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I called up The Edge this morning to purchase tickets to Chris Rock’s show in August at Auckland’s heritage Civic building, which me and my two mates are really looking forward to! So imagine my disgust when I was told that there is only provision for the disabled person and “one carer”, and that if I wanted to go with my two friends, one would have to sit in a different area of the theatre. When I enquired as to why it’s assumed disabled people don’t socialise in groups, the customer services rep told me “that’s just the way it is”. Venues like Auckland’s Vector Arena happily cater for a wheelchair user and several friends, so why can’t The Civic?
So in a nutshell, I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed that provisions aren’t made for a wheelchair user to attend a show with any more than one person. It’s archaic thinking, it’s beaurocratic madness, and it’s just plain insulting. I think the Civic is a fantastic venue, and Chris Rock will put on a great show, but it’ll be a lot less fun knowing one of my mates is sitting on the other side of the venue!
4 responses so far ↓
1 nafi // Jun 20, 2008 at 11:12 am
that sucks…was planing to go with friends!
2 Cait // Jun 20, 2008 at 11:50 am
I use a cane and sometimes a wheelchair. If I don’t bring the wheel chair some venues won’t let me sit in the accessible section. I love live music (I got to see Crowded House for my Birthday last fall BTW) and most people stand up throughout the entire concert. I can’t stand that long. Sometimes it takes a great amount of planning to see a live show.
3 Rachel // Jun 20, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Red that sucks and I feel your pain! I’m guessing they can hide behind some “historical building….” bullshit (God I hate that rule) But really what do you mean you have more then 1 friend?! LOL
4 Open letter to The Edge re: disabled seating at The Civic // Aug 2, 2008 at 4:49 pm
[…] what is an offensive, discriminatory, and utterly incomprehensible disabled seating arrangement. I’ve spoken about this before, but this time I’m going to do something about it. Read on, and leave your thoughts below. […]
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