Accessible tourism

Disability Access Audits: Improving Inclusion in the Heritage Sector

22 April 2025
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Categories: Access audits, Accessibility, Accessibility training, Accessibility training for museums and historic sites, Blog, News

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

3 April 2025
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Categories: Access audits, Accessibility, Accessibility training, Accessibility training for museums and historic sites, Blog, News

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.

Visits Unlimited – Our access audits explained

17 February 2025
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Categories: Access audits, Accessibility, Accessibility training, Accessibility training for museums and historic sites, Blog, News

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.

 

Enhancing Accessibility: Training for Museums and Historic Sites

10 February 2025
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Categories: Accessibility, Accessibility training, Accessibility training for museums and historic sites, Blog, News

Enhancing Accessibility: Training for Museums and Historic Sites

So, the New Year dawns and I head off for my first distant assignment – a long-anticipated trip down south. Historic Docks at Chatham was the destination. You can tell we don’t get out much, or travel far enough, because the first plans we made were taking us to Plymouth or Portsmouth (where there are indeed historic dockyards), but not to Chatham.
To be honest, there was a memory I had that Chatham was in Kent, probably an old TV programme or similar.

Then, the planning – How far is it? Do you need a passport? Do they understand (Northern) English? What’s the food like?
Relax – I’m joking, I have some very good friends in that part of the country, but still, it’s about 4½ hours driving!

A Journey to Chatham: The Challenges of Historic Sites

I located a Travelodge very close to the site and enjoyed a restful evening there. Morning broke with a thin mist from the nearby water with the promise of sun later, so I (foolishly) decided to push to the Dockyards – cool, crisp air, absolutely level, solid path – great for fitness which is sadly lacking with me since Christmas overindulgence. What could possibly go wrong???? I’ll tell you what could possibly go wrong – the absolutely level, solid path took me to the first buildings, but the building I actually needed was at the very far end of the site, and the site is huge, has some very dodgy surfaces (cobbles and the like) and totally pointless and unexpected gradients!
Luckily, on the worst section, a cyclist going in the opposite direction abandoned his bike in the road and pushed me to the top of the last hill! The kindness of strangers – I could write a book!

Anyway, I got there on time (just) to be greeted by my contact who immediately rushed off to get me a mug of tea (New best friend)!

Delivering Accessibility Training for Museums and Historic Sites

The training was a delight – 4 groups of about 30 people each, rotating for different talks. 75 minutes per group, lots of breaks. Worked for me – easy to fill 75 mins and then repeat, but it’s amazing how different each talk was. One different question and you’re off on a different tack. I personally loved every minute. They seemed to enjoy it too, with lots of people staying behind to ask questions.

I particularly enjoyed this day because it was different. I’ve done lots of stately homes and gardens and museums, lots of galleries with pictures and costumes, lots of stables, lots of kitchen gardens, but no dockyards. This leads to many new problems and new questions – how accessible can you make a wooden pirate galleon??? Can you expect a modern submarine to be wheelchair accessible??? Is rope climbing completely out of the question???
Now, tell me if I’m wrong, but I wouldn’t turn up there and expect to participate fully in the submarine tour – but some wheelchair users do?!? I found the whole day fascinating from so many points of view.

Aerial photograph of Chatham Historic Dockyard Chatham Kent UK showing HMS Gannet, HMS Ocelot and HMS Cavalier
Aerial photograph of Chatham Historic Dockyard Chatham Kent UK showing HMS Gannet, HMS Ocelot and HMS Cavalier

Overcoming Accessibility Challenges in Historic Locations

Providing accessibility training for museums and historic sites is crucial in helping venues understand the unique challenges that visitors with disabilities face. While some locations naturally present more difficulties than others, it is always possible to improve inclusivity. Whether it’s ensuring clear signage, providing alternative experiences, or training staff to assist visitors effectively, small changes can make a huge impact. The Historic Docks at Chatham provided a fresh perspective on accessibility, reminding me that even the most historic or unconventional sites can find ways to accommodate everyone.

And then, the push back was easy because the gradients were now all downhill and there were plenty of volunteers who wanted to help!
Hopefully we’ll be asked to visit again, because I loved it!

Onwards and upwards, possibly another London visit to report on soon.

Cheers,
Chris

Contact us to discuss your accessibility training countrywide.

https://visitsunlimited.org.uk/contact-us/

Chris Cammiss and His Adventures as an Access Auditor

14 January 2025
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Categories: Accessibility, Accessible Hebden Bridge, Blog, Calderdale Project Update, News

Reflecting on a Busy 2024

What a year 2024 was! It was busier and more varied than ever. Access audits galore. My work as an access auditor took me far and wide—from Calderdale to Worcester, mid Wales, and Cumbria.

Lots of outdoor work last year, with exploration of the Hebble Trail in Calderdale and connections to it, surveys of potentially useful green spaces, and lots of detailed work on several public parks, with a view to increasing access for children with disabilities.

Access Audits Enhancing Local Facilities

I contributed to several key projects:

  • Accessibility improvements for three leisure centres.
  • Developing pedestrian routes in Todmorden.
  • Planning the upgrade of Todmorden Market.
  • Advising planners on access enhancements in Brighouse.

These efforts are part of my mission to make public spaces more accessible.

But, as always, there have been some quirky visits – Heptonstall Museum
https://heptonstallmuseumfriends.org.uk/
with its display of The Gallows Pole materials, the downstairs concert venue at Grayston Unity
https://thegraystonunity.co.uk/

and the offices of Community Foundation for Calderdale
https://cffc.co.uk/.

But, I wouldn’t carry on with this work if it wasn’t fun – and there has been a lot of fun.

Parking on a cobbled street in Heptonstall at an angle of what felt like 45°, and having to be physically pulled in and out of my car with someone’s hand round my trouser belt so as not to miss my wheelchair is not standard procedure.

Being accosted by the police whilst measuring paths and pavements outside the Community Foundation for Calderdale offices doesn’t happen every day.

National Adventures with the Artfund

The big finish was work for the Artfund,
https://www.artfund.org/, checking galleries around the UK.

A visit to Blackwell House in Cumbria
https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/blackwell-the-arts-and-crafts-house-p1211861
was spectacular – pity the designated parking was only visible once I’d left my car in the standard car park and pushed to the entrance!

Worcester Gallery was lovely,
https://www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk/, with a great lunch! The problem here wasn’t finding the site – you could circle it for hours – it was parking. Not a car-friendly environment – which is fine in principle unless you depend on the car (as I do).

Ty Pawb in Wrexham
https://www.typawb.wales
was the best – big galleries set in a building with lots of food stalls. Almost ate myself to bursting (well you’ve got to try stuff – it’s only polite!) and came home with bags and bags of old-fashioned sweets. And this place was directly connected to a multi-storey car park with free parking for me!

Looking Ahead to Access Audits 2025

So, 2025 begins – and it looks set to be as busy as last year.

Massive job to survey almost every public car park in Calderdale, volunteer training in Kent, pub audit in Birmingham planned, new Halifax Leisure Centre. Wow!

Watch this space,

Chris (man on a mission)

Contact us about your access audits
https://visitsunlimited.org.uk/contact-us/

Wheelchairs and mud – not a marriage made in heaven!

11 January 2022
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Categories: Accessibility, Blog

Wheelchairs and mud

Using a manual wheelchair means the wheels are narrow so they sink easily. Having absorbed that fact early on I don’t usually make mistakes nowadays.

On outdoor audits I try for dry days; I’ll look for ruts and footprints in the dry mud and work out how bad it would be on a wet day. Sounds like I know what I’m doing but I can still be caught out.

I once arrived for an official conference during my early days working in Calderdale – it was very wet, but I thought the car park would be tarmacked. Wrong!

I thought there would be empty designated parking spaces at the entrance. Wrong!

I ended up parking in the mud at the back of the car park, got out in the mud, pushed through the mud to the entrance, and looked and felt like a dirty drowned rat when I eventually got inside. Not the best start to the afternoon!

My worst mud experiences….

