I have had a CEA cinema card for over a year now. For those of you who dont yet know, a CEA card is a Cinema Exhibitors Assosiation Card (See ) and enables people with disabilities to have a free carer/companion with them in the cinema. (Just in case that link doesn't show up, simple google CEA Card)
It wasn't until I didn't renew my card on time this year that I realised how much I love this card!!!
Basically it works like this: The individual with the disability buys a full price tickets and a companion gets in free, works in Vue, Cineworld and Odeon - along with some local and private cinemas too. There is a full list on the CEA Website.
The best thing about this card, is that unlike some carer/companion card we have registered for the card is registered to ME. Meaning I can go with anyone who happens to be my companion for that day.
I also like the fact they charge me. This may sound odd but bear with me.. If I want to go to the cinema, why shouldn't I pay? Like everyone else. It would be positive discrimination otherwise. However, I don't have the choice of going alone as it would be too much for me. I like the fact that I can go as often as I like, but the assistance I NEED to enable me to go is free. It seems like a fair deal to me. I go now much more often than I used to so they are getting my business were previously they didn't. Win - Win.
There is a £5.00 admin charge once a year but with current cinema prices you only need to go once and it has more than paid for its self. Please note, for my wheelie friends this does not include any priority or booking of the (ridiculously limited) wheelie spaces and normal booking is recommended.
I highly recommend this card, I have gone so much more since and I do love an excuse for pop-corn so the saving on not paying for my carer is THE best excuse you could ask for... !
Does anyone else use the CEA card? Or does anyone else have information about other similar schemes?
