In a nutshell:
Finding out all about access:
- Accessible universities, colleges, NHS Trusts
- Accessible days out
- Accessible holidays
Getting out and about really is important. A simple change of scenery can be so beneficial for your health and your mood.
Carers have told us that having the confidence to get out and about with an individual who is disabled or impaired is sometimes a task too daunting to contemplate, let alone to actually organise and do. Understanding if a place has accessibility to suit needs can be a mission in itself right?
DisabledGo News has published some staggering statistics outlining less than a third of department stores have accessible changing rooms for wheelchair users and a third do not have an accessible toilet.
Going out to eat can be a task too, with 40% of restaurants having no accessible toilet, only 23% producing menus in large print for those with visual impairments and just 9% offer hearing loops. (3,716 restaurants audited)
Although there is still a long way to go, there are plenty of places out there ensuring their venues are totally accessible.
We’ve found these top tips to give you a hand in uncovering them.
- DisabledGo, a fully accessible website developed by disabled people for disabled people to encourage ‘independence and choice’, showcases over 125,000 accessible places of interest right across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. These include accessible universities, colleges, NHS Trusts and some private sector places to visit too.
DisabledGo also publish disability news, a calendar of disability events and a job search portal featuring employment opportunities with inclusive companies for those able to live more independently.
The website includes icons for the following: level access and automatic doors, access by ramps, slopes and/or manual doors, mobility impaired walker, seat available, WC accessible, accessible changing rooms, large print, braille, assistance dog, hearing system, home service, accessible accommodation, sign language used, disability awareness / equality training.
- ROUGH GUIDES publish a free to download ‘Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’ book packed with over 200 ideas for worry free days out. The guide consists of:
“…hints and tips on some of the UK’s best attractions written by and for disabled people. To make planning your days out easier, entries are grouped into 10 regional chapters with everything from museums, parks and studio tours, to scenic drives and coastal towns. Every review contains all the access information you need to enjoy your day including disabled parking, wheelchair access and more.”
You can listen to a radio interview from Delia Ray from Motability Operations with Lara Masters explaining what the guide is all about here: Listen
Download the free guide by hitting the button at the top or bottom of this page.
The guide includes icons for the following: assisted wheelchair access, non-assisted wheelchair access, facilities for mobility impaired people, rest seats for mobility impaired people, accessible toilets, accessible car parking, powered scooters available, induction loops, BSL interpreters, facilities for blind and visually impaired people, assistance dogs allowed.
- Carers Trust has a great area on their website for accessible days out too. The area includes travel tips, days out inspiration and accessibility information for the National Trust and English Heritage.
The website has areas outlining support for:
Travelling with equipment and medicine
You may also find it helpful to search the Carers Trust forum boards for carers who have discussed this topic.
We’d love to continue to build our support around getting out and about and being independent and we are always looking for amazing initiatives offering support to disabled people and their carers. Please feel free to get in touch if you can recommend adding something to this page.
Do sign up to our free monthly newsletter which often includes deals and discounts on travel opportunities.