to think having a disability shouldn't automatically entitle one to free access?

[wannaBe]

Have just been swimming at my local leisure centre.

When I arrived the woman at the desk said "are you registered disabled?" to which I replied "yes" and she said "oh, well in that case you go in free.

Now. I made my way to this leisure centre entirely independently. on a bus/down the busy high street - not with a dog but a cane as can't take the dog into the pool!

I am a stronger/better swimmer than most people I know, can easily swim 80 lengths in an hour. Entirely capable of using the pool the use of which I was paying for.

Were I going to an exhibition of visual art I could quite see the point of not paying for it since I can't see it.

But I don't see why disability automatically equals free access purely because it's disability. That's hardly equality is it?

It's not just about low incomes; it's also about making things easily accessible to the whole community.

Surprising thought - maybe not all disabled people are as able-bodied as you?

YABU.

Dyslexic = free rides and queue jumping
Nah.

Sounds like the ADHD and free cars myth.

Waves loudly

I'm dyslexic, no frecking way that would 'allow' you to free rides and all that stuff.

Yes dyslexia means that I have to spellcheck everything (god bless the person that developed spell check), but it alone doesn't stop me queuing.

Being a cranky cow, stops me wanting to queue patiently, being an adult means I choose not to go places with long queues.

Beening a decent person means that if I do go to one of these horror places (damn DNs and thier puppy dog eyes) I totally understand that if it appears that someone is. 'queue jumping' they're not and there is a really good reason.

Yes I am sure, she phoned my sister very excitedly to tell her. Their area gives out cards to every child that needs extra help, these cards are then what they can use to prove a disablility.

Where the hell are you? My council used to sell a leisure card, you bought at different rates depending on disability / living in the city / wotking in the city and I used to swim twice a week.

Now I can't affors it.

Concessions for disabled are well kept secrets, am sure the person thought they were being helpful / doing their job to tell you. would you rather they didn't tell people and people who are really struggling financially/ or don't go as much as they need to because of cost continued to do so??? That wouldn't be very kind would it? Or an I missing something?

YABU and while I am on the subject HOW many 'interesting' threads about disabled people at the moment? Hum.

Sorry Triggles, you are quite right. I was refering to threesocksmorgan's post.

I'd assume investigating whether the person was affluent enough once the expense of their disability was taken into account would be too troublesome for most to investigate, hence carte blanche entry. Although as a carer I've only ever witnessed my client paying at a reduced rate and me having free entry.

I think you're wrong and disabled people should go free to most places. I have a disability and as a previous poster said it is expensive sometimes, the things I need compared to people I know who are able-bodied. It's more about us being on a low income with no choice in it. Am up for the disabled having a free t.v. license too as over 75's do.

I think it's great that you were offered free entry, but I'm generally in favour of universal benefits eg. child benefit - not everyone really needs that, but it protects a lot of families and children that do, and most people can find a use for the money which directly benefits the children. Also my parents don't really need their free bus and train passes (though actually recently they probably do as my Mum is finding walking more of a challenge), but anyway not everyone needs one as soon as they reach 60 - but again it just makes life a little easier for many - And all these things are a real life-line to some