Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an Access Statement?
An Access Statement helps communicate to visitors about the facilities and services you offer. It is an essential marketing tool and should give visitors the details they need to make an informed decision about whether your business is suitable for them. What’s more, an Access Statement is now a requirement to achieving a star rating. You can develop your Access Statement through the online Profit through Access course.
How do I make my website accessible?
An accessible site will be found more easily by search engines and therefore your potential visitors, so it makes good business sense to act now. Talk to your web provider to make sure they are familiar with the WAI’s web accessibility guidelines. For further help and useful guides, go to Communicate Clearly.
How do I make sure visitors know that my facilities and services are accessible?
First, develop an Access Statement. This is a clear description of the facilities and services you offer and is an essential marketing tool. Visitors should be able to find your Access Statement on your website and also request a hard copy version. You can develop your Access Statement through the online Profit through Access course.
Second, make sure your accessibility details are up to date on tourism organisation websites. You can do this through Desti.ne – the North East England e-business platform. To update your information through the Desti.ne Extranet you need a computer connected to the internet and a user ID and password. You can obtain a user ID and password by contacting Karen O'Donnell at One North East Tourism on 0191 229 6831 or by e-mail at karen.o'donnell@onenortheast.co.uk
Alternatively, access information is now included on the annual Tourism Network Registration and Information Collection form sent out and maintained by your local Area Tourism Partnership.
We are converting some buildings into self-catering properties. What do I need to consider to make them accessible?
As a first step order a National Accessible Scheme (NAS) information pack which will give you a clear guide about making your property accessible to disabled visitors. The pack is free of charge and includes information on accessibility for visitors with hearing, mobility and visual impairments. Tourism For All also offers consultancy guidance and can be contacted on their business helpline 0845 124 9974.
We are setting up a new visitor attraction, how do we make sure we are DDA compliant?
First, contact your local business engagement officer. They offer advice on all aspects of setting up and running a tourism business. Next check out VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Assessment Service – the only nationally recognised, independently assessed quality scheme for attractions. As part of VAQAS, you will receive advice from an expert assessor and a detailed report.
If you need further help and you are registered with Tourism Network North East you are eligible to a free one hour interview with one of two top legal firms and one hour’s free legal advice from Tourism For All.
I have a “no dogs” policy. Do I need to give access to assistance dogs?
Many disabled people rely on an assistance dog to get around safely and would find it extremely difficult to manage on their own. The DDA requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to make sure that a disabled person can access their service. One example is to waive a “no dogs” policy so that assistance dogs are not refused access. Many businesses, particularly those serving food, have a “no dogs” policy for health and safety reasons. However, assistance dogs are highly trained working dogs who will sit or lie quietly next to their owner. They will not wander freely around the premises.
While there are some exceptional circumstances where assistance dogs can be refused entry, it is strongly recommend that they are always allowed access. If you need further advice, all Tourism Network North East members are eligible to a free one hour interview with one of two top legal firms and one hour’s free legal advice from Tourism For All.
We are reviewing our facilities for visitors with learning disabilities. Where can I get more advice?
Check out the following publications on how to improve your signage and make your information clear for people with a learning disability. For further information on improving access for visitors with learning disabilities contact Mencap or the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities.
Good signs – improving signs for people with a learning disability (Disability Rights Commission now the Equality and Human Rights Commission)
Do any attractions in North East England offer signed tours for visitors who are deaf?
Tyne and Wear Museums - a collection of 12 museums and galleries across Tyne and Wear – offer signed tours for groups on a pre-arranged basis. Pre-arrangement is essential. Contact their Access Officer for more details robert.latham@twmuseums.org.uk / 0191 277 2313.
Are there any wheelchair/pushchair walking routes in North East England?
For details of wheelchair and pushchair routes contact the local tourist information centre.
