Digital obsession discriminates against elderly – Yorkshire Post Letters

A BRILLIANT piece by Sarah Todd about the apps obsession (The Yorkshire Post, September 29). The powers-that-be make arrogant and ignorant assumptions that everyone will use one, or even want one.

There’s also the assumption that everyone has a car. Yet near one fifth of the population lacks access to a car or van.

Many organisations now require prior booking for their attractions. Whilst I understand a need to restrict numbers, they insist on online booking.

Recently, having unexpected free time, I went to an English Heritage property. The place 
was obviously empty but staff said I couldn’t visit as I had not booked online. So they lost a customer.

I couldn’t book as do not have a smartphone nor, at their prices, do I wish to have one. Clearly English Heritage don’t like staff to use discretion, but they are not the only culprits.

Public bodies are reasonably required to make provision for people with disabilities and avoid discrimination.

So why should they discriminate against the substantial part of the population who cannot afford or do not wish to use the latest expensive technology? Arrogant – and also bad business.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson