Euan’s Guide has begun the largest UK disabled access survey and invites everyone to share their experience of what it is like to be a disabled person in the UK.
Over the last 12 months nearly 80 per cent of disabled people said that a trip had been spoiled by poor accessibility. But all too often the experience was marred by not being able to get in – or use bathroom facilities.
Euan’s Guide aims to share information with disabled people about the accessibility of places they might want to visit.
Their survey is separate, but an important part of their work, and is backed by the Motability Scheme. It is now running for the 11th year finding out what happens when disabled people go out.
Kiki MacDonald OBE, Euan’s sister and co-founder of Euan’s Guide, said: “The Access Survey is extremely important in understanding how disabled people feel about access. It gives us the data and stories we need to show where barriers
remain and to push for improvements.
“Venues, businesses and organisations must do better at sharing their disabled access information. Simply sharing clear and accurate information makes planning easier and stress-free, eliminating the ‘time tax’ on disabled people who have to research and plan every trip. Venues can list their disabled access information for free on EuansGuide.com to reach tens of thousands of disabled people looking for
great places to go.
“We are delighted to have partnered with the Motability Scheme again this year to amplify the voices of disabled people. Please make your voice heard by taking the Access Survey so we can continue to make a positive difference.”
Lisa Thomas, Chief Marketing and Customer Officer at Motability Operations, added: “At the Motability Scheme, we enable independence and freedom for disabled people. The Euan’s Guide Access Survey is a powerful way to ensure every voice is
heard and every barrier is seen.
“Euan’s vision made the world a more accessible place for disabled people. His legacy inspires us all, and in the eleventh year of the survey, we’re encouraging disabled people to share their views and help shape a future where accessibility is no longer a barrier.”
Last year, more than 6,000 people responded.
The key findings included:
● 78% of respondents were not confident about visiting new places when
thinking about accessibility.
● 77% of respondents found a venue’s website to be misleading, confusing or
inaccurate when checking before a visit.
● 70% of respondents were more likely to visit somewhere new if they felt
welcomed by staff or the venue seemed to care about accessibility.
● 62% of respondents would avoid going to a venue if it had not shared its
disabled access information because they presumed it was inaccessible.
● 77% of respondents avoided going somewhere because they couldn’t find
information about an accessible toilet and 73% of respondents had come across an accessible toilet that they were
unable to use.