My worst mud experiences by far happened as a parent when I took my rugby fanatic son to junior rugby matches and training. From Under 9’s to Under 16’s, (that’s eight seasons – yes, eight), we had to include a trip to our local club or to a match elsewhere on winter Sundays.

Yes, we experienced excitement! And, we engaged in banter! Yes, we indulged in bacon sandwiches! And yes, we encountered mud, glorious mud!

Being a junior team meant they usually assigned us to the furthest pitch, away from the clubhouse – the one through the underpass, beyond the motorway, past all hope of rescue (don’t ask where the toilet is). I always had pushers, though. “Come on Dad, take your hands off the wheels, trust me.”

I never crashed, but the chair would be covered in mud over the footplates.

The final insult came from my son – immaculate out of the showers in a white shirt and smart tie on match days. However, he would walk into the shower fully clothed in his kit, get undressed in the shower, stuff the sopping kit into a bag, and pass the whole dripping mess to me to wash for next week! Adding insult to injury.

I ruined so many clothes during those days, not to mention the frequent mess in my car.

Thankfully those days are behind me now, or so I thought.

Wheelchair User Tips for Attending a Music Festival

I love attending rock festivals in the summer, but it can be challenging as a wheelchair user. I recently went to Bluedot Festival at Jodrell Bank, and the weather was terrible. It rained all night before the festival, and the ground was a sea of mud.

I parked in a muddy field and had to be carried through the entrance gates. I was covered in mud by the time I got to the accessible viewing platform. But I had a great time, thanks to the help of a friendly stranger who offered to push me around.

Here are some tips for wheelchair users who are planning to attend a music festival:

  • Check the weather forecast and be prepared for rain or mud.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Bring a change of clothes and shoes in case you get really muddy.
  • Ask about the festival’s accessibility features, such as accessible viewing platforms and toilets.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other festival-goers.

I hope these tips help you have a great time at your next music festival!

My Favourite Mud Story

But my favourite mud story doesn’t involve me directly – a few months ago I was auditing a potential communal garden which was bordered by an open wire fence. Whilst writing some notes I noticed pre-school children playing on the other side of the fence. They’d found an interesting puddle, and were absorbed with buckets and spades. The boys started conversation – why are you in that chair? do your legs work? my Grans got one of them. How fast will it go? The usual. Whilst answering as well as I could I noticed a little girl sitting

in the puddle and using a spade to pour the (very) muddy water down her outstretched arms and onto her (very) white dress! Whilst driving home I couldn’t rid my mind of the image of the loving parents coming to pick up their beloved child in her (once) white dress!

Until next time,

Cheers,

Chris the mudlark

My visit to Shibden Park on 10th June 2021

21 June 2021
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Categories: Accessibility, Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Shibden Park Accessibility Review: A Day with Calderdale Community Transport

Aisha Mir explores Shibden Park accessibility with Calderdale Community Transport

A trip to Shibden Park with Calderdale Community Transport turned into a valuable discussion about accessibility for wheelchair users, parents with buggies, and visitors with visual impairments.

Meeting the Park Managers

Chris Hancox and Steve Mitchel from Calderdale Community Transport provided a smooth pick-up and drop-off for Aisha and her 2-year-old son. While a slight delay due to car seat safety checks meant missing a full introduction with park manager Mark Spencer, the other park managers were incredibly welcoming.

Accessibility Concerns Raised

The group discussed accessibility challenges faced by wheelchair users, blind people, elderly visitors, and those with prams. Issues included:

  • Pot holes and uneven surfaces throughout the park
  • A dangerous bus stop and uneven road leading to the lower car park
  • Lack of accessible alternative routes around historical areas
  • Difficulty navigating the park with a pram due to steep inclines and loose surfaces like sand (used for filming purposes)

Positive Aspects and Requests for Improvement

Aisha acknowledges the park’s beauty and appreciates the improvements made, particularly the accessible path around the upper park. However, she emphasizes the need for further accessibility measures, such as:

  • An accessible path alongside the park train route for safe pedestrian movement
  • Improved signage throughout the park for better navigation, especially for first-time visitors
  • Inclusion of a changing place facility within the park toilets

A Day Filled with Connection and Hope

Despite the accessibility concerns, Aisha highlights the positive aspects of the visit:

  • Enjoying the beautiful weather
  • Reconnecting with friends after the COVID-19 lockdown
  • Indulging in a delicious mocha at the cafe

The group’s valuable discussions and suggestions for improvement leave Aisha hopeful for positive changes at Shibden Park.

