A mother has shared her disappointment after her son, who has learning disabilities, and his carer were refused access to a toddler’s screening at a cinema.
William Brown, 25, was left upset when told he could not attend a showing of The Gruffalo’s Child at The Ashford Cinema, because it was only for children aged five and under, and their parents or guardians.
William, who is non-verbal and suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy, has previously attended the Toddler Time sessions and always enjoyed them.
But this time when he went with his carer to get tickets, the pair were told they could not go in.
The cinema says Toddler Time is designed to to create an experience that suits the children and their accompanying adult.
William’s mum, Jill Browne, from Stelling Minnis in Canterbury, said the language used by the cinema was particularly infuriating.
She went on: “They said it was for parents and their children because they want to make it a safe environment for the children.
“It sounded as though they thought William posed a threat to the children.”
“Is it now a case of how you look before you can be permitted into the cinema?
She added: “It’s not like they were too busy that he could not have had a ticket. He’s in a wheelchair so he doesn’t even need a seat.”
Jill said William could have watched the film at home but he enjoys the cinema and particularly likes the more quiet sessions.
“He has been before with a carer and he likes it because there are not too many people.”
“If he goes to see a regular film he generally falls asleep before the end,” she added.
Jill complained to the cinema, in Elwick Road, Ashford, who told her the event was for toddlers and explained there was a toddler icon next to the showing on the website, but Jill points out there was also an accesibility icon too.
A spokesman for The Ashford Cinema told the BBC the venue was “proudly accessible and inclusive”.
“We are continually working to enhance our accessible film and events programming, and we will be reaching out to the customer who raised the concern to explore how we can further improve our offer,” a spokesman said.
“We recognise our responsibility to ensure that the whole local community has the opportunity to enjoy our venue to the fullest.”
KentOnline has contacted the cinema for comment.
