Zoo Returns Fees to Companions of Disabled Children After Intervention

A zoo has been compelled to refund payments wrongly charged to companions of disabled children, despite the companions presenting valid exemption certificates. The refunds were issued following intervention by the Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities, part of the Ministry of Justice. The group of children, who had pre-arranged their visit, presented the necessary certificates at the entrance granting their companions free admission. However, some companions were still charged for entry tickets.

Following the incident, the group contacted the Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Commission then approached the zoo's management, clarifying that the exemption for a companion is a personal right of the certificate holder and does not become void when visiting as part of a group. In response, the zoo returned the collected funds and updated its procedures.

The zoo management stated that the erroneous charges likely stemmed from a misunderstanding by the booking staff. They assured that staff would receive further training and procedures would be clarified to prevent similar incidents in the future. Dan Rosch, the Commissioner for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities, commented that personal rights do not disappear during group visits. He expressed satisfaction that the money was returned and procedures corrected, but emphasized that eligibility should be recognized at the point of sale without needing to involve the Commission. Rosch added that service providers must ensure their employees are aware of and implement these rights.