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Disability Access Audits: Improving Inclusion in the Heritage Sector

Disability Access Audits are essential tools in creating truly inclusive spaces, especially within the heritage sector. As Katie Clarke from Visits Unlimited highlights in her interview with the Historic Environment Forum, “access audits are not a tick-box exercise – they are an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes.” This perspective underpins the transformative power of these audits.

Katie, whose lived experience as a parent to a disabled adult child has deeply shaped her work, explains how Access Audits can open doors — literally and metaphorically. The process involves a detailed review of how accessible a building, service, or environment is to people with a wide range of access needs. More than just ramps and lifts, audits take into account signage, communication, sensory experience, and customer service. The aim is to promote an environment where everyone can participate fully and with dignity.

Understanding the Value of Disability Access Audits

In heritage and cultural settings, accessibility presents unique challenges due to the historic fabric of the buildings. However, as Katie states, “there is always something that can be done.” Through Disability Access Audits, venues learn how to make reasonable adjustments while preserving the character of historic spaces.

The work of Visits Unlimited goes beyond physical audits — it includes training and staff engagement. “We support organisations to be brave, to start the conversation and to listen,” Katie says. The process encourages organisations to move past fear of getting things wrong and instead focus on continual improvement.

A Catalyst for Cultural Change

Disability Access Audits also play a key role in promoting organisational resilience and diversity. By embedding inclusive practices, heritage sites can serve a broader audience and foster long-term community engagement. Katie notes how inclusion “sits at the heart of resilience,” emphasising that accessibility isn’t a one-off project but a long-term commitment to cultural change.

For those looking to improve accessibility within their own organisations, support and resources are available at Visits Unlimited.

Ultimately, Disability Access Audits are not just about compliance — they’re about compassion, insight, and empowering all visitors to enjoy heritage equally.

You can read the full article here :- https://historicenvironmentforum.org.uk/diversity-inclusion-resilience-an-interview-with-katie-clarke-at-visits-unlimited/

Contact us to discuss your access audits countrywide.

The Importance of a Disability Access Audit for Inclusive Outdoor Spaces

Hi guys,

I’m just sitting here in the spring sunshine – (waiting for the hour to change at the weekend) – which sets me to thinking about one of the best parts of my job – auditing ( Disability Access Audit ) open spaces.

Getting outside in the sunshine, looking at green spaces, parks and riverside walks.

I’ve done plenty over the years, with commissions for country parks, civic parks, play areas and river walks to name but a few, and nowadays it’s gratifying to see some results coming through.

I’ve always liked the concept of civic parks – a taste of the country on your doorstep, to use for rest and relaxation after a hard week’s work. Of course, more people came to realise their value with Covid providing the impetus to get out in the fresh air whilst having room to keep a safe distance from other users.

Ensuring Accessibility for All

But I want these spaces to be inclusive, accessible to all, so I look in forensic detail at paths and benches and toilets etc – the things that can make or break your few hours in the sun. I particularly look at play areas, making sure all children can actually participate, not just sit looking on as their mates have the time of their lives. Spaces and routes for wheelchair users around the equipment, colours to catch people’s notice, textures to feel, noises to hear – everybody can be accommodated with a little imagination. You can have a ramp into a playhouse, and you can get anyone onto a roundabout with a little decent design.

The Role of Local Volunteers

Of course, I’m never alone in this outdoor mission – every audit brings me into contact with urban warrior volunteers with great knowledge, helpful advice, and of course, plenty of enthusiasm.

I must mention two in particular here – the late, lamented Joan who accompanied me around Shroggs Park and Paddock Gardens to name but two, full of energy and information and humour, and Hakar who has pushed me around so many green spaces, manhandling me in and out of my car when parked on sloping, cobbled roads, rushing off to take photos in places I could never reach, and still having the time to explain the whole of world politics to me on the way home!

Positive Changes in Accessibility with a Disability Access Audit

Positive changes I’ve noticed include the super-fast construction of a new, accessible path across Brackenbed Park, the remodelling of the lower path into Bramston Park, the construction of a massive, accessible viewing structure at Cromwell Bottom (amongst many other inclusive improvements there), oversight of huge flood mitigation measures in Wellholme Park and inclusive changes to many play areas around the area.

