A new campaign has been launched to boost awareness and registration of a ‘Disability Passport’, which translates disabilities or impairments into symbols, highlighting the reasonable adjustments individuals may need.
The Access Card informs providers quickly and discreetly about the support the individual needs through a range of symbols, without having to explain personal health problems and other issues out loud.
Davina Carey-Evans launched the campaign after spending a “lifetime” visiting leisure attractions, only to realise on arrival they are unsuitable for her autistic son’s needs.
Ms Carey-Evans, who is based in Anglesey set up PIWS as a community interest company, which researches accessibility in Wales with the aim of raising awareness and improving access for all.
PIWS has partnered with Nimbus who manage the Access Card in order to inform businesses about the benefits of improving accessibility.
Ms Carey-Evans said: “Accessible tourism is worth an estimated £15 billion per year in the UK alone and yet only 10 per cent of businesses in Wales – if that – are targeting that audience.”
“There’s a fear among businesses of saying they cater for a disability because they don’t want to get it wrong but instead find it easier to do nothing.
She now wants leisure businesses in Wales to do more to ensure people with disabilities have the right support to visit tourist attractions, and notes that if they get it right, they will increase their number of visitors who will continue to return time and time again.
“What we are trying to create with PIWS is an opportunity for businesses to start their journey in a realistic way that they can manage without huge expense and to use the tools we are putting together.
“As they gain that confidence, both PIWS and people with disabilities will constructively support them,” she added.
Ms Carey-Evans hopes the campaign will educate hospitality and leisure providers on the variety of impairments and accessibility issues their customers may face, enabling them to make small adjustments to improve the visitor experience
Businesses can now sign up to the scheme free of charge and people with disabilities are encouraged to visit places offering the scheme and give constructive feedback.
“If they just accept this card, that’s a beginning and a step in the right direction. It’s giving them the tools and supporting them to support their customers.
“This is coming from the ground upwards – from people with disabilities who want everyone to make a difference and to change attitudes,” she said.
To read more about PIWS and the Access Card, click here.
