Actress Sally Phillips has spoken out about her “upset” after her son, who has Down’s syndrome, was not allowed to play at a trampoline park in London. Phillips said that staff at the Oxygen Free Jump park told her that 19-year-old Olly needed a letter from his GP to take part. Phillips, who played Tilly in BBC sitcom Miranda, said that children and young people with Down’s syndrome were being “singled out for being different.” Oxygen Free Jump said it was “deeply sorry” and that it followed safety guidance from British Gymnastics.
Phillips said that she and Olly had been to the park with his younger brother and a friend, having been “hundreds of times before.” However, a woman took her to one side on arrival before calling over a manager. “I was so, so upset for Olly to be prevented,” she said. After the incident, Olly “burst into tears” in the car park. Although he felt upset, Olly, who has previously done gymnastics, said he still wants to go to trampoline parks.
Phillips, who is also a patron of the Down’s Syndrome Association, said that many parents had contacted her with similar stories. She added that the requirement for a GP’s letter was an “admin burden on special needs parents to be part of the community.” In a statement, Oxygen Free Jump apologised to Olly for the way he had been treated and said that it would welcome the opportunity to work with relevant parties to enable safe, enjoyable play for all children.
MP Caroline Nokes said it was a “pretty grim day for inclusion” following Phillips’ interview, and a separate story about a photography company offering parents class photos without children with complex needs. The company involved later apologised. Nokes said that families should not be having “battles” about inclusion
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