We are over the moon to be able to announce that following a number of discussions between ourselves and the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort we have some exciting updates for those of you who have followed our story.
As a reminder, after our disabled son Sebby made it through four operations in seven months, we treated him to a long-awaited trip to LEGOLAND Windsor on 28th September 2019. The experience, sadly, wasn’t as we had hoped for.
Sebby has a condition similar to Cerebral Palsy, which means he cannot walk even short distances without help. He was using a wheelchair on our visit.
As we went to board the LEGO NINJAGO ride, Sebby was asked by a staff member to show he could walk three steps. We were told that we would not be allowed on the ride unless Sebby complied, as it was part of their wider Health & Safety procedures.
With some considerable discomfort, and with the pressure of having to do so in full view of the queue, Sebby managed the three steps, holding on to us with one hand. He took his seat on the ride. Despite that, a different member of staff situated in Ride Operations instructed the Ride Manager that he also required him to do it again, so he could also view him walking and make a further safety assessment. This further drew attention to Sebby and caused delays on the ride which were obviously caused by the exercise. We felt shocked and distressed but did our best to hide that from Sebby and his sister Lottie.
It was obvious that Sebby felt humiliated by the whole experience. He asked us, “Why would anyone ask someone disabled person to walk? It was so hard and upset me”.
When we complained about this, we were initially told that it was for agreed evacuation processes which are part of the wider Health & Safety procedures of the ride. They state:
“Guests must be able to walk at least 10 metres without the assistance of a mobility aid or person to access the ride unit which may include navigating stairs. In the event of emergency, you will be required to walk down up to 80 stairs and walk sometimes over uneven surface without assistance.”
We instructed specialist Disability Rights lawyer Chris Fry of Fry Law to help start conversations with LEGOLAND Windsor which would re-evaluate their evacuation/walking policy. We believe it discriminated against disabled people, and essentially means that most rides become totally inaccessible to people who cannot walk unaided.
We also started a petition called “Fairer Inclusion for Disabled Children at Leisure Attractions” and over 27,000 people have signed it. Last month, our local MP Siobhan Baillie, raised the issue in Parliament with the parliamentary under-secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, Nigel Huddleston.
Following some very positive discussions with the team at LEGOLAND Windsor we are delighted to announce that they have now reviewed their evacuation policy for the LEGO NINJAGO ride and another two rides with immediate effect. LEGOLAND Windsor will also look at a further seven rides which will see changes implemented from March 2021, removing the requirement for disabled guests to walk 10 metres or up steps.
We were especially pleased that agreement was reached so early into the legal process, and want to thank the team at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort for being prepared to look again at their policies and for making such a massive positive change both on behalf of all of us, and on behalf of thousands of other families who can now look forward to better access and inclusion at theme parks.
We would also like to acknowledge the positive customer service from LEGOLAND Windsor making these changes and inviting us all back to the park next year so they can show us the changes they have made and for their kind donation to Small Steps Charity that up until he started school did so much to help Sebby with his strength training, and continues to help many other children
Their actions, and your support have made us all very happy.