Disabled man refused entry to toddler cinema screening

William Browne enjoys children’s movies due to his learning difficulties

A mother has called on a cinema in Kent to be more inclusive after her son with learning disabilities was refused entry to a toddler’s screening.

Jill Browne said her son William, 25, was left upset after he and his carer were turned away from seeing The Gruffalo's Child at The Ashford Cinema.

“It made me feel upset,” William said.

The cinema said Toddler Time was designed for children aged five and under to ensure an experience that suited them and their parents and guardians.

Ms Browne, who lives in the village of Stelling Minnis, said while her son was in his 20s, he enjoyed children’s movies due to his learning difficulties.

She added that William had been to the toddler sessions previously.

“If it had been very busy and there weren’t any spaces available, I could understand that,” she said.

“We don’t hold a grievance, but sometimes you have to have inclusion rather than exclusion.

“It’s a wonderful resource, but sometimes you have to look outside the box.”

Jill Browne said her son William was left upset after he and his carer were turned away

The Ashford Cinema said the venue was “proudly accessible and inclusive”.

“We are continually working to enhance our accessible film and events programming, and we will be reaching out to the customer who raised the concern to explore how we can further improve our offer,” a spokesman said.

“We recognise our responsibility to ensure that the whole local community has the opportunity to enjoy our venue to the fullest."

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