CALGARY- A local roller skating rink is trying to set the record straight, following a decision that set off a storm of controversy.
Last week, six-year-old Danika Cochran, who has cerebral palsy, was asked to leave the floor at Lloyds Recreation during a friend’s birthday party.
She was using a walker and her father was helping her skate while wearing his shoes-which is against Lloyds safety policy. Her family says she was only on the rink for about 30 seconds before staff told her she wouldn’t be allowed to participate for safety and insurance reasons.
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Another father at the party says his child was also asked to leave the skating area. But Lloyds says beginners are welcome and the father was wearing his shoes when he stepped on to the rink.
“We’re human beings and we should be treated like human beings,” says Len Wheeler, a parent who was a the party. “If you notice someone who is in a wheelchair and can’t control their body, maybe you approach that situation with a little more sensitivity.”
Lloyds says they don’t allow people with shoes on the floor because of insurance issues, and no one was ever asked to leave the facility.
Lloyds adds they don’t even allow hats or shoes on the floor citing safety concerns. They suggest that the Cochrans rent out the floor at a cost of $175 per hour so Danika can use her walker.
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