Inclusive days out look different for every disabled person. Our access needs are as unique to us as our hobbies and interests are, but I think we can all agree that the more information we have available to us, the more freedom we have to enjoy our day.

I’m Pippa, and I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user with a chronic illness.

Like many people, I have a dynamic disability. This means that my symptoms, and my access needs, can also change day-by-day.

If I’m using my wheelchair, it’s important that the venues I visit have level or ramped access, accessible parking bays or a designated drop off zone, and an accessible toilet.

On the occasions I’m not using my wheelchair, it becomes more important that I have access to a Quiet Space where I can rest, seats available, and a companion who can assist me when needed.

As somebody with an Energy Limiting Condition, I have to pace myself carefully during days out. This means that planning in advance is essential for me – and I’ve learned to make this an enjoyable part of the process too.

When I’m planning a trip, I make myself a lovely cup of tea, get cosy, and spend some time researching the area. When I’ve found something I’d like to do or somewhere I’d like to visit, I head straight for their accessibility information to see whether it’s feasible for me.

From experience, I’ve also learned that finding access information online can be more difficult than it seems… and when venues do supply accessibility details, these sometimes lack nuance or reliability. That’s why AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides have become such a go-to for me over the years. Trained surveyors visit and collect accurate information about each venue, which is compiled into online guides spanning locations all across the UK.

The value of having Detailed Access Guides is that it accounts for our uniqueness. Instead of proclaiming that a venue is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘accessible’ or ‘not accessible’, AccessAble presents us with digestible facts, figures, and photographs so we can make that decision for ourselves. As well as searching by location of your day out, you can also filter by their Accessibility Symbols, to help you identify fun things to do that meet your access needs.

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My trip to Edinburgh

I recently travelled to Edinburgh for work, and knew I would have some free time once I got there. Therefore, I decided to plan my perfect inclusive day out.

I’d already identified some independent book shops that had ramped access and a vegan restaurant where we could enjoy some great food, and so the only missing ingredient for my ideal day was a trip to the theatre.

I used AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guide to research Edinburgh Playhouse, and had a look at the photos and information to ensure it would be suitable for me.

Even before entering the venue I knew exactly what the accessible entrance looked like (including how wide the doorways were) and where the accessible toilets were located. This kind of information is especially helpful to have when visiting entertainment venues, where you can often find yourself battling through crowds of people while trying to get from A to B.

Confident that the environment would be accessible for me, I booked tickets to see Friends The Musical Parody (an excellent show that completely exceeded my expectations) and had a wonderful evening at the theatre.

As well as there being step-free access to the wheelchair seating, I appreciated having a heads-up from the Detailed Access Guide that there was an ‘At Seat’ service available, which meant that I could ask a member of staff if I wanted to purchase refreshments or a programme rather than having to navigate back through the crowds to reach the bars and merchandise stands.

The team at Edinburgh Playhouse were kind, friendly, and efficient. It’s easy to tell when staff have received Disability Equality Training and, in my opinion, this is one of the easiest and most actionable ways that venues can show their commitment to disability inclusion and provide a more accessible experience for visitors.

I’m especially keen to see venues and customer-facing employees learning more about dynamic disabilities and fluctuating conditions like mine, to break down the stigma around being an ambulatory wheelchair user and recognise the fact that our access needs can be dynamic and variable too.

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If you’re new to planning an inclusive day out, here is my top advice for you:

1. Make the planning stage an enjoyable part of the process. I always indulge in a hot drink (and usually a biscuit or three) while I’m researching!
2. Ensure your access information comes from reliable sources. AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides are always my first port of call – not just for checking accessibility at the venues I hope to visit, but for finding other interesting things to do in the area too.
3. If you have an Energy Limiting Condition, include quiet and rest times in your itinerary – plan them in advance rather than wing it on the day. I know it can be tempting to push yourself when there are so many fun things to see and do, but you’ll enjoy yourself much more if you don’t feel the need to rush or over-exert yourself.
4. Utilise online communities and social media for travel inspo. Ask your friends with similar access needs for their recommendations, or follow disabled travel writers and content creators to see what they’ve been up to lately. AccessAble’s Ambassador Network may be a good place to find your new favourite creators!
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you visit a venue you’ve researched in advance but still have questions or uncertainties, or you’re struggling in the moment and need some support, many staff members are ready and equipped to help. They might be able to direct you to the nearest accessible toilet or find a safe and quiet space where you can have some chill-out time, even if this isn’t an ‘official’ service they offer. You’re not being a bother or an inconvenience – it’s okay to ask for what you need to help you enjoy your day to the fullest.

I hope these tips are helpful, and here’s to your own brilliant inclusive day out!