“There are approximately over 390,000 people in the UK who are deafblind, with this figure set to increase to over 600,000 by 2035.” – Sense
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Deafblind Awareness Week is a week in which people come together to raise awareness around Deafblindness and offer advice & support to others.
“Deafblindness is a combination of sight and hearing loss that affects a person’s ability to communicate, access information and get around.
It’s also sometimes called “dual sensory loss” or “multi-sensory impairment”.”
~ The National Health Service
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Deafblindness & The Access Card
Here at The Access Card, we support many cardholders to help them discreetly communicate the barriers they might face when out and about or visiting shows, events or tourist destinations and have provided some more information about some of the typical access requirements we have processed.
Everyone is different and experiences their needs in different ways, but here are some examples based on our experience.
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Standing & Queuing
Whether you have difficulty with physically being in a queue for a significant period of time, difficulty with the concept of queuing, or have difficulty with being in a queue/ crowded spaces, the ‘Standing & Queuing’ symbol can be added to your Access Card to help communicate this access requirement.
Different providers have their own ways of accommodating this access requirement.
For example, Chessington World of Adventures Resort accepts Access Cards with the ‘Standing & Queuing’ symbol as proof for a Ride Access Pass.
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What is a Ride Access Pass?
“A Ride Access Pass is a virtual queuing system designed to make reasonable adjustments to assist guests who do not understand the concept of queuing, have a physical disability that prevents them standing for extended periods of time or permanently non-ambulant guests.”
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Essential Companions
For those that require a substantial amount of support from another person when out & about, we have the ‘+1’ symbol which indicates to providers that you would need a substantial amount of support to be able to access their facilities.
Different providers have different systems in place to facilitate this access requirement.
For example, Alton Towers Resort accepts Access Cards with the ‘+1’ symbol as proof for a free essential companion ticket.
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Accessing Visual Information
If you have difficulty with accessing/understanding visual information, for example, written information or signage, the Access Card has a symbol to help communicate this access requirement.
Different providers have different systems in place to facilitate this access requirement.
For example, Forest Live can provide information in large print or braille upon request.
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Accessing Audible Information
If you have difficulty with accessing/understanding audible information, the Access Card has a symbol to help communicate this access requirement.
Different providers have different systems in place to facilitate this access requirement.
For example, AO Arena has a number of induction loops installed within its venue, and both BSL-interpreted and captioned performances are available. For more information, please visit the arena’s website.
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Face Mask Exemptions
More recently, throughout COVID, we have had a number of people whose needs mean that they are either unable to put on, wear or remove a face covering, or that they can feel distressed when wearing a face covering and as a response to feedback from our members we now have an additional face mask symbol for those that need it.
There are a number of face mask exemption cards and certificates available in the UK, but we are the only face mask exemption card that offers verification of your exemption.
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Thinking of applying for a Card?
If you think the above would be useful for you and would like to apply for your Access Card you can do so quickly and easily by completing our short online application form and uploading some supporting information confirming your needs.
All applications received from people who are Deafblind during Deafblind Awareness Week 2021 (27th June – 3rd July 2021) can use the discount code ‘DBWeek21’ to get £5 off a three-year Access Card.
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Further Sources of Information, Advice, and Support
Check out our full directory for how these symbols apply at over 1,000 venues in the UK and beyond.
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Deafblind UK
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“We exist because too many people are living with deafblindness and are not getting the help they need. We show people that there can be a life beyond deafblindness.
“Whether you need some support to get back on your feet after a diagnosis, a helping hand to help you do the things you love, someone to turn to when you’re feeling low or some information, advice and guidance, we’re here to help.”
Deafblind UK
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Tel/Textphone: 01733 358 100
Web: https://deafblind.org.uk/
Email: feedback@deafblind.org.uk
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