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Accessible Tourism

Accessible tourism is tourism that can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with access needs.

 

Many people have access needs including disabled people such as those with hearing and visual impairments, wheelchair users, older and less mobile people and people with pushchairs.

 

By making some small adjustments to your facilities, providing information on your accessibility and understanding the needs of disabled people, tourism businesses can appeal to a wider range of visitors and attract more business.

 

 

 

 
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National Accessible Scheme

The National Accessibility Scheme (NAS)

 

 

is the only scheme that rates the accessibility of visitor accommodation throughout England.

The NAS helps accommodation operators improve and promote their true level of accessibility.

With one in four (27.2%) of the UK population having a long-standing health problem or disability, achieving an NAS rating will open a business' doors to a wider range of potential visitors.

It is not all about wheelchairs - even if a business has steps to the front door or no ground floor bedrooms it can still achieve a rating. Check out the mobility entry-level rating: One step ahead.

 

 
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Access Statements

An Access statement

 

Information about the accessibility of accommodation, attractions and restaurants is particularly important for people with access needs.

An Access Statement is a clear, accurate, and above all honest description of your current facilities and the services you offer. This statement enables a potential visitor to make an informed decision as to whether your business meets their particular access needs.

Access Statements allow for a written, descriptive approach to providing a wide range of information on accessibility. All areas of a business are described from car parking & arrival to toilets.

Templates and examples are available at Visit England

 

 
 
 

Accessibility Information is a list of core facilities and services that are available at a business, highlighted as being of key importance by disabled people. Accessibility Information can quickly reveal a property's suitability e.g. for someone who relies on non allergenic bedding.

 

Accessibility Information involves tourism businesses answering a set of simple questions that generally require a yes or no answer e.g. ‘are any WCs fitted with handrails?' or ‘are there any steps to the entrance?'

 

If you don't think you have provided this information, contact Caroline Cordasco who will send you the simple questionnaire.  Alternatively you can fill in the questionnaire online using your Guestlink log in

 

 

The National Accessible Scheme reassures guests and shows we are serious about providing an excellent holiday experience for all.
Felicity - Hoe Grange Holidays
 

Useful Links

  • Disabledgo Here you can find detailed information about the access to all kinds of places. A useful source of ideas.
  • Radar The Disability Rights People. Radar is the UK's largest disability campaigning organisation
  • Disability and the Equality Act 2010 Find out about the protection and legal rights the Equality Act provides for disabled people.
  • RNIB can help you to reach your blind and partially sighted customers.
  • The Peak District National Park comprehensive guide to accessibility for visitors to the National Park