Families welcome summer cuts for the determined ones

Given the limited number of summer activities available for people of determination, discounts at the theme parks around Dubai has brought a big relief to several families.
Holders of disabled cards - issued by the Ministry of Community Development - and their caregivers can avail of different offers at a number of entertainment outlets in Dubai.
Janneth Viteri, mother of 7-year-old Down syndrome Andrew, said such support is important for families with children with special needs.
"We as a family have no extra money for entertainment and every attraction is expensive in Dubai. Any discounts or promotions can be really helpful," she said.
Viteri added that the family pays at least Dh5,000 every month for their son's education in addition to his speech therapies. Therefore, the family has no extra money for entertainment.
"Our entertainment all year around is swimming and the beach which in summer is not possible to do. If I do go out with Andrew I can never go alone because he is a runner. I always need to go with another person which will add an extra expense if we are doing something," said Viteri.
Echoing similar sentiments was Abeer Ali, mother of 11-year-old Omar, who said discounts are great initiative for disabled cardholders. The monthly expense of Omar, who has Down Syndrome, amounts to Dh6,000 per month.
"Children need an outlet that would take their boredom away. While options for outdoor activities are limited in summer, having water parks that supports families of people of determination really makes the summer different, especially for big families who cannot afford expensive tickets."
hada GOmar, mother of five-year-old Hassan who's diagnosed with Down Syndrome, said while it is a great initiative that serves families with heavy expenses, the question is whether these places are disabled-friendly.
"How equipped are these places for the special needs? There is a variety of physical and mental disorders and we hope water and theme parks are equipped to receive them," said Omar.
The disability card, issued for people with mental, auditory, visual, physical, autism and other disabilities allows the UAE residents free Salik, Nol card, 50 per cent discount on Etisalat and Du cards among other services.
And what are the fun offers?
The indoor amusement park IMG Worlds of Adventure, which opened August 2016, offers the disabled cardholders a Dh100 ticket for children under 120cm and Dh150 for disabled adults. The caregiver will be offered free admission. Both the caregiver and the disabled will get immediate access to the ride and attractions. The park's original prices start at Dh245 for adults and Dh225 for children under 120cm.
Meanwhile, the newly opened Legoland water park, which is the only UAE water park designed specifically for kids aged 2-12 and their families, offers a free complimentary ticket to caregivers, while cardholders will have to pay the general admission. Their ongoing summer promotion offers tickets for Dh145 or Dh195 with unlimited Food and Beverages access in both Legoland's theme park and water park.
Cardholders and their caregivers can also get a 50 per cent discount on the general admission of the regular Dh195 per adult and Dh170 per child below two years old at Aquaventure water park of Atlantis the Palm.
For those eager to put on their ice skates on and add chills to their summer, Dubai Ice Rink is also offering disability cardholders with 50 per cent discount in ice-skating sessions that normally cost Dh60 per adult and Dh30 for children under 100cm.
"Children must have to be accompanied by an adult on the ice, preferably who knows how to ice skate and take care of them," said a spokesperson of Dubai Ice Rink under Emaar Properties said. The accompanied adult will be charged full price depending on the session's rates.
Those who fancy snowball fights, disabled cardholders will get one free snow park ticket and access to the snow park at Dh80, as opposed to the original price of Dh200.
"We would love to give them great moments. They will just need to present the disabled card and we will be more than happy to give free ticket to the cardholder," a spokesperson said.
Jumeirah's Wild Wadi water park offers Dh60 discount for disabled cardholders on their Dh295 and Dh245 tickets for adults and children respectively.

source: Khaleejtimes