Sally Phillips, an actress and patron of the Down’s Syndrome Association, has publicly expressed disappointment after her son Olly, who has Down’s syndrome, was turned away from a trampoline park in Acton, west London. The incident, which took place recently, involved the establishment, Oxygen Activeplay, demanding a doctor’s letter for Olly to participate, a requirement Phillips deems unnecessary and discriminatory.

Previously a regular visitor to the park, Olly’s sudden denial of entry on the grounds of his condition has sparked a conversation about the accessibility of recreational activities for children with disabilities. Phillips, speaking to BBC Breakfast, criticized the policy as an undue burden on parents and an unfair barrier for children with special needs wanting to engage in everyday activities.

Highlighting the impracticality of the requirement, Phillips argued that it places additional strain on parents and potentially on NHS resources, should they choose to pursue a GP’s letter to satisfy such demands. According to her, this administrative hurdle exacerbates the challenges special needs parents face and discriminates against individuals with visible disabilities.

In response to the situation, Oxygen Activeplay expressed regret and cited guidelines from British Gymnastics as the basis for their decision. However, this has not quelled calls for the review and amendment of what Phillips and supporters identify as outdated policies that hinder inclusivity.

Phillips’s advocacy has not only highlighted her personal grievance but also raised broader issues related to the inclusion of children with disabilities in public and recreational spaces. Oxygen Activeplay’s acknowledgment of the incident and indication of a willingness to review their policies suggest a potential shift towards more inclusive practices, in line with Phillips’s appeals for companies to educate themselves and remove unnecessary barriers to participation.