I went to watch the silver screen, I hit a brick wall (From Your Local Guardian)

I went to watch the silver screen, I hit a brick wall

11:38am Thursday 13th November 2008 in Your Say

I am registered as partially sighted and am entitled to concessionary passes on London Transport, overland trains all over the country, Kew Gardens and various other organisations.

I recently went to a cinema to purchase tickets in advance for myself and a carer, who is entitled to free admission.

I produced all the evidence I have to support my position, a health area registration certificate, a certificate of disablement from Moorfields Eye Hospital, as well as my disabled railcard and Freedom pass.

I thought I would take everything I had to prove my disability.

I even had my white ‘indicator cane’ with me and my specially supplied coloured lens spectacles.

I was told that I now have to get a concessionary card from a cinema organisation to give me my entitlement to a free ticket for a carer. The cost for me to purchase this additional card is £5.

None of the other authorities have requested payment for my proof of entitlement.

My friend suggested that it was a fee to provide the plastic card provider with revenue.

I am left wondering why cinemas have enrolled to this new scheme, which strikes me as just a money-making idea.

I fail to see how all the documentation I produced was not enough to prove my entitlement and my disability.

I was told by the young man on duty at the box office, wait for it, “that if they let me purchase a ticket without the special card, then everyone would want one”.

My response was: “Why would anyone want to pretend to be partially sighted or blind and to provide fake documentation to that end?

My gast was flabbered.

So do I challenge the system or give in and pay up?

DIANA NUTLEY
Via email