From:	Kirsty Martinsen 
Sent:	Friday, 4 December 2009 1:19 PM
To:	disabdis
Subject:	DDA and Cinemas

RE: recent application made by Village Roadshow, Greater Union, Hoyts and
Reading Cinemas requesting exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act
for a period of two and a half years

Dear Human Rights Commission,

I write to voice my objection to the recent application made by Village
Roadshow, Greater Union, Hoyts and Reading Cinemas requesting exemption from
the Disability Discrimination Act for a period of two and a half years.

The proposed exemption is out of step with International comparisons and the
wishes of people with a disability, their families, friends and carers
expressed through recent consultation, the success of The Other Film
Festival and current government policies.
 
I ask that you to hear Arts Access Australia who in turn urges the
Australian Government and Cinemas to listen and support the right of people
with disabilities to enjoy visiting their local cinema.

My partner has a hearing impairment and has been excluded from enjoying a
cinema experience for too long. We all expect the choice to be able to go
and enjoy any film, at any session, at any cinema. Offering anything less
than this to people just because they have a disability is simply unfair and
unacceptable. 
 
I donšt think the proposed exemption is acceptable.

Kind Regards,
Kirsty Martinsen