A disabled wheelchair user is suing an events’ company after he was banned from using the dance floor at an event last October.
Humiliated
Fred Walden, 54, was left “humiliated” and “angry” after being told by event staff at an event ran by Jive Addiction in Oxford, that he had to leave the dance floor as his wheelchair was leaving marks on the floor. Mr Walden in now suing them for discrimination under the Equality Act.
They have defended their decision by referring to their company policy which states that anyone who uses an object that damages the floor will be banned and therefore the act wasn’t discriminatory but Mr Walden’s solicitor Chris Fry from Unity Law disagrees.
Misunderstanding of the Law
Mr Fry claims that this is an example of where people fundamentally misunderstand the Equality Act, claiming that just by saying the same rules apply to everyone doesn’t mean automatically that it complies with the terms of the law.
Mr Fry explained: “If you have a policy which says wheelchair users are not allowed on a dance floor, then essentially you are preventing disabled people from participating in this activity.”
Liz Sayce, chief executive of Disability Rights UK agrees. In an interview with The Independent she claimed that: “Blanket policies can be discriminatory if they are not thought through for the effect they might have on disabled people.”
Blanket policies can be discriminatory if they are not thought through for the effect they might have on disabled people.
Integration
Mr Walden has been a regular attender of dancing events for over 15 years across the country and credits dancing as a vital part of his life. He told the BBC that not only does the dancing help him in terms of exercise, it gets him out and allows him to meet new people.
Mr Walden dances with an able-bodied partner and this is something that his solicitor believes should be encouraged more as it promotes equality and integration.
He explained: “When you see things like the Paralympics you get a great feeling, but it is a totally segregated activity.”
Mr Walden has received various letters of support from dance event companies across the UK and the case is expected to come to trial next year.
