AccessAble

British Sign Language (BSL) is more than just a way to communicate—it's a lifeline for many people in the UK. Officially recognised as a language on March 18, 2003, this milestone marked significant progress in accessibility. However, despite this recognition, BSL still lacks full legal status, meaning many Deaf individuals struggle to access vital services and information in their first language.

As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, we’re committed to continuing the conversation around disability and accessibility. There’s so much to learn from listening to the voices of disabled people and the real-life matters that are faced all year round. Whether you’re a disability ally or are newly disabled, one guaranteed way to broaden your horizons is by listening to disability podcasts. And you’re in luck because some excellent ones are currently making waves.

Whether you’re new to disability or looking to expand your horizons, planning an accessible holiday may feel a little overwhelming to you at first. However, if you’re hoping to embark on an accessible holiday, here are five things to help you plan the best possible trip… Would you prefer a city break where you can explore new places and immerse yourself in the local culture, or would you prefer a chilled-out beach holiday?

At AccessAble we are incredibly proud to work with a network of amazing Ambassadors. Quite simply, they are a brilliant bunch of disabled people, passionate about educating and campaigning for better. From publishing books, podcasts and blogs to sharing their voices in parliament, on committees and at events, we’re always amazed by how hard our Ambassadors work to offer new perspectives about disability.

Disability pride, it’s a funny one, isn’t it? Disability alone is certainly a journey. Some days I love my disability and the experiences it has given me. Yet, it’s true that with the highs, there are low moments to contend with. As a disability blogger and author writing about my lived experience of cerebral palsy and life as a disabled Occupational Therapist, I can be talking proudly at a conference one day.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust becomes the latest business to partner with AccessAble; a world leader in the provision of accessibility information. Shaldon Wildlife Trust has worked with AccessAble to produce Detailed Access Guides to their zoo, