International Wheelchair Day and Navigating Accessibility

Today is International Wheelchair Day and we are talking to Sara Stacey about navigating accessibility as a disabled person.

Navigating Accessibility

As someone with a physical disability, I understand how challenging it can be to attend events or find reliable accessibility information about unfamiliar places. Accessibility isn’t limited to physical disabilities, it also includes other needs, such as for people with photosensitive epilepsy who can have a seizure triggered by flashing lights.

In the past I have enquired about a restaurant, only to find that their accessible toilet facilities don’t fit a wheelchair in, or that the entrance is inaccessible and they suggest that I’m lifted to get in, along with my 154kg powerchair.

I want to share some practical tips to help you navigate new places and ensure they meet your accessibility needs before you get there.

Use Accessibility-Focused Apps and Websites

Several platforms are specifically designed to provide information about a location’s accessibility. These apps and websites feature reviews from members of the disabled community, offering invaluable insights on areas such as entrances, toilets, changing rooms and eating areas. These tools help you plan visits with more confidence and minimise unpleasant surprises.

Euan’s Guide

Euan’s Guide is a UK-based accessibility review website that helps disabled people, their families, friends, and carers find and share information about the accessibility of venues and locations across the UK and beyond.

Launched in 2013 by Euan MacDonald, who has Motor Neurone Disease (MND), the platform aims to break down the barriers faced by disabled people when visiting new places. Users can submit reviews about how accessible a venue is, covering aspects such as wheelchair access, disabled toilets, parking, and staff awareness.

Euan’s Guide plays a crucial role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity by providing a trusted source of information that empowers disabled people to explore new experiences with confidence. The website also works with venues to encourage them to improve their accessibility, creating a more welcoming environment for all.

Sociability

Sociability is a mobile app designed to make socialising and exploring new places more accessible for disabled people by providing detailed, reliable information about venue accessibility.

Launched to address the lack of consistent accessibility information, Sociability allows users to discover, rate, and share accessibility details of cafes, restaurants, shops, and other public spaces. Unlike traditional review platforms, Sociability focuses on accessibility features such as step-free access, seating arrangements, doorway widths, and accessible restrooms, offering users a comprehensive view of how suitable a venue might be for their needs.

By crowdsourcing data from its community and partnering with businesses, Sociability not only empowers disabled individuals to plan their outings with confidence but also encourages venues to become more inclusive. The app plays a significant role in fostering a more accessible and socially connected world, where everyone can participate in social activities without unnecessary barriers.

Sara Stacey is a white woman with brown shoulder length hair, she is wearing sunglasses, a grey tshirt and a black bag across her chest, she is a wheelchair user and is on a boat.

Questions to ask Venues about Accessibility

When contacting a venue to inquire about accessibility, it’s essential to ask specific and detailed questions. Specific questions ensure you get the information you need, rather than generic assurances that may not meet your requirements. Here are a few examples of specific questions you could ask venues about their accessibility that are designed to give you clear, practical information to determine whether a venue will meet your specific accessibility needs.

Physical Access

Is there step-free access to the main entrance? If not, is there an alternative accessible entrance?
What is the width of the entrance doors? Are they automatic or manual?
Are there ramps available for any steps inside or outside the venue? If a ramp is available, confirm whether staff are trained to locate and deploy it properly.
If there are stairs, is there a lift or elevator available? What are its dimensions and weight capacity as some lifts may not support larger powerchairs.

Accessible Facilities

Do you have accessible toilets on-site? Are they equipped with grab rails, emergency pull cords, and enough turning space for a wheelchair or any other specific features you require?
Is there seating available for guests who may need to rest?
Are tables and counters at a height suitable for wheelchair users?
Do you provide adjustable lighting or quiet spaces for guests with sensory sensitivities?

Parking and Transport

Do you have accessible parking spaces? How close are they to the entrance?
Is there a drop-off point near the entrance for taxis or accessible transport?
Are the pathways from parking areas to the venue smooth and free of obstacles?

Hearing and Visual Accessibility

Do you provide hearing loops or assistive listening devices?
Are there large print, braille, or tactile signage options available?
How well-lit are the corridors and walkways for those with visual impairments?