Find out more from the Shibden Park Website Click Here

Chris has been busy working with the team developing plans for the projected Station to be built at Elland

11 November 2020
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Categories: Accessibility, Blog, News

Improving Accessibility Through Collaboration

As you know, I’ve always been passionate about influencing local planning decisions. Whether it’s improving the roads, opening a new building, or changing land use, I always have an opinion – I’m a Yorkshireman after all! I believe my knowledge and lived experience with disability are valuable contributions, but is simply voicing complaints from the sidelines truly effective?

Anyone can shout, “That will never work!” or “You can’t be serious!” It might feel satisfying in the moment, but does it really make a difference? So, what happens when someone actually says, “Alright, put your money where your mouth is. Work with us and tell us where we’re going wrong”?

Believe me, it’s incredibly satisfying.

Accessibility A train comes into the station at Elland
A train comes into the station at Elland

From Outsider to Insider

I was recently invited to work with the team developing plans for a new station in Elland, alongside accessibility improvements in the surrounding area. It was a truly positive experience. I was listened to, included in every decision, and made to feel like a valued member of the team.

This experience opened my eyes to the immense amount of research that goes into such planning, and the delicate balancing act required for many decisions. From my perspective, I might propose a specific solution based on my extensive knowledge of my disability and the needs of others. The team, while familiar with some accessibility concerns, also has to consider costs, complex engineering requirements, underlying building constraints shaped by the landscape, and local pressures from residents, businesses, hospitals, schools, and so on.

Aerial artists impression of the proposed station at Elland. Trees are in the background with bridges over two rivers in the foreground
Aerial artists’ impression of the proposed station at Elland. Trees are in the background with bridges over two rivers in the foreground

The Complexity of Seemingly Simple Solutions

Luckily, my background in maths allows me to understand the detailed architects’ and engineers’ plans. Even seemingly simple constructions like a public shelter on a platform or a ramp up to a bridge involve immense complexity.

Learning and Earning Respect

Through this collaboration, I’m gaining valuable insight into the planning process. While my core principles of improving accessibility remain unchanged, I’ve gained immense respect for the designers, architects, and engineers who strive to follow guidelines and regulations while providing what the public wants, all within budget constraints.

Aerial artists impression of the West Vale Bridge at Elland. Trees are in the background with bridges over a river on the left
Aerial artists impression of the West Vale Bridge at Elland. Trees are in the background with bridges over a river on the left

Accessibility Building Bridges, Not Walls

Hopefully, I’m also making a positive impact on the team. By working together, we can break down barriers, create new connections and priorities, and even change long-held perspectives on accessibility.

Ultimately, as in every aspect of life, even the most straightforward-looking situations involve compromise. But through collaboration, we can achieve the best possible outcome for everyone.

Until next time, keep safe,

Chris

Up-to-date information about the Elland Train Station Click Here

Information about joining ACDAF Here

Extreme Auditing (working through the Pandemic)

29 October 2020
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Categories: Accessibility, Blog, News

Access Audits. Extreme auditing, working through the pandemic. Chris is out and about even through the difficult times…

Well, I certainly can’t remember a year anything like this one – it seemed to come to a grinding halt in March, and it’s certainly not back on the rails yet.

For the team at Visits Unlimited you might think that would be the end of things for the foreseeable future, no one going anywhere, no one meeting up with anyone, not a bit of it.

We’re far more resourceful and resilient to accept that!

True – work did drop off a cliff for a few weeks, audit dates in the diary were cancelled, people didn’t know what could or should happen, but that didn’t last for long at our Accessible Calderdale Project.  After a few weeks of hiding away, people started peeping over the parapet and gingerly climbing over.

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What’s in a name?…….and the name is “accessible”……..

30 April 2020
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Categories: Accessibility, Blog, News

Accessible, Well, we all know what that means now, don’t we? Read on…..

Accessible? A few weeks ago my partner and I were feeling a little stir crazy and thought we deserved a weekend away, so that’s what we planned.
(Ironically this was the weekend just prior to hearing Government advice not to travel unless totally necessary. So, we had a lovely three days of gorgeous villages, artisan markets, great weather, excellent meals and too much to drink, to return to a different world. If we thought we were stir crazy then….?)

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How accessible is your business/venue?

22 July 2019
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Categories: Accessibility, Blog

Disability Access Training. How accessible is your business/venue?

Are you meeting your legislative requirements?

Did you know that being accessible can help your business grow?

Visits Unlimited is a Halifax-based organisation working with attractions and businesses locally, regionally, and nationally. We collaborate with colleagues in the tourism industry to help reduce the physical and non-physical barriers often experienced by disabled people.

Also we offer a range of professional and friendly services to help you become more inclusive and disabled-friendly. We also aim to improve your customer service through our Access Audits, specialist advice, and Disability Training.

All trainers have lived experience of disability and have worked across the country delivering training to a wide range of organisations for many years. We are members of the England Inclusive Tourism Action Group.

OUR ACCESS AUDITS

With the help and support of Chris Cammiss, our Access Auditor, Specialist Advisor, and Disability Trainer, Chris will visit your premises to carry out an access audit. He will then write a report on what you are doing well and what you can improve on.

Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled? That could be a large percentage of your target market. Ensuring you provide suitable facilities and services for disabled people should be high on your priority list.

It doesn’t have to cost the world to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. Sometimes making small adjustments can make a big difference. Good customer service is priceless!

AWARENESS RAISING AND OUR TRAINING

Attitude towards disabled customers is everything. We can deliver training to members of your staff. It’s as easy as starting with a smile!

“People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

We run training and access audit programmes across England. Our clients include the National Trust, English Heritage, countryside attractions, football and cricket grounds, large tourist attractions, small businesses, retailers, theatres, music venues, museums, and hotels.

Providing the best service for disabled people will benefit all of your customers. Feeling welcomed goes hand in hand with meeting current legislation. Attractions focusing on disabled customers see rapid growth in their customer base, revenues, and profit. This opportunity provides businesses and attractions with a competitive advantage.

Visits Unlimited promotes the Purple Pound. We want you to take advantage of bringing in more income and attracting extra visitors and local people to your business.

“When everyone is welcome, anything is possible. Businesses that cater to the needs of all customers are most likely not only to survive but to flourish.”

THE PURPLE POUND

Disabled people contribute £12bn to the UK tourism industry1; a market which no business can afford to ignore. Research shows businesses can potentially benefit from longer stays and more spend from the group where a member of the party has a disability. Watch the animation and get inspired to unlock the purple pound.  https://www.barclayscorporate.com/insights/industry-expertise/unlock-the-purple-pound/

1Great Britain Tourism Survey 2015”

OUR HISTORY IN CALDERDALE

Visits Unlimited ran the Accessible Hebden project thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) in 2015. Working with disabled people, we completed over 40 access audits and surveys on small businesses to support them in becoming more accessible.

This project is now embedded in local strategic work. The Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum continues to roll out the work and be a key player in new planning and designs.

“Our disability survey was extremely useful as we did not appreciate the things that needed doing. Chris gave us lots of useful, simple ideas, including changing the door knob on the toilet facilities, which we never thought about.” –

Pennine Heritage.

OUR CURRENT WORK IN CALDERDALE

Accessible Calderdale is building on the successful work in Hebden across the whole of Calderdale together with Disability Partnership Calderdale. Our aim is to promote Calderdale as a place that welcomes all people and offers an accessible and inclusive area for those living, working and visiting here.

Free audits and training are available to the voluntary and community sector thanks to funding from CFFC and we are offering all businesses a discounted rate within Calderdale for an access audit and training.

“The audit actually exceeded our expectations. Chris was very encouraging, straight-talking about areas where change is needed and really positive about the nature reserve as a destination for days out. He even pointed out assets we didn’t know we had!”. Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve

The project has developed two working groups which meet regularly ‘How to get there’ with a focus on accessible transport, and ‘Places to go’ which focuses on accessible tourism, local events, organisations, the countryside, small and large businesses throughout Calderdale.

The groups are integral to the project and working to ensure that we can promote Calderdale as an Accessible Destination.

ACDAF (Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum)

Visits Unlimited have established the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum who are a group of disabled people and those with lived experience of disability who will be setting the priorities, goals and working closely with services and organisations who can make a difference and improve the access needs of local people and tourists.

For more information on our access audits and costs for businesses please contact lorraine@visitsunlimited.org.uk

Or, complete an online Expression of Interest form – Click Here

ACCESSIBLE CALDERDALE PROJECT

11 January 2019
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Categories: Accessibility, Accessible Hebden Bridge, Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events, News

Calderdale Gets Major Accessibility Boost!

Visits Unlimited, a Halifax-based user-led organization, has secured 3 years of funding from the Community Foundation for Calderdale. This exciting development allows them to build upon their successful work. With disabled people, local voluntary groups, and various stakeholders like the local authority, visitor attractions, transport companies, businesses, and Visit Calderdale.

Their ultimate goal is clear: to transform Calderdale into a fully accessible and welcoming environment. In essence, they want everyone, including people with disabilities and their families, to fully enjoy the area and create lasting memories that will make them want to return.

But who exactly are Visits Unlimited?

A leading force in accessibility, Visits Unlimited works collaboratively with tourism industry colleagues, both locally and nationally. Their expertise extends to a comprehensive training and access audit program offered across England. Their impressive roster of clients includes prestigious names like the National Trust, English Heritage, various sports grounds, major tourist attractions, small businesses, theaters, music venues, museums, and hotels.

Locally, Visits Unlimited has already made a significant impact. Funded by a 2015 grant from the Community Foundation for Calderdale, their Accessible Hebden project proved highly successful. Through collaboration with disabled people, they conducted over 40 access audits and surveys on small businesses, empowering them to become more accessible. The positive legacy continues! This project is now an integral part of local strategic work, and the Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum actively promotes accessibility by influencing new planning and designs.

Accessible Calderdale

Firstly Accessible Calderdale is building on this work and will be working across Calderdale. Together with Disability Partnership Calderdale to ensure that we have the voice of disabled people, their families and carers, organisations working with people with a range of impairments to have a say in how the project runs.

“Visits Unlimited have been a catalyst for us on the Hebden Bridge project.  We had identified access issues with our Access Group but just turning up was not good enough. Visits Unlimited did a report on the train station and to have their report under our arm has given strength to our argument every single time we have met and we were able to go to Network Rail and the highway authorities   – it has made a big difference.  I have learned a lot – things I did not know or what was available.” Hebden Bridge Partnership.

 “Our disability survey was extremely useful as we did not appreciate the things that needed doing.  Chris gave us lots of useful simple ideas including even changing the door knob on the toilet facilities that we never thought about.”  Pennine Heritage.

The project has developed two working groups which convened in December 2018, ‘How to get there’ with a focus on accessible transport and ‘Places to go’ which focuses on accessible tourism. The groups will meet four times a year and are integral to the project in developing Calderdale into an accessible and inclusive place.

Calderdale Disability Access Forum

In essence, Visits Unlimited are establishing a Calderdale Disability Access Forum. So any organisation or individual wishing to get involved can contact the project coordinator, Lorraine Beiley.   The group will meet in March 2019. We are delighted to have already made some good alliances with voluntary and community sector. The local authority and Visit Calderdale, and are holding an event at Square Chapel on February 26th 2019. Guest speakers include Visit England, our own Eureka and Accessible Derbyshire.  

#wewelcomeeveryone.   We will be doing free access audits and there will be opportunity for community organisations. To apply for a small grant from Community Foundation for Calderdale.

Contact details

For more information contact Lorraine@visitsunlimited.org.uk or rob@cffc .co.uk

Making Hebden Bridge into an Accessible Destination

7 September 2016
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Categories: Accessible Hebden Bridge, Blog

Creating an accessible destination.

