District Accessibility Checker is now live

DisabledGo has worked in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwick District Council, Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's England, Stratforward and Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust to create a new online Accessibility Checker to over 300 places across Stratford and Warwick.

It's free to use and has detailed information about the accessibility of all kinds of places across the area, including parks, leisure centres, libraries, tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels.

All the places that have been included in the Accessibility Checker have been visited and assessed by a trained surveyor, so you can get all the facts, knowing someone has been and checked it in person.

Commenting on the new accessibility checker, David Livermore, Director from DisabledGo, said: "We are thrilled to launch the Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Accessibility Checker and hope it will enable more and more people to access all that both these areas have to offer. Not knowing what to expect, particularly about key facilities such as parking and toilets, is a key barrier to people accessing their community. This resource will remove that uncertainty and enable people to plan a trip out with confidence. The service isn't just for people with mobility impairments, but for people with autism, mental health issues and sensory impairments too. It's also a service used and recommended by parents and carers. We looked forward to hearing people's feedback and hope that this will inspire other organisations to get involved too."

Cllr Maurice Howse, Business, Tourism and ICT Portfolio at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, says: "The new online Accessibility Checker is designed to enable people with disabilities who live, work or visit to see what Stratford-on-Avon District has to offer. By encouraging improved access for all disabled people, businesses and services can share in the significant consumer market they represent. This new facility for the District will help people with disabilities exercise their independence and choice."

Every place included in the Accessibility Checker has its own Access Guide, which includes details of parking, entrances, and toilets, together with measurements and photographs. The information isn't just about physical access; it also covers things that people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, autism, dementia, learning disabilities and mental health issues have all said are important.

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said: "The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is delighted to be working with DisabledGo. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight our access initiatives such as our symbolised guides and our BSL tours. It provides a way to promote to all visitors that our staff are trained in EDI and dementia awareness to ensure that all receive the warmest welcome. We are committed in providing equal access for all across all of our properties, but also for our staff and volunteers who wish to engage and share the stories of Shakespeare's work, life and times."

Royal Shakespeare Company said: "The DisabledGo team has been incredibly easy to work with, covering everything thoroughly and being on top of things without the project feeling stressful. When surveys were being completed, the people involved were very lovely and had minimal requirements, so it was easy to fit into our schedule. The opportunity to have a look before the app went live was incredibly useful, and all our feedback was acted upon very swiftly, making for a great app when it was launched."

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Health and Community Protection Councillor Andrew Thompson commented: "As a disabled person, I know all too well that many people with access needs do not visit, or are wary of visiting, places of interest or town centres because of the fear of not knowing whether you are going to be able to have access or enjoyment without being unduly impaired. That is why I am delighted to see the development of the DisabledGo guide which gives access information on our town centres, leisure centres, libraries, stations and parks as well as over 140 other buildings and public spaces across the district, allowing independence and choice for people to access our towns." 

To take a look at the new Accessibility Checker, simply go to www.disabledgo.com.

The information on Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick joins over 125,000 other places already covered across the UK, making the website a great tool for planning a day out or trip away.

DisabledGo would love to hear from anyone who has suggestions of places to include on the website, feedback on how the information can be improved or how it can be promoted.

For more information please get in touch with Emily Edgar at DisabledGo: emily.edgar@disabledgo.com / 01438 842710.