Have Your Say on Disabled Access

The UK’s largest and latest disabled access survey is open.

The award-winning Euan’s Guide Access Survey sets out to expose barriers, highlight what works and help build a clear picture of disabled access in the UK today.

Last year, nearly 80 per cent of disabled people reported that a trip had been spoiled by poor access. Going out should be simple and enjoyable, not made difficult because you find you can’t get in a cafe once you arrive, let alone use the loo. 

Now in its eleventh year, the survey gathers real experiences from disabled people, their families, friends and carers. Each response helps identify the barriers that still make going out harder than it should be, as well as highlighting examples of good access that work well.

Last year, over 6,000 people responded. Key findings included:

·       78% of respondents were not confident about visiting new places when thinking about accessibility.

·       77% of respondents found a venue’s website to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate when checking before a visit.

·       70% of respondents were more likely to visit somewhere new if they felt welcomed by staff or the venue seemed to care about accessibility.

·       62% of respondents would avoid going to a venue if it had not shared its disabled access information because they presumed it was inaccessible.

·       77% of respondents avoided going somewhere because they couldn’t find information about an accessible toilet.

·       73% of respondents had come across an accessible toilet that they were unable to use.

Supported by Motability Scheme, the Access Survey findings provide powerful evidence that can be shared with venues, policymakers and the wider public to push for lasting change.

Most importantly, the survey amplifies disabled people’s voices so that decisions about access are based on lived experience, not assumptions, and it guides the ongoing work of Euan’s Guide to make going out easier, safer and more rewarding for disabled people.

“The Access Survey is extremely important in understanding how disabled people feel about access,” said Kiki MacDonald OBE, co-founder of Euan’s Guide.

“It gives us the data and stories we need to show where barriers remain and to push for improvements. Venues, businesses and organisations must do better at sharing their disabled access information. Simply sharing clear and accurate information makes planning easier and stress-free, eliminating the ‘time tax’ on disabled people who have to research and plan every trip.

“Venues can list their disabled access information for free on EuansGuide.com to reach tens of thousands of disabled people looking for great places to go.

“We are delighted to have partnered with the Motability Scheme again this year to amplify the voices of disabled people. Please make your voice heard by taking the Access Survey so we can continue to make a positive difference.”

Euan’s Guide was founded in 2013 by Kiki and her brother, the late Euan MacDonald MBE, a powerchair user, after Euan was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2003.

Take part in the UK’s largest Access Survey today at www.EuansGuide.com/AccessSurvey #AccessSurvey