recognised now. My son has autism and believe you me if I could change it I would, watching a 7 year old in constant fear, struggling to sleep because they are so scared. Not able to even go the toilet on his own because he is so scared. Watching him struggle socially and feeling different. Trying to keep a hapoy face on at school when underneath it all he constantly feels terrified and has to hide it. None of this is a joke, NOBODY would choose that. I can’t read any more of the comments as it shows discrimination is well and truly still going strong in our society. No wonder my poor, lovely little boy struggles so much at school when there are so many children around hearing this total and utter rubbish from from their parents.

Frankly it’s just one place that we won’t visit. However with all the support in the World eg fast track etc places are out of limits so we had to leave the Tower of London down the emergency exit with a yeoman guard and London is pretty much out as an option except for a swift in and our. Theme parks were always going t9 be challenging but now impossible but there it is. We still can access the zoos and large stately homes so we still have options. I just take the view that theme parks are really expensive so it’s money saved. So thanks.

Why? Who died and made you God of disabilities?

Oh here we go. Anyone can get a diagnosis if they pay enough.

I agree as it’s too open to abuse. It’s just a shame for people who genuinely need it. However, there are other options.

I have residual back issues. My main trigger for pain is standing still for long periods of time. However, I certainly wouldn’t expect a disability pass. I would pay for fast track tickets if I went to a theme park now to avoid queues and therefore avoid aggravating my back but I’m not disabled and don’t think it would be fair for me to skip the queue for free on this basis. (Appreciate many rides say don’t do them if you have back issues but I don’t think the rides themselves would aggravate it and frankly that’s a risk I’d be willing to take)

My eldest has ADHD and we tried Legoland when she was around 8. Never tried a second time, it was horribly overstimulating for her. Even as a NT adult, it was a horrid environment to be in. Too much noise, flashing lights everywhere, being corraled into lines all the time. I'm not sure why anyone would want to go these places, let alone with a ND child or adult.

You think people with disabilities - and ADHD and autism ARE disabilities, despite the opinion of the ignorant twats on this post --should have to pay more to have them accommodated?

Anyone can get a fast pass if they pay for it.

It wouldn't offset the price of fast passes - people pay from £35 to £140 for these passes at Alton Towers - and many of these will be family groups, so for a family of four that could be £560 on top of the standard entrance tickets. While the food and tat sold at these parks is overpriced, it's unlikely a family would spend £500+ on it however much free time they had - and it isn't as if no one buys it in the present system.

I am not defending them - the reverse, the whole monetisation of queueing is a disgrace and a racket, and has led to disabled people in particular suffering, but to everyone who visits having to pay to receive a service that shouldn't even have to be a service - getting onto a ride within a reasonable time, say 20 minutes absolute max.

As I said earlier, people need to start voting with their feet - boycott these places until they implement a fair ride allocation system - the technology is there, there's no excuse at all not to offer timed slots to all.

I haven't been to a theme park for about 15 years and I wouldn't go again unless that kind of system was introduced.

I have ADHD and I agree. I hate queuing but I’m not disabled and shouldn’t get special treatment, come on

My eldest also has ADHD and autism. Legoland is horribly overstimulating for her too - but I don't think that every child with autism and ADHD is identical to her in how they present and what accommodations they might need. What an ignorant post for someone with a ND child.

So why not tell me what they are?

I have ADHD too. I hate queuing but I can tolerate it. My 11 year old cannot. She is terrified by it. What on earth is wrong with you all?! 'My ADHD doesn't mean I can't queue so nobody else's can either'?!

What purpose will it serve? You’ve already made your views clear.

Why would you bring her to theme parks if she’s terrified of standing in a queue?

Why wouldn’t you just answer the question, if you can?!

The theme parks in the UK are badly managed. Disneyworld florida genie + (might have a different name now) only about 25 dollar extra and you get on more rides by virtual queuing. If you do need to queue it's not bad in the US because they made the queuing fun by having things to do whilst your in the queue. No child wants to stand for two hours especially if they are hyperactive. These are supposed to be kid friendly but they charge over 100 extra per ticket for fast lane, people can't afford that. It's pure greed. In florida we got on loads of rides including gardians of the galaxy a few times during our stay. (4 yes ago) universal was the same, we didnt even have fast passes there and got on loads. Seems to me the pack people in and it's shit in the UK you get about 3 rides in the summer.