Service and Support

Are staff trained in disability awareness and confident in assisting disabled guests?
Do you allow assistance dogs, and are there facilities for them (e.g., water bowls or relief areas)?
Can guests request assistance upon arrival, and if so, how is this arranged?

Emergency Procedures

What are your evacuation procedures for guests with mobility or sensory impairments?
Are there visual or vibrating fire alarms for those who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Sensory Considerations

Do you have quiet areas or low-stimulation spaces where guests can take a break if overwhelmed?
Are there specific times when the venue is less busy or quieter?
Do you offer sensory-friendly hours or events with reduced noise, dimmed lights, or minimal crowds?
Are there flashing lights, loud music, or other sensory stimuli that visitors should be aware of?
Can lighting or sound levels be adjusted in any parts of the venue?

Communication and Social Interaction

Are staff trained to support neurodivergent guests, including those who may prefer limited verbal communication?
Can communication cards or alternative communication methods be used when interacting with staff?
Are there visual guides, social stories, or step-by-step guides available that explain what to expect when visiting?

Predictability and Routine

Is it possible to book specific time slots to avoid waiting in queues?
Can you provide a detailed schedule of events or activities to help plan visits in advance?
Are there any unexpected features, such as sudden loud noises, that visitors should be prepared for?

Environment and Layout

Is the layout of the venue open and easy to navigate, or are there narrow/crowded areas?
Are there designated quiet seating areas away from high-traffic zones?
Do you provide maps or virtual tours to help visitors familiarize themselves with the space beforehand?

Support and Assistance

Can guests bring sensory tools (e.g., noise-canceling headphones, fidget devices) into all areas of the venue?
Do you offer early entry or late exit options for guests who need more time to transition between environments?
Are support persons, personal assistants, or carers offered complimentary entry?

Additional Information

Can mobility aids (such as wheelchairs or scooters) be hired or borrowed at the venue?
Are there any areas within the venue that are not accessible to all guests?
Do you provide any virtual tours or detailed floor plans online that show accessibility features?

Check Google Earth for Accessibility

Google Earth and Street View can be helpful tools for assessing a location’s external accessibility:

Use these tools to examine the distance between parking and the venue.
Look for terrain issues such as steep slopes or cobblestones.
Identify the locations of drop curbs for safe crossing.

Keep in mind that these images may not be up to date, so it’s wise to double-check with the venue.

Advocate for Your Needs When Attending Events

If you’re attending an event and have specific access needs, consider reaching out to the event organiser in advance, lots of larger venues, events and festivals will have an Access Lead or Access Team to speak to.

When reaching out to an event to inquire about accessibility needs, it’s important to communicate clearly and specifically to ensure your requirements are understood and accommodated. Explain that you would like to gather information about the accessibility features available to support your visit. Be specific about your needs by outlining any mobility, sensory, neurodivergent, visual, hearing, or other requirements you may have.

Additionally, you could ask about staff training in disability awareness and how they support guests during emergencies. Be polite but assertive in requesting any accommodations that would make your experience more comfortable, and don’t hesitate to request written materials like accessibility maps or schedules.

Providing as much detail as possible about your needs will help the event organizers understand how they can best support you. And remember, it is your legal right to request information and reasonable accomodations relating to your impairment for accessibility needs.

Final Thoughts

Navigating accessibility as a person with a disability requires preparation and persistence, but resources and communication can help to make the process smoother. Whether you’re visiting a new place or organising an event, taking the time to focus on accessibility helps show respect for everyone’s needs and to foster a more inclusive society.

About the Author

Image of Sara Stacey, a white woman with brown hair and is a wheelchair user, text reads Sara Stacey is a Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Secretary of a Disability and Carers Network and a Purple Tuesday ambassador. She is passionate about accessibility and how everyone’s needs are different even if they share the same condition.

Sara Stacey is an experienced Diversity and Inclusion Officer with 20 years of experience in the public sector, specialising in diversity, equality, and inclusion. She has an extremely rare type of Muscular Dystrophy called Rigid Spine Syndrome and has had it all my life. She started to use a wheelchair a few years ago following a number of dangerous falls.

Sara is passionate about ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals as proven through her hard work as a Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Secretary of a Disability and Carers Network and a Purple Tuesday ambassador.

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