

Allow Simon Thomason and other learning disabled people and their carers access to Legoland.


Allow Simon Thomason and other learning disabled people and their carers access to Legoland.
The Issue
Simon Thomason has been stopped from going to Legoland with his carer because of their 'child protection' policies. Simon is 40 years old with a mental age of seven. He has autism, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy.
He had a yearly pass, but the powers that be at legoland have stated that he will not be allowed to renew it, as they do not allow adults without children into the park. A spokesman for the theme park said that, “Our policy not to permit entry to groups of adults, adult couples, or lone adults, regardless of circumstances, who are not accompanied by a child or children under the age of 16 is we believe therefore appropriate and the best way to constantly maintain a welcoming environment for our young visitors.
“We make no apologies for this policy and believe it to be reasonable and appropriate, and one on which we make no exceptions."
Legoland, please reconsider your 'child protection' policies. They are draconian and pointless. Not only do they discriminate against disabled people, they serve no purpose in protecting children. Alton Towers, Flamingo Land, etc don't have these sorts of policies and when was the last time one of them made headlines with a child being abducted or abused at their facilities? It is perfectly reasonable to try to keep children safe, but there comes a point where it is over-protection and nonsensical.
A change in 'child protection' policies would assure that disabled people would be able to enjoy Legoland as other people can.
The Issue
Simon Thomason has been stopped from going to Legoland with his carer because of their 'child protection' policies. Simon is 40 years old with a mental age of seven. He has autism, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy.
He had a yearly pass, but the powers that be at legoland have stated that he will not be allowed to renew it, as they do not allow adults without children into the park. A spokesman for the theme park said that, “Our policy not to permit entry to groups of adults, adult couples, or lone adults, regardless of circumstances, who are not accompanied by a child or children under the age of 16 is we believe therefore appropriate and the best way to constantly maintain a welcoming environment for our young visitors.
“We make no apologies for this policy and believe it to be reasonable and appropriate, and one on which we make no exceptions."
Legoland, please reconsider your 'child protection' policies. They are draconian and pointless. Not only do they discriminate against disabled people, they serve no purpose in protecting children. Alton Towers, Flamingo Land, etc don't have these sorts of policies and when was the last time one of them made headlines with a child being abducted or abused at their facilities? It is perfectly reasonable to try to keep children safe, but there comes a point where it is over-protection and nonsensical.
A change in 'child protection' policies would assure that disabled people would be able to enjoy Legoland as other people can.
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Petition created on 24 January 2015