“There are approximately 47,000 people in the UK with the condition.” – Down’s Syndrome Association
World Down’s Syndrome Day is a day in which people come together to raise more awareness around Down’s Syndrome. This year’s theme is ‘Inclusion Means…?’
“Down’s syndrome is when you’re born with an extra chromosome. You usually get an extra chromosome by chance, because of a change in the sperm or egg before you’re born.” – The National Health Service (NHS)
Down’s Syndrome & 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.
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 different systems in place to facilitate this access requirement.
For example, Legoland Windsor Resort accepts Access Cards with the ‘Standing & Queuing’ symbol as proof for a Ride Access Pass.
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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Distances
For people who would perhaps have difficulty with walking/ self-propelling a wheelchair for longer distances, we have the ‘distances’ symbol to communicate this access requirement with different providers.
Different providers have their own ways of accommodating this access requirement.
For example, For example, the Port Eliot Festival has a designated accessibility buggy to help you around the site.
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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, The Great British Food Festival 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, Edinburgh Dungeon offers free dedicated touch tours with a full sensory guided experience for blind or visually impaired visitors. For more information, please click here.
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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, Cadbury World offers a script of their tour and there is an Infrared system for visitors with a compatible hearing aid system. The majority of their video presentations have English subtitles.
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Additional Access Requirements
The ‘Additional Access Requirements’ symbol is used to indicate that you have additional access requirements that haven’t already been covered by the other symbols & you can communicate these access requirements with different venues & attractions.
A lot of venues & attractions will include additional information about their events/services on their website. This may include information about the use of strobe lighting & smoke machines during performances, which can be an issue for people with epilepsy. Please refer to each venue’s website for this information.
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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.
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.
Down’s Syndrome Association
“We are a national organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of people who have Down’s syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others. We are a registered charity and operate throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are governed by a board of trustees who all have lived experience of Down’s syndrome and give their time voluntarily.”
Down’s Syndrome Association
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Tel: +44 (0)333 1212 300
Web: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
Email: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk
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Mencap
“Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability. Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
“Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included.”
Mencap
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Tel: 0808 808 1111
Web: https://www.mencap.org.uk/
Email: helpline@mencap.org.uk
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📷: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/
