Indignity of registration

THEATRES in Greater Manchester offer a facility that enables their disabled patrons to be accompanied by a carer whose ticket is sold at a reduced rate.

Sadly, theatres report that some disabled people who do not actually require a carer have been abusing that facility by getting a second person into performances at the reduced rate.

Consequently the theatres – and, I believe, at least one well-known cinema chain – have introduced a registration system whereby their disabled clientele are required to provide proof of their disability.

I can understand why the registration policy has been introduced, and utterly condemn those people who are abusing the facility, however I believe that to require a disabled person to provide proof of disability is extremely discriminatory and, frankly, using a sledge hammer to crack a nut.

My brother is entirely helpless when he is in his wheelchair, so as his carer I am needed to push the wheelchair, and attend to all his needs including taking him to the toilet with everything that entails.

Peter is a former soldier who has seen active service for our country and now he has to suffer the indignity of being required to provide proof of his disability, which to anyone with a pair of eyes is blatantly obvious.

I accept that not every disability is visible but I do feel that the theatres have a duty to exercise some discretion.

SURELY it is better that an occasional person gets away with sneaking a second person into a theatre at a reduced price than that the theatres operate a discriminatory registration system.

SURELY a person who genuinely requires assistance in going to the toilet and who needs to have his/her chin wiped because of dribbles has suffered indignity enough?

Geoffrey Britland, Heaton Chapel