A Paralympian was turned away from a hotel that he had booked and paid for simply because he was using a wheelchair. Piers Gilliver, a Tokyo gold medallist from Wiltshire, was informed by staff at the Ibis Rotherham East that he could not stay on the upper floors due to hotel policy. Despite not requiring an accessible room or assistance, Gilliver was denied access, prompting him to speak out against the unacceptable treatment he received.
Gilliver expressed his frustration at the situation, emphasizing that he was merely asking to access the room he had rightfully paid for. Accompanied by his partner, who also uses a wheelchair, Gilliver encountered resistance from hotel staff even after the matter was brought to the attention of a manager. Despite pointing out the presence of suitable facilities such as a lift and evacuation chair, the couple was still asked to leave.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the hotel issued an apology, acknowledging that the experience was not in line with the establishment’s values. The hotel expressed regret over the lapse in following proper procedure and failure to communicate alternative arrangements to the guests. Immediate corrective action was promised, with the entire hotel team set to undergo retraining to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Gilliver highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by wheelchair users in everyday life. From encountering taxis that refuse service upon seeing a wheelchair to the lack of basic accommodations, he emphasized the need for improved inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Despite strides made towards inclusivity, Gilliver believes that the disability sector remains underserved, leaving individuals feeling marginalized and underserved in society
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