Disabled Access Day proves to be a huge success

Following a campaign run by a number of companies and organisations across Britain, Saturday 17^th January became a day dedicated to the awareness of disabled access. This meant that more than 200 companies across the UK showed their support for people in need of improved access, as prompted by the likes of Visit England, Standard Life and BT.

The first ever Disabled Access Day saw a variety of events and open days taking place throughout the UK in order to create awareness and offer assistance to those with accessibility needs who rely on mobility aids such as wheelchairs or home stairlifts. From venue tours, children’s activities and special promotions, there was plenty to be experienced, with attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, the National Theatre and the Royal Yacht Britannia getting involved.

Encouraging disabled people to visit somewhere new

The latter was the flagship event in Scotland and encouraged disabled people to catch the accessible bus and receive discounted entry. There were also opportunities to meet assistance dogs and learn more about the work that takes place at the Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh. The co-founder of Euan’s Guide, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2003, attended the launch aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia alongside a number of charity representatives.

The access review website was the lead supporter of Disabled Access Day and hoped that the campaign would demonstrate just how important disabled access is to many companies and attractions throughout the UK.

Other companies to get involved included Barclays, who ran demonstrations to show disabled people how to use their accessible services, which include talking cash machines. Café Nero also served complimentary coffee in 150 participating stores in order to show their support for the campaign.

Those who attended one or more of the events hosted on Disabled Access Day can give feedback here.