“Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment.” – World Health Organisation (WHO)
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Today is World Sight Day; a day in which people come together to raise more awareness around visual impairments. It is also a day that aims to further encourage more people to get their eyes tested and take care of their eye health.
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Visual Impairments & 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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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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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, Chessington World of Adventures Resort accepts Access Cards with the ‘+1’ symbol as proof for a free essential companion ticket. For more information, please click here.
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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, Assistance Dogs are welcome at The Downs, Bristol, and an area for toileting and drinking will be provided. For more information, please click here.
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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.
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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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Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
“We’re the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people.”
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
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Web: https://www.rnib.org.uk/
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Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC)
“We offer a range of services including emotional support and practical advice for families, opportunities for children and young people to build confidence and skills through activities, and a specialist further education college.”
Royal Society for Blind Children
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Tel: 020 3198 0225
Web: https://www.rsbc.org.uk/
Email: connections@rsbc.org.uk
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📷 : https://www.iapb.org/
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