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.

Some shocking disablism and some sheer pig ignorance on this thread!

Being rude helps no one. Posters are trying to help.

I don't see any one deliberately being awkward.

What if the hobby was hill running? we do hill running. The events often have a walk to the start that can be in the middle of nowhere. Often it's up and down a hill from the pub but sometimes it isn't. Some kids do go and either participate in the short events of climb part way up the hill and watch.
Saying if a person who can't walk can't have equal access no-one should be allowed to do it is just churlish as it's mainly an event for people who want to run up and down hills. Orienteering and mountain biking can be similarly remote. Their events are aimed at mountainbikers and orienteers.
If my child couldn't walk I'd be looking for a hobby he could do and participate in.

Lilac I don't think a bikers group wanting one event (that may be member's only, not a public event - we don't know) to be bikes only is discriminatory.

I also don't think it's fair to call people who question whether or not a child would enjoy such an event "pig ignorant".

It's a bikers get together, for bikers.

We all love bikes, and boats, and cars, its what we do as a family and DS loves it.

We got to the Motorbike Show at the NEC every year, We often go to the Sports International show as well, to look at the Formula one and Rally cars. We go to the Model Airplane show, we go to the local RAF base show.
We travel on steam trains, miniature railways and visit motor museums and so on. We visit the Camper Jam.

The kids love it, DH loves it. The issue is that this rally welcome children, they go free, there is entertainment put on FOR the kids.. but we cannot go because DS is disabled and has to travel in a car.

I do think that it's disablist in general, a BB as others have said is not the only indicator of disability. I think in your specific circumstances though, if your child were not disabled he perhaps still couldn't go. My child and I couldn't both go to my partners last bike rally since we can't both fit on his bike with him.

I'm reminded of that picture of the children standing on boxes, illustrating the difference between equal and fair.

The organisers are treating everyone equally, but not fairly.

its a in a field on a farm in the middle of the countryside, so parking near by and walking isnt an option.

FTR, i'm not the only one complaining about their policy, there are a few on the fb event page, mostly from parents with young children.

I just find it laughable as they have their weekly meet at the pub around the corner from us (i used to work the bar so i know most of them) and they all arrive in cars!!

Is it a small club putting on the rally? Do they have plenty of car parking space? All the things you mention above are not small local events. Perhaps if there isn't much space, they just can't allow cars, as if loads of people turned up there wouldn't be room?

Sorry, cross-posted

And remember, a big part of this event is looking at the bikes. It's not like taking part in a sport, it's spectating too.

2rebecca you said your hill walkers let kids take part in bits and watch some- the OP's son is being denied the opportunity to even watch.

sych, their arguement is that every car they allow takes up camping space.. which i can understand.

But my point still stands, their rule of only blue badge holders being allowed to bring a car discriminates against people like my DS who are disabled but don't qualify for a BB because of the local councils rules on giving them out!

I'm not asking to bring a car because i have children, but because my child is disabled and cannot access the rally without a car.

op but what about others eg pensioners,children that also need a car to get there,what about them ??

why cant you drive to near it then walk/taxi etc to the actual event

I shouldn't be posting today, I completely missed the bit about BB holders only. I'm an idiot.

Ok, I can see that this is unfair. What did they say when you pointed out that not all disabilities qualify for a BB?

sorry x post

Can you ask if you can park at the farm? The road near the farm? It's sometimes way easier to park than in a city!

I'm not criticising, just curious.

Why can't an autistic person go in sidecar? Are the vibrations too stimulating to the senses? How is it that much worse than being surrounded by tonnes of (screaming) revving motorbikes? Does ADHD mean he's unsafe & might climb out while moving? But then he might push a bike over himself & hurt self if that impulsive?

Friend with serious neurological disorder goes to motorbike events. But not autistic, fair enough. She's almost both deaf & blind, actually, so vibrations are almost what little she has left.

nothing, the side car bit was reiterated by someone on the fb page.

At that point i deleted my post. We won't be going, as clearly they're not willing to make allowances.. but they are being disablist in that decision.

... or could you get a lift with someone who has blue badge, solution for an easy life?

Its a sensory and safety thing with him lljkk, he can't stand wind/rain/cold, i'm not even allowed the windows open in the car... and also the safety issue with him unbuckling his belt!

op but what about others eg pensioners,children that also need a car to get there,what about them ??

Non-disabled children are presumably able to come in side cars or travel by public transport and walk. If pensioners are disabled, they would come into the same category as OP's child and proper provision should be made for them.

Why can't an autistic person go in sidecar?
It's different for everyone. We all react to different things. I love bikes and the noise of bikes and used to ride, many years ago. Lorries however are a different matter.

i tried that lljkk, their rules state only 2 people in the car, bb holder and 1 carer!

OP, have you tried sending them details of your child's DLA entitlement, saying he plainly is disabled and asking them to make reasonable adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act?

I think I know the rally you mean, OP. And the way you describe your ds, I really don't think it's suitable, sorry if that makes me disablist too.

I've been, with dc, on a trike. Do you know any trike owners, would your ds cope with that?

The site is huge and potentially disorientating, loads of loud music, stalls open till the small hours, and campfires all over the place. Drunks everywhere, all day. Other drug use is not unknown. It's nothing like the sanitised NEC show.

It's also been "no cars, no vans, no pedestrians" since it started 30 years ago.

If you appeal to the organisers, you might be allowed to drive onsite in a car, drop off the dc with dh, and drive the car back offsite. But there's nowhere to park for miles (narrow roads, very steep, tight bends) so this would involve a very, very long walk for you.

If you really want to attend a rally, have a look for one run by NABD.

We've a local Disabled Bikers chapter, so a lot of trike riders around. The only older folk i know who go to this, usually go on the trikes or side cars. :)