Looking back at this challenging, yet rewarding year

It is safe to say that this year has been a challenging year for us all. Whilst there have been many obstacles for us to tackle along the way, there have also been many successes for us to celebrate as we look back on the year 2021.

From watching our Managing Director, Martin Austin, receive his MBE for his outstanding contribution to services to Accessibility in the Tourism & Entertainment Sectors, to seeing the progression of both The Richard Whitehead Foundation and The Hāpai Access Card scheme, here are just a few of the many highlights from this year.

Back in August, we supported the #WeThe15 campaign. Our Managing Director, Martin Austin MBE featured in a video for the campaign, which we shared on both our Facebook & Twitter pages.

The Richard Whitehead Foundation was launched in September as the 2020 Paralympics commenced in Tokyo and we were delighted to announce that Martin Austin MBE would be sitting on the foundation’s board.

We were also thrilled to welcome our latest Access Card Team Member, Oli, in the same month.

The Access Card Team was very proud to see our Managing Director, Martin Austin, awarded with an MBE in October for his outstanding contribution to services to Accessibility in the Tourism & Entertainment Sectors. Find out more, including information on the initial nomination and the announcement of the award here.

In November we revamped the Access Card with a new design. Find out more here.

Back in August, we announced that Martin Austin MBE had been shortlisted for the ‘Executive of The Year’ award at TheTicketingBusiness Awards. The awards ceremony took place at the start of December and the Nimbus Team was delighted to see Martin collect the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of his work in ticketing for disabled people.

Nimbus Disability was also shortlisted for a Social Enterprise Award in the ‘Tech for Good’ category for our work with the Access Card scheme.

The Hāpai Foundation celebrated the Hāpai Access Card’s 1st Birthday in December. For more information about The Hāpai Access Card scheme, please click here.

The Access Card Team has listed many new providers in the Access Card’s Directory this year,including Harry Potter Studio Tour, O2 City Hall Newcastle, Kriya CBD Ltd and, most recently, Disneyland Paris, which the team was very excited about. Access Card Holders can now use their Access Cards at the iconic attraction as proof for a Priority Pass. Find out how to apply for your Priority Pass with Disneyland Paris here.

Throughout the year we have also shared various medical awareness day posts, including International Day of Disabled People, University Mental Health Day & World Cerebral Palsy Day.

Reflecting on this challenging, yet rewarding year, Martin Austin MBE, Managing Director of Nimbus Disability & Creator of The Access Card, said: 

“Like 2020, 2021 was by no means straightforward for any of us in our personal and professional lives and, the fact that The Access Card has continued to grow in such strange times is testimony to our amazing team that has quite frankly worked their backsides off!

“Their drive and commitment to the scheme is what makes the Access Card so special and unique and I hope you’ll all join me in wishing them a peaceful break and a raucous new year!”

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Prepare for your New Year accessible adventures in advance by applying for your Access Card today!

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Access Card Christmas Closing Times

The Access Card Team will break up for Christmas on Thursday 23rd December 2021 and return to the office on Tuesday 4th January 2022.

Whilst our phone lines will be closed for the duration, we will be checking emails intermittently throughout the Christmas break.

You can still apply for your Access Card whilst the team is out of the office. We will resume processing applications in the New Year.

Applications received before 11:30 am on Thursday 23rd December will be reviewed by the team before we break up for the Christmas holiday.

⭐ The Access Card Team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a safe and Happy New Year ⭐