Access Card (communicate your accessibility needs)
Access Card is an easy way to let people know your accessibility requirements, at locations across the UK and beyond. This physical photo ID card can easily community requirements, and works online with ticketing platforms, so for example makes it easier to get around by public transport.
The card translates a person’s disability or impairment into symbols (so good for abroad too) to highlight barriers someone may face, and reasonable adjustments needed. The app also provides a directory of venues, to help plan trips and holidays. The card costs £15 for 3 years.
Also read about accessible public toilets and dog-friendly places.
The card has 9 spaces to list your needs:
- Difficulty standing
- Difficulty with crowds
- Level access required
- Limited distance needs
- Urgent toilet needs
- Essential companions (including emotional support dogs).
- Visual information (for people registered blind)
- Audible information (for people with hearing impairments)
- Miscellaneous (like photo-sensitive epilepsy)
You can also search for suitable places online, listed by region. We would not recommend visiting caged creatures in zoos or aquariums, but the site lists many other venues like wildlife sanctuaries to independent cinemas.
Local businesses can also sign up, to help make England more accessible, and also get more custom from appreciative people and families who are looking for disabled-friendly days out.
How to make towns/shops more accessible
As an old country with narrow streets and ancient shops, sometimes it’s impossible to make some places accessible (high kerbs, narrow stairways, tiny spaces etc). But there are some solutions that could be offered to those who need more accessible places, while still supporting indie shops:
If you’re late back to parking spaces due to disability (or even old dogs!), it’s worth appealing parking fine if you can afford the risk. Councils halve fines to try to force you to pay immediatley. But there is a 10-minute government grace period so often you don’t have to pay at all, if you can prove your case.
- Town planners can install tactile Braille signs.
- Indie shops could offer foot or bicycle home delivery for nearby customers. Set up an online shop for those who can’t visit in person. Code & Coconut themes (self-hosted WordPress) are compatible with free plug-ins.
- Or install a doorbell to take orders, then carers can return to collect them after going somewhere for a cuppa.
- Make your shop more accessible. Remove floor clutter (this helps prevent ‘hidden corners’ to prevent theft). Don’t stuff counter areas full of clutter, as people in wheelchairs need space to write cheques etc.
- Invest in quality portable ramps. Remove floor clutter (and around counters, where people in wheelchairs need space to pay and pack etc).
