Sep 172021
When three Deaf mothers took their teenage daughters to see Little Mix as a birthday treat, they expected to be able to access the concert and for this to be a shared experience and fond memory to look back on. Instead it’s set a legal precedent which will significantly change Deaf access in the UK.
The three mothers contacted the promoter ahead of the show to request BSL access. Whilst the main Little Mix section was interpreted, the promoter refused their request to provide BSL interpreters for the support acts. They were not only excluded but treated as a nuisance.
Sally Reynolds, the claimant was so enraged by their attitude that she decided to take matters further. Specialist disability lawyer Chris Fry took on their case, and on Thursday 16th September a judge ruled in the mothers favour.
You can read Chris Fry’s blog piece on the case here:https://www.frylegal.co.uk/blog/little-mix-case-sets-precedent
This case is so significant as it not only highlighted the appalling discrimination experienced by the Deaf mothers, but has now set a legal precedent.
On Friday 17th September (a day after the ruling), Wembley Stadium tweeted:
We are pleased to announce that we will guarantee BSL interpretation for every show at Wembley, working with @PerformInterp – Removing the need for guests who require this service to pre book or attend on a specific night.
This is a huge!
Countries like the USA have provided interpreter access as standard for many years but in the UK this was never provided unless requested. We are finally seeing a shift and it’s down to the actions of three Deaf mothers who refused to accept the discrimination they experienced.
Wembley should be applauded on taking such quick action and we are expecting other venues to follow their lead. This case has opened the door for Deaf access.
Change only happens when we make it happen.
by Nicky Evans
