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Sorry Mr Palin, as a wheelchair user it seems I must decline the invitation
• I WISH to complain about the publication of an advertisement which clearly implies discrimination against disabled people (New Journal, May 1).
The event titled An Evening with Michael Palin is due to take place on May 23 at Carlton Primary School, Kentish Town.
In the past, I have always admired Michael Palin, having watched many of his films and television programmes. However, it seems I am unlikely to go to the talk as the published advertisement also contains the statement “Sorry no disabled access” and I am a wheelchair user.
One wonders whether the New Journal would publish advertisements for public events that stated “sorry no Irish” or “sorry no black people”, etc.
“Sorry” is not a good excuse for denying people equality.
Carlton Primary School might be currently housed in an old Victorian building, however this is no excuse, as people have been using wheelchairs in this country since the 17th century.
There has been over 300 years to resolve this issue of equality.
It is well known that children of primary school age can easily be influenced by the adults around them and especially by their teachers.
Adults holding this event are giving a lesson to these children that it is acceptable to discriminate against disabled people in 2008. A bad lesson for the many disabled people living in the borough and
a bad lesson for humanity.
It appears this event might be contrary to Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 as well as Part 6 of the local education authority’s Disability Equality Duty obligations also under the Act, which was enacted in 2006.
I am sorry Mr Palin, if you are able to travel around the world in 80 days, then surely you can find a venue for your £20 meal in Camden that gives all people dignity and respect.
Keith Armstrong
Churchway, Somers Town, NW1
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