“Disabled people don’t have any more than one friend” – The Edge
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!
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that sucks…was planing to go with friends!
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.
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
[...] 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. [...]
Look…. They need to cater for everyone not just wheelchairs. They do their best!!!! I have been to their theatres many times and they always provide very high service.
The last time i went to the box office they have always done their best. I am very thankful to them. I haven’t seen one nice thing you have said about them. Maybe it’s you!
Hi James,
May I ask if you’re in a wheelchair yourself?
- Red
Hi Red,
Yes i am. For 21 years now.
I find that my friends don't mind sitting behind me because we are there to watch the show or movie so we don't need to talk during the show.
We still can talk during interval. However, The Edge does now allow 2 friends sometimes to sit with me in wheelchair spaces
That's good to hear James, I am with Red on this one though as I have high needs and need my family with me, if one of my family members needs a rest then the other must step in but they would not be able to if they are separated from me.
Hi,
Okay that's fine. So if The Edge only has 8 removable seats and you take up 3 of them plus one space for the wheelchair then they have to allow all wheelchair patrons to do the say. So if another group of 4 come olong they take the last 4 spaces and no other wheelchairs will be able to go.
So you wouldn't mind if i got in early enough for a show and took all wheelchair spaces for me and my friends meaning you would not be able to go.
I think The edge has it right!!
What I meant was for me I need 2 other people with me, though with Red I guess if they had his friends directly behind and to the side so he can still talk to them by having them lean over then that could work.