I’ve had lovely surprises – enjoying conducting an audit at Crow Wood Park and coming across a superb, unexpected, accessible Boules Court – now that’s a good game for all, in a wheelchair or not, totally inclusive.

And I’ve had shocks – checking Shibden Park, having been told their tourist train is fully accessible, only to find it actually didn’t have an accessible carriage connected – it was hidden back in the car park because it made the train too long to be maneuverable!

Looking Ahead

So, I look forward to the new season. What could be better? Countryside drive, sitting in a lovely park with my packed lunch, chance of an ice-cream later, and always on every single job, chance encounters and conversations with so many lovely people. It’s amazing how interesting people find a lone wheelchair user, sandwich in hand, moving around taking notes and photographs – they just have to ask!

Feel free, maybe I’ll see you next time?

Chris

Contact us to discuss your access audits countrywide.

What is an Access Audit and Why Is It Important for Your Venue?

An access audit is a thorough evaluation that assesses how accessible your venue is for people with disabilities. This audit is essential in identifying potential barriers and recommending practical solutions to ensure your venue is inclusive to all. The goal is to make your venue accessible not just for disabled visitors, but for a wider audience, including families with young children, the elderly, and people with mobility scooters. In short, an access audit aims to enhance your venue’s overall accessibility and provide a better experience for everyone who visits.

✅ We provide access audits across the country!

Why You Need an Access Audit

Whatever sort of venue you run, you want as many people as possible to visit it. You want lots of people in, lots of money to be spent and satisfied customers. Remember, if your venue is good for disabled people then it’s good for everyone – families with buggies, kids on bikes, older people, those with mobility scooters and the rest.

Disabled people are all members of families want to enjoy life just like everyone else. If they’ve gone to lots of trouble to research your venue, work out how to get there, then they want the family to enjoy a proper, and uncomplicated visit.

✅ They need access all around the site, somewhere to eat/picnic, toilets for everyone – and if it’s really going well, buying presents in the welcoming gift shop.
✅ A big family group and friends included would all need to get in, to eat, to have treats, to buy gifts, so the money soon adds up! Remember the Purple Pound should not be ignored.

Why Choose Visits Unlimited for Your Access Audit?

At Visits Unlimited, we go beyond basic compliance. While others might simply point out what’s missing, we provide actionable recommendations tailored to your venue. When I visit your venue, I take the time to get to know you and your premises. I’ll write you a detailed report with lots of comments and recommendations, and I’ll always explain our suggestions. For example:

✅ Parking Spaces: “They say – you have four disabled parking spaces. I say – whether that is sufficient, if they are large enough, marked out properly, signed, and located correctly.”

✅ Accessible Toilets: “They say – your accessible toilet is too small. I say – how large it should be, where it could be relocated, what it should contain.”

✅ Café Accessibility: “They say – the café is accessible. I say – but the door is too stiff and the approach is too steep.”

I also address path surfaces, seating provision, and other details, ensuring your venue meets the highest standards. As I often explain, “You may have heard of ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ in this regard – we’ll have a grown-up discussion about how they might apply to your venue.”

The Benefits of Accessibility and Social Media Promotion

Accessibility matters, not just for the sake of disabled visitors. It has a broader impact on your venue’s reputation. The disabled community is particularly active on social media, and a positive experience at your venue will quickly be shared online. Word-of-mouth recommendations can go viral, leading to more disabled visitors and their families making the effort to visit your venue.

This increased footfall can result in more spending. Disabled visitors will spend money not only on tickets or entrance fees but also on food, gifts, and other services at your venue. By making your venue accessible, you are investing in long-term success. It’s a win-win situation: you provide an inclusive, welcoming space for all visitors, and in return, you benefit from increased customer loyalty and spending.

If you’re interested in learning more about our access audits and how they can improve your venue’s accessibility, please get in touch with Katie at katie@visitsunlimited.org.uk. Or contact us here https://visitsunlimited.org.uk/contact-us/ .Our friendly auditor, Chris, will be happy to guide you through the process and help you make your venue more accessible for everyone.