When you have a beautiful and sensory rich town like Hebden Bridge we want people to come and experience it. We know that when people enjoy it they then share it.  It isn’t easy for everyone and Visits Unlimited have been invited to support the local community and business to make Hebden Bridge a more accessible destination. We want to make Hebden Bridge an even greater experience for everyone because we know Hebden Bridge cares.

Improving accessibility improves the economy.

Saturday 3rd September was the launch of our new project #AccessibleHebden at the Hebden Bridge Town Hall.  We are truly delighted to be working in close partnership with the ‘Hebden Bridge Partnership’ and Calderdale Community Foundation. We will be working together over the next 6 months to help make Hebden Bridge an attraction for everyone to enjoy.

As a national Community Interest Company we have delivered both disability awareness and customer service training across the country for a number of years to many small businesses, venues, attractions, museums and heritage sites within the tourism sector.

We know that supporting a venue to become accessible to a wide range of impairments is much more than doorways and ramps.  It is about a positive can-do attitude; finding solutions to participation and inclusion; and imbedding a warm welcome approach throughout the organisation, its staff and volunteers.

 

What are the benefits of becoming a more Accessible Destination

More than one in six people in England and Wales having an ‘activity limiting’ health problem or disability. British and international visitors from this market segment currently spend over £3 billion on overnight tourism trips in England each year and UK disabled people spend up to £12bn on trips out this is especially relevant for businesses. In short, improving your accessibility could improve your business. Being an Accessible Destination will raise the profile of Hebden Bridge through social media and will really put you on the map of places that are going that are going that extra mile and are welcoming to people with a range of impairments.

Long term vision

It also goes beyond being good for business. It supports your own members of staff/volunteers who may themselves have a disability or one of their friends or family. The Hebden Bridge and Calder Valley community will hugely benefit, as will the elderly and families with buggies chance we have placed a community focus on this project.

What will businesses gain?

There are three aspects all businesses need to address to provide access for all:

  • Customer service and training – being disability aware with the right attitude and confidence to serve all customers
  • Information and marketing – providing detailed information on the accessibility of your facilities and services and making this information easy to find
  • Physical facilities – making reasonable adjustments to buildings and facilities so they are easy for everyone to enter and move around

 

The cost of becoming an Accessible Destination

It may be surprising to know that some of challenges can be resolved in a low cost and creative way and this we have great experience with.

Each organisation will be able to apply for a grant of around £2000 to help with some of their challenges around meeting the needs of not only disabled tourists but also their families, their friends and of course local disabled people.  The results of creating these changes will affect the whole community and the results can only be beneficial.

Do you want your local business to support your town to be an Accessible Destination?

If the answer is yes then please contact myself; Katie Clarke by email; Katie@visitsunlimited.org.uk for a copy of the expression of interest for the FREE Access Audit.

Or you can pick up a hard copy at the Watermark or the Town Hall in Hebden Bridge and return it there or post it to:

Katie Clarke

Visits Unlimited

15 Savile Park Gardens

Halifax

HX1 2XL

Our auditor Chris Cammiss will be meeting many people on his travels whilst doing our Access Audits. He will become a familiar face in the community.         Chris is a very experienced auditor and will offer practical and reasonable recommendations for you.

Calderdale Community Foundation will administer the grants and their aim is to make this as easy as possible. What this means is there are no long-winded forms to fill consequently this making it an easy process.  Businesses and organisations can give a phone call to the Foundation and someone will help with the process.

 

Thank you

We are pleased to give something back to the Hebden Bridge community. Each member of our team were involved in supporting friends and the community during the boxing day floods 2015.

We love the motto of the community and the Watermark Fund. We are very proud to be working with so many good people including the new Disability Access Reference Group, Hebden Royd Town Council’s Mayor Tony Hodgins, the Neighbourhood Planning Committee, and businesses, organisations, venues and local people.

Accessible Tourism – The Bottom Line

1 August 2016
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Categories: Blog

Accessible tourism, is it worth it in a business model?

Is your business part of today’s competitive tourist industry within the UK? Are you achieving your accessible tourism status?

Are you looking at raising your profile, getting a head of the game and being competitive with others?

Good, because accessible tourism is a multi million pound industry.

 

Are you in the market of accessible tourism?

As a business owner myself I understand the main goals of any business and that is growth and sustainability.  As a business owner I work hard to achieve these goals just like you do because I want my business to grow.

There are many ways to grow a business and many ways to make it sustainable. A business coach and they’ll show you the way around the markets and how to focus your attention on attracting the current customers.

Professional Marketers will show you round the latest trends of products, services or technology. Still there’s one section many are still missing out on.

Every year new tourist attractions are opening up, each applying contemporary designs within their buildings and updated customer care experiences.

This runs the risk of leaving current and outdated businesses and tourist venues behind. Either businesses modernise to meet their customer’s needs in today’s market or they risk missing out resulting in lower turnover. .

What I’d like to do is bring your attention to why this section of the market – accessible tourism – is so powerful:
  • 65 million people in the UK (source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs).
  • There are around 12 million registered disabled people within the UK (that’s about 1 in 5 people), DWP 2014.
  • There are 2 million people with sight problems in the UK (dlf.org.uk). Is your business and visitor attraction able to support people who are visually impaired?
  • 9% of the UK population is a wheelchair user (www.disabled-world.com). Have you made adaptions both on the outside and within your building?
  • There are 770,000 registered disabled children under the age of 16 in the UK. Does your attraction welcome children? dlf.org.uk
  • More than 11 million people within the UK experience some form of hearing loss that equates to 1 in 6 people (actiononhearingloss.org.uk). Have you considered this at your reception, service or support desk as much as supporting your visitors around the attraction to remain orientated, involved and comfortable?

 

Accessible tourism is a big market so how do you get in on it?

  • Does your first point of contact which could be your website or over the telephone information service, give clear information around your accessibility information?
  • Is your car parking and queuing for entry managed well?
  • Are your disabled toilets accessible? Clearly signed? Well managed and a good size?
  • Are your signs clear and are they in brail?
  • Do you have different levels? Do you have lifts and if so are they well maintained? Do you have ramps available? There may only be a couple of steps between one floor and the next but this proves to be a huge obstacle for someone in an electric wheel chair.
  • Are rails provided along the stairs?
  • Are door handles at a height that can be accessed by wheel chair users?
  • Are your reception desks at a height that wheel chair users can write on if needed? If not can an area be provided for this?
  • Are your fire, health and safety policies all up to date?

 

Yes, there’s so much to think about and that is why we at Visits Unlimited provide an excellent service to support you to make the changes to your venue. We are a specialised team brought together to support venue’s and businesses to match their service and environment provisions with visitors disability access needs.

From access audits to training within customer service and the visitor’s journey, our approach is designed to provide you with the complete package.

 

What you focusing on accessible tourism means to people like me.

For me as a parent it goes deeper than a business model, as a parent of a child with learning and physical disabilities; finding a venue or attraction that allowed us to have a fun family day was always our top priority and in the early days, this wasn’t easily achieved. The result of us finding one where we felt respected as a family unit and supported was when we found an attraction that really worked for us we did the obvious, we returned. We went back because we knew it and we knew it worked. Then we did the second obvious thing, we told our friends. We weren’t passing tourists, we went back and we would use that mighty powerful marketing tool called word of mouth.

 

Yes yes yes to accessible tourism

So the question I asked at the beginning was; is the accessible tourism market worth it for a business to invest in?

Businesses are required by law to make fair adjustments to ensure that accessibility for disabled people is provided and fairness must always be at the centre of any business model, however you can’t ignore that accessibility makes good business sense regarding profit.

An attraction is built to provide an experience and the power of word of mouth. Word of mouth through groups, social media and reviews in this current climate is beyond powerful.

It doesn’t take a moment to type into my browser to see poor reviews of attractions written by those who’ve experienced a lack of accessibility.

Going back to the statistics at the beginning of this post, if you don’t make you’re visitor centre accessible you’re potentially excluding around 1 in 5 visitors.