Chris and Fran (pictured), who both have cerebral palsy, were attending the Festival for the second year running. As they were leaving the event they popped in to the Festival tent to purchase a programme, when a staff member verbally abused them.
The incident was reported to the Festival organisers, who were very apologetic and immediately carried out an investigation. However, the staff member has denied the allegation.
Chris said: “Neither Fran nor I have any doubt about what we heard. Although we are not going to take this matter further, it highlights the abuse that disabled people face daily.
"As a blogger on disability issues and an employee of Papworth Trust I’m taking the opportunity to turn this incident into a positive. I have offered to work with the Festival organisers longer term on disability related issues, making sure future disabled attendees have a wonderful Festival experience.
David Martin, Director of External Affairs for Papworth Trust said: “This type of language is highly offensive and should not be used, particularly in this day and age. We would like to say this is an isolated case but with an estimated 62,000 disability motivated hate crimes each year, it needs to change.
"Papworth Trust works with disabled people every day to help change society and the barriers disabled people face, including work, homes and getting the right care.
"Fran and Chris are both successful, but only last year Chris and Fran were looking for a new home. However, with only 5% of the UK’s homes accessible, this is an impossible task. They did eventually find a home, however, it didn’t meet all their needs and they are now working hard to adapt it to make it their forever home.”
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