Travel

6 top tips for accessible travel from Carrie-Ann Lightley of AccessAble

1. Research and plan – information is power
2. Technology is your friend – access begins online
3. Document everything – always have evidence to back-up arrangements
4. Packing essentials – equipment and aids, functional products to make travel easier
5. Be flexible – allow time for plans to change
6. Enjoy it!

5 top tips for attending live events from Attitude is Everything:

1. Check the event website for access information
2. Know the role of a PA. Most events allow a disabled person to bring a PA to support them at no additional cost when purchasing their own ticket
3. Check your tent – make sure you are familiar with putting it up, and that there are no holes in it
4. Make a plan, but don’t feel pressured if it’s not stuck to. Fatigue needs to be managed, so pace yourself and keep well stocked with water and snacks.
5. Pack for all weather conditions

Top tips from Emily Yates: How to travel positively

Society teaches us as disabled people to focus on what we can’t do – that needs to change because there is so much we can do

1. Be aware of your capabilities and use them
2. On accessibility: Check and check again for honesty on the accessibility of their facilities when you book. People often say they are accessible, but check and check again, call them up and pester if necessary .
3. Things don’t always go to plan, this happens to everybody but particularly if you have a disability its ok to feel the feelings of frustration but think about what you can do to turn it on its head – what can be used as a learning, teaching opportunity, what can you use to teach others.
4. We all travel differently – know what your style is and what your preferences are.

The National Trust: 5 top tips for visiting heritage sites

• Plan ahead – Facilities at sites can vary given the nature of the environment. Check the website for the accessibility information which might be a specific accessibility guide for help and advice on the facilities a site has to help improve access
• Ask questions – Staff and volunteers on site, or in advance, will be happy to help you enjoy your day by adding to pre-visit information or supporting you to enjoy your day when you arrive.
• Aim for a quieter day – Weekends tend to be busy days to visit, as does school holiday time and Bank Holidays. If possible, visit outside these times so that there is more space to move around and the whole experience tends to be calmer! If you need and want to visit at these busier times, staff and volunteers will still be available to provide help if there is any pressure on facilities you need, for example, closer car parking or seating in a café.
• Provide feedback – Staff and volunteers are always keen to know how visitors enjoyed their day and how they can improve. If you do have a few moments whilst on your visit or when you return home to provide feedback, it will be valuable to the site.
• Enjoy the experience!  – There is so much to explore and to discover at a heritage venue that can give you a really different type of experience. We hope you have a wonderful time on your visit!

Read more about how you can enhance your visits to a National Trust site and learn about which places offer changing facilities, lifts, powered mobility vehicles, mountain trikes and audio support. Download their full accessibility guide here.