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Permalink Reply by bespoken Team on April 7, 2017 at 12:02

Thanks for Sharing George. You're quite right, a bit of positive thinking never goes amiss. Let's see more comments roll in.

Paul

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Permalink Reply by Tim Neill on April 26, 2017 at 11:32

Hi George and Paul.

I think there is one definite benefit in terms of having a disability that I think all people with disabilities can agree on   is that in terms of going to events/museums/attractions etc the majority of the time (at least in my experience) we often get preferential treatment and  easier access to events then many able-bodied people. I've been to several events thanks to   it being easier for  those with disabilities to get tickets. The best example I can give is my experience going onto the 2012 London Olympics. What struck me about that experience  (beyond the simply incredible atmosphere) was how well organised it was and how prepared al the volunteers/ organisers were in terms of dealing with disability. My experience was made infinitely better because of how accommodating the whole experience felt.

I'm also a huge tennis fan and many of the same  general praises apply to my experience with having been down to Wimbledon Put aside the fact the Wimbledon complex is absolutely massive in and of itself and  thing that immediately struck me from the very first year I went (outside of the experience of having a show court ticket and experiencing that atmosphere first-hand) was how accommodating all the staff/stewards there were in terms of letting their guests with disabilities see whatever matches they wanted in terms of the outside courts.  It did not matter how busy the outside courts were if you told a steward   you wanted  to see that particular court/match the stewards would always find you (and your +1)  a  space to watch the match for as little or as long as you want.  There's always the distinct sense every year of being treated like royalty simply because I'm in a wheelchair. I go every year now and I always look forward to it immensely

I've also been to the French Open in Paris and their accommodations for disabilities are also good.

I'm hoping to visit the U.S. Open this year. One of. the things I'm most interested in seeing if I do get tickets) is comparing how the various disabled accommodations compare with both the French Open and Wimbledon.

I'm hoping to write a piece relating to these experiences. Feedback appreciated

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Permalink Reply by George Perfect on August 29, 2017 at 8:24

Sorry for the tardy reply Tim - somehow I didn't get an email notifying me of your post. Ho hum ...

You make some great points. Sports fans rejoice!

I can add the Royal Albert Hall in London to the list. The wheelchair access and disabled facilities they offer are truly first class AND there's no "second-class" seating treatment - in fact wheelchair users and their accompanying carers (if they have one) enjoy some of the best seats in the house. We have watched Cirque du Soleil from the middle tier - so close to the performance it felt as if we could reach out and give the athletes a hand (not that they need one!). We saw and listened to Diana Krall from a privileged position - the box one to the left of the Royal Box with an unimpeded view straight on to the stage. Doesn't get much better.

On a general level, accessible hotel rooms are generally larger and more comfortable - in some chains an "executive" room for the price of a standard.

Of course, the picture on access and facilities is mixed and we should call out the rotters who deny us but we should also celebrate the places that do us proud.

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