4 replies to this topic

[wh33lsgirl]

Hi all,

I wasn't sure where to put this topic and am kinda new here, I have been visiting here getting lots of information, good job by the way....have learned so much.

My sweetheart has a c-5, c-6 incomplete injury, is very active I have known him for almost 2 years, has been in his chair since the age of 17 and is now 35, he loves going and doing, is very independent.

Yesterday, however after going 15 years to Busch Gardens and riding every ride in the park was told he was only allowed to ride 6, apparently there are some new guidelines and because he cannot grasp the bars on the rides firmly and because he cannot stand 5' 5" he cannot ride and enjoy, he does so well, but that was just another thing on the list of "i cant do's" and was very hurtful.

How do we get people and amusement parks to realize that just because someone is in a chair it doesnt mean they are so fragile?

I know that they are trying to protect themselves, but it isn't fair to someone who got a season pass and was so excited to have every door slammed in their face possible. I am just confused about the whole thing, he was so hurt and I hurt for him, because he is so adventurous.

Could someone please help me to see why they would want to take that privledge away?

Thank you in advance for any replies.....

Melissa

[kanga2433]

I know how you feel but suspect that the park has had some review of safety, maybe by their insurers and have decided to reduce the risks it takes with the rides. Sadly, this means that some people find they are not allow on some of the rides which is a shame. However, you have to see the park's point of view and the risk they take if they go against safety advice from their insurers. It's a horrible choice and I would not like to be the one to choose what to do.

Welcome here, anyway, by the way. Can you get your sweetheart to join us too?

[wh33lsgirl]

Thanks for the input, I just know that it is a really sore subject, he said they treated him like a second class citizen, it was just something they took from him and that it wasnt just him but everyone in a chair, or anyone with prosthetics, but if it were an illness they couldnt see it was fine, it really isnt right for them to make that judgement call, just because someone looks a certain way...he has great upper body strength, can do more than most quads with his injury, he told me he didnt want anyone to feel like that ever again, sure has made me never wanna go again, if hes not welcome, then im not either...thanks for letting me vent Everyone have a great day....
Melissa

[rebecca_cpr]

Colonial Williamsburg isn't that great, either.

Bad stuff:
- The crushed shell paths are tough to wheel on.
- Despite being given a map of what buildings are and aren't accessible, it still felt like we paid to see...um...not much of anything.
- Unless you're in a power chair, you will probably have to take the buses. Things are spread out.


Good stuff:
- The buses that take you from the visitors center to the historic area are all lift-equpped. The drivers are pleasant and helpful.
- The staff at the visitors center try to be helpful but I'm not sure if they really get it...
- The characters who walk around in historic costumes have great pointers about where the good places are to see the 'street theater'.

[car]

I know it is hard for him to give up the things he has enjoyed. Now that he is a C5-6 (neck injury) those rides can be pretty grueling even for an able bodied person. So the park may have his own best interest at heart. There may have been other people with neck injuries who were injuried futher from those rides.