“Between 2015 and 2035, the number of people living with glaucoma in the UK is expected to increase by 44%.” – Glaucoma UK
World Glaucoma Week is a week in which people come together to raise awareness around Glaucoma and offer advice and support to people living with the condition.
“Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged.” – The National Health Service (NHS)
Glaucoma & 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, Thorpe Park 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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Assistance Dogs
If you require the support of an Assistance Dog, the Access Card has a symbol to communicate this access requirement.
Different providers have their own ways of accommodating both yourself and your Assistance Dog.
For example, Cadbury World offers a guide dog sitting service. Staff will be able to offer additional assistance.
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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, Harry Potter Studio Tour 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, AO Arena has audio-described performances available.
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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.
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Glaucoma UK
“We campaign to raise awareness so glaucoma is detected early and can be treated, we support people to live well with glaucoma and we fund sight saving research.”
Glaucoma UK
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Helpline: +44 (0)1233 64 81 70
Web: https://glaucoma.uk/
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📷: https://wga.one/wga/world-glaucoma-week/
