Virgin accessible experiences
I was looking at days out / experiences and found that whilst Virgin offer “driving” experiences for “normals” – they offer “passenger” experiences for us disabled….priced at a huge amount more than “normal” pay for actually driving these vehicles
https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/accessible-triple-supercar-passenger-ride-
How can they get away with this ?
Comments
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That's infuriating and upsetting to see. I had a look at what else they offer. For £40 'normals' can get an experience to go around a track with a fast drive driver and then do a 3 Mile lap driving themselves. I would be intrigued to know why it's such a difference in price to have a disabled passenger. You don't get to drive, so they can't say its insurance, even if it was insurance, it's 182.5% higher which is not justified. 😪
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Whilst there is nothing to prevent a disabled person pretending to be a "normal" - it's concerning that the company does discriminate between disabled and normals....
What is the definition of a disabled person in any case?
How would they know that I am disabled?
I have had a full /clean driving licence for 45 years
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Although ideally it would be best if these things could be made inclusive, in order to cater for people with disabilities they'd need cars with each of the different adaptations which are available. I use a left-handed throttle/brake lever and a steering ball but having known the guys at DaVinci mobility for a long time I'm aware of many, many available variations on that theme.
I (complete spinal injury @T4) sometimes struggle to maintain my balance if I go around corners too quickly.
The range of disabilities out there could throw all sorts of additional spanners into those works.
Just a thought.
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The increase in price will often be things like public insurance and extra health and safety requirements.
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These vehicles are not going to be any different to base models
And, in any case - THEY drive YOU - If you are disabled !
Experience the ride of a lifetime with this Accessible Double Supercar Passenger Ride. Here at Virgin Experience Days, we believe that no one should miss out on the extraordinary. That’s why we’ve partnered with Ablenet.co.uk, the UK’s leading provider of experiences for people with disabilities.
Driven by a professional instructor, you’ll get to experience the speed, thrill and high-performance of two supercars of your choice. The incredible fleet of cars consists of Aston Martin DB9, Audi R87, Ferrari 430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Nissan GTR and Porsche 911
Driven around the purpose-built race circuit, get ready to feel the unmatched adrenaline of hairpin turns, super-fast straights and so much more.
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Pardon me Wibbles, I know. That's why I began "Although ideally it would be best if these things could be made inclusive".
The car trip clearly isn't.
Good luck
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Interesting to read on the Ablenet website for the accessible cars experience, which is who Virgin use;
"Please be aware that we do not supply lifting equipment, and our instructors are not trained to assist customers with getting in and out of the cars."
🤨
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So they really don't want disabled customers....?
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Only disabled customers who will bring their own lifting equipment, or don't need any. 😅
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Which brings me back to my question
What is the definition of a disabled person?
Who determines whether a customer is disabled or not?
And hence allowed to drive the cars themselves
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Taken from the page you linked;
"Suitable for anyone that suffers from restricted arm movement, ranging from single or double amputees to paralysis of one or both arms or any other disability that restricts the use or movement of one or both arms.
Suitable for anyone that suffers from restricted leg movement, ranging from single or double amputees to paralysis of one or both legs or any other disability that restricts the use or movement of one or both legs.
Minimum age: 10 (under 18s need parental/guardian consent)
Minimum height: 4ft 10in
Maximum height: 6ft 4in
Maximum weight: 20 stone"0 -
I am sure that if someone aged 10 turned up without prior informing them that they had no use of either leg - they would find an excuse not to meet the driving needs of the individual concerned....
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Hi Everyone. I am Paul, the founder of AbleNet, and we 'host' all of the Supercar Days you are mentioning. I think your criticisms are unfounded and unfair. Experiences for those of us who are disabled or visually impaired is all we do, so if we weren't inclusive or understanding we wouldn't do very well would we? I realise, I am a bit late to the comments, but it is important just to answer some of your concerns - firstly, our prices for passenger rides are 20% higher than the able bodied supercar passenger rides for many reasons - firstly, we only run 70 drivers through a day rather than the 300-400 you will see on an able bodied day. Many of our passengers (myself included) need more time to get in a Supercar which has a cost. We also only have 2 cars on track at any one time, as opposed to the 12-15 you see on an able bodied day. We also offer supercar drive yourself so if you are physically or mentally disabled or visually impaired you can drive a supercar. You cannot drive a Supercar on a track with 12-15 'able bodied' people so that has a cost. The benefit is that you are on a track where you are not held back because there is a car in the way and because of this we have many capable drivers with and without sight driving a supercar at well over 100mph. You can't do that on a track with many people around. And if someone who was 10 years old without use of either leg, they would be welcomed, just like the customers with end stage MND, cancer, learning disabilities, stroke and visual impairments to name a few. I wish you all well, but if you would like more information or sensible answers to your concerns, please let me know.
Take Care
Paul
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