Going to the movies at the Prince George Famous Players has proved to be more difficult than necessary for people with disabilities, according to recent reports, but a simple fix may be in the works.
Dayna Slater is a healthcare worker and works with someone confined to a wheelchair. She said for the past year the theatre's handicap access doors have seemed broken.
"Recently when my client and I decided to go to another movie, we were met with blank stares by staff as we struggled to get his chair in through the doors," said Slater.
"With the size and length of my client's chair, it makes it hard to get in without automatic door assistance, as he needs both doors open to gain comfortable access to the theatre."
Slater complained, and asked to see a manager, but was told he wasn't available.
Cinaplex general manager Devin Petch said the handicap access doors may, at times, appear broken, but the trouble is likely due to teenage misbehaviour.
A switch above the door jamb which regulates the doors is being tampered with, said Petch.
"Kids seem to like to jump up and hit the switch, which causes problems later on," said Petch.
"We do try and check the switches every 15 minutes to make sure they haven't been turned off."
Petch said he's been looking into getting the doors fixed so that they are always set to automatic. He said he hopes that when people learn about what's happening, they'll be more conscious and not play with the switch.
