council services
Access for all
Accessibility is how easy it is for people to get to, enter, use, and understand things. Accessible tourism is the ease with which everyone can enjoy tourism experiences.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) (1995 amended 2005) places duties on providers of goods, services and facilities not to discriminate against people with disabilities. Like everyone else, tourism providers must take 'reasonable' steps to change practices, policies and procedures to make their facilities and services accessible to disabled people.
Accessibility is about ensuring that things can be easily obtained. However, it is not solely concerned with facilities, you should also consider ways to improve information and customer service. VisitEngland provides a number of tools and resources to help you improve your accessibility.
Access Statements
All establishments registered with Quality in Tourism are required to have an access statement. The Visit Britain website provides instructions and a template to help you write your access statement. A link is provided below. Once written, publish your access statement on your website so visitors know exactly what to expect and help them decide if you are suitable.
How to write an access statement
National Accessibility Scheme
The Scheme was developed following extensive review with accommodation providers, guests and many organisational bodies representing people with disabilities, together with the other National Tourist Boards. It provides a set of accessible standards against which establishments are assessed for their accessibility and awarded a rating.
West Norfolk Access online Database
Listing detailed access information about West Norfolk businesses including retail, accommodation and leisure facilities.
West Norfolk Access Guide website
Tourism for all
Tourism for All UK is the UK Voice for Accessible Tourism. They are a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all.
Open Britain
Three of the countries leading charities for the disabled have teamed up in partnership with the AA to create Open Britain, with an all new definitive guide book and website for people with disabilities and special access requirements.
Accommodation Know-How Online
Formerly know as the pink booklet. For access points and handy tips Users must subscribe to the site but subscription is free for establishments who are inspected with VisitBritain.
Accommodation Know-how Website
Business Link
Offer support and advice and training workshops. The access web pages provide a comprehensive guide to making your premises and services more accessible to disabled people.
Training Courses
The Welcome All training course recognises that it is the environment which causes problems for many people with mobility or sensory disabilities. The programme provides participants with practical advice and cost–effective ideas to enhance service quality for customers with disabilities and specific needs.
Last updated: 28 October 2009
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