Now in its 2nd year, Disabled Access Day looks set to be bigger and better this year with many more venues taking part
Scots with disabilities are being encouraged to get outdoors this weekend and explore places they never knew were accessible.
Disabled Access Day tomorrow (12 March) aims to build disabled people’s confidence in accessing unfamiliar venues that have aroused their curiosity.
This year’s event will feature over 40 independent venues in Scotland who will be showcasing their accessibility on the day, alongside national chains Caffe Nero, Strada and Barclays, as well as other major companies including John Lewis and the mobile operator Three.
Individuals taking part can also look forward to free activities and events all across the country, including free accessible and sensory tours of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a pre-season taster session at Glasgow Speedway or a tour and a dram at Tomatin Distillery near Inverness to name only a few.
We hope everyone gets out there to try something new and see what is on offer to disabled people
Euan MacDonald, co-founder of the disabled access reviews website EuansGuide.com, said: “We hope that Disabled Access Day 2016 surpasses last year’s and continues to raise awareness of accessibility across the UK.
"There are some fantastic events taking place in some great venues so we hope everyone gets out there to try something new and see what is on offer to disabled people, their friends, families and carers.”
The day also aims to raise awareness of the importance of sharing disabled access information. A recent survey by Euan’s Guide revealed that for 82% of respondents, the decision to visit new venues was a result of searching for disabled access information online.
Provision of relevant access information is a crucial factor for many disabled people, their families and friends who want to visit somewhere new, the research showed. Venues themselves will also benefit by ensuring good access. The survey discovered that 98% of disabled people, their friends, families and carers would be likely or very likely to return to places that are accessible as opposed to those that are not.
