Menu
30/10/2019
Boy With Prosthetic Legs Refused Access To Trampolines
A ten year-old boy with prosthetic legs who was refused access to trampolines at We Are Vertigo has settled his disability discrimination case for £2,500.
Zack Gordon was just seven years-old when he visited the popular activity centre and was refused access to the trampolines, separating him from his friends during the day trip with Killyleagh Summer programme.
The aggrieved youngster has prosthetic legs made of plastic and fibre-glass with rubber feet. When attending We Are Vertigo in 2017, he watched the safety video and was given socks and a wristband before being told he couldn't participate. While staff at the centre offered him other things to do, Zack was upset by the matter and by being separated from others on the trip.
His father Patrick Gordon explained: "Zack was then told he couldn't use the trampolines. He was upset and sad and when he got home he stayed in his room. His mother and I were angry and hurt."
The youngster was supported by the Equality Commission in his disability discrimination case.
Anne McKernan, Director of Legal Services at the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said service providers have a proactive duty to ensure those with a disability can access their services under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Ms McKernan commented: "Play is a vital part of growing up for all children and parents of disabled children will be keenly aware of the importance of focusing on what their children can do, rather than on what they cannot. Service providers should anticipate that those with a disability, both adults and children, will want to access their services and they should give thought in advance to what reasonable adjustments will help to ensure that their services are available to all."
In settling the case, We are Vertigo affirmed its commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity and agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission in respect of access to its services for disabled customers and to make contact with the Commission within 12 weeks of the date of the settlement. It also agreed to implement any reasonable recommendations made by the Commission.
(JG/CM)
Zack Gordon was just seven years-old when he visited the popular activity centre and was refused access to the trampolines, separating him from his friends during the day trip with Killyleagh Summer programme.
The aggrieved youngster has prosthetic legs made of plastic and fibre-glass with rubber feet. When attending We Are Vertigo in 2017, he watched the safety video and was given socks and a wristband before being told he couldn't participate. While staff at the centre offered him other things to do, Zack was upset by the matter and by being separated from others on the trip.
His father Patrick Gordon explained: "Zack was then told he couldn't use the trampolines. He was upset and sad and when he got home he stayed in his room. His mother and I were angry and hurt."
The youngster was supported by the Equality Commission in his disability discrimination case.
Anne McKernan, Director of Legal Services at the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said service providers have a proactive duty to ensure those with a disability can access their services under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Ms McKernan commented: "Play is a vital part of growing up for all children and parents of disabled children will be keenly aware of the importance of focusing on what their children can do, rather than on what they cannot. Service providers should anticipate that those with a disability, both adults and children, will want to access their services and they should give thought in advance to what reasonable adjustments will help to ensure that their services are available to all."
In settling the case, We are Vertigo affirmed its commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity and agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission in respect of access to its services for disabled customers and to make contact with the Commission within 12 weeks of the date of the settlement. It also agreed to implement any reasonable recommendations made by the Commission.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
29 September 2023
New Safe Access Zones Come Into Effect
New Safe Access Zones have come into effect today, 29 September, at eight health trust sites across NI. The Zones are now in operation at premises run by five Health and Social Care Trusts.
New Safe Access Zones Come Into Effect
New Safe Access Zones have come into effect today, 29 September, at eight health trust sites across NI. The Zones are now in operation at premises run by five Health and Social Care Trusts.
27 September 2023
Safe Access Zones To Be Introduced From 29 September
The Department of Health (DoH) has announced that Safe Access Zones will be introduced at five health service locations across Northern Ireland on Friday, 29 September, 2023. The Safe Access Zones aims to protect women and girls accessing abortion services, information, advice and counselling, and protect staff working at these locations.
Safe Access Zones To Be Introduced From 29 September
The Department of Health (DoH) has announced that Safe Access Zones will be introduced at five health service locations across Northern Ireland on Friday, 29 September, 2023. The Safe Access Zones aims to protect women and girls accessing abortion services, information, advice and counselling, and protect staff working at these locations.
08 December 2003
Local councillors a key access point for advice says survey
Local councillors are a key access point for help and advice on public services according to the results of a survey of people’s views on public services in Northern Ireland. This is according to the findings of a report published today by the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
Local councillors a key access point for advice says survey
Local councillors are a key access point for help and advice on public services according to the results of a survey of people’s views on public services in Northern Ireland. This is according to the findings of a report published today by the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
20 February 2020
Graduate Opportunities Launched In The North West
A financial services company is offering 20 local graduates the opportunity to embark on a new career. The roles with FinTrU, based in the North West, are supported by the Department for the Economy.
Graduate Opportunities Launched In The North West
A financial services company is offering 20 local graduates the opportunity to embark on a new career. The roles with FinTrU, based in the North West, are supported by the Department for the Economy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
