2020-01-06
The complainant alleged the respondent club told him he was not permitted to use his mobility scooter inside club premises and would need to leave it at the club entrance. He said the club offered him the use of a wheelchair, but this was not suitable as he is unable to walk without assistance or transfer to and from the wheelchair independently. He alleged that despite being informed of this, the club insisted that he was not permitted to use his mobility scooter inside club premises.
On being notified of the complaint, the club indicated a willingness to participate in conciliation to try to resolve the complaint.
The complaint was resolved with an undertaking by the club to revise the terms and conditions of entry for patrons who use mobility scooters and/or motorised wheelchairs to alleviate the impacts of the disability. Patrons with mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs would be granted access to club premises so long as they:
* Operate the mobility scooter or wheelchair in a safe manner
* Not travel faster than walking pace when inside the Club or within a crowded area to avoid ‘overtaking’ of patrons who are walking
* Avoid distractions such as headphones, mobile phones or other electronic devices when operating the mobility scooter or wheelchair
* Slow down and take care when turning around corners.
The club advised that patrons using mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs who do not abide by these requirements may be asked to leave.
Year
Discrimination type
Disability Discrimination Act
Grounds
Disability
Areas
Goods, services and facilities
Access to premises provided
Revised terms and conditions
Policy change/Change in practice
Amount