Fake Disabled

From the BBC:
"Grand Opera House: Disability 'faked for free tickets'"

Belfast's Grand Opera House has said it is reviewing its wheelchair access scheme, because people are pretending to be disabled to get free tickets.  At the moment, people with disabilities can get one free ticket for a carer when they pay for a seat at a show. They are not obliged to prove that they need special access and the Grand Opera House has said it has evidence the "scheme is being misused".

Management said it was seen as "an opportunity to avail of free tickets". The Grand Opera House introduced its Access For All membership scheme two years ago and during that period 1,200 people have signed up as members. However, the theatre is now contacting all of those currently registered to use the scheme, to explain that a review is under way.   The letter states: "It is very disappointing to have to make any changes to the services we offer our customers, but regrettably, we have to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, meets the needs of those people who need it most, as well as making sure that it remains a viable option of reasonable adjustment for the Grand Opera House." Last year, the venue issued in excess of 3,000 free tickets for carers. The venue's management said they intend to announce details of changes by early next year.  A statement issued on behalf of the Grand Opera House said: "The scheme has been successful in the last two years, and we hope that access for the most disadvantaged members of our community continues in the future.   "We will continue to liaise with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and our in-house disability advisory group to ensure that we maximise this access for those with disabilities and will be monitoring the use of the scheme in the new year before introducing any changes."

^ This is as much of a disgrace as those people who discriminate against the disabled. People who fake being disabled to simply get free things or special attention deserve to be sent to jail. It's hard enough for a person who really is disabled to get basic help and if others abuse that then it makes people not want to help or trust those that need it. I know this is for something free and not help opening a door, etc, but it is the same principle. I have seen this kind of abuse before. When you board a plane (especially Southwest which doesn't have assigned seats) there are a ton of people in airport wheelchairs who pre-board to get the better seats up front and then when the plane lands they are the first ones running off the plane (no wheelchair needed) while those we brought their own wheelchair and really need it have to wait a long time for their chair to come from underneath the plane  - since the flight crews tend to store their own luggage in the on-board cabinet for wheelchairs. ^

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-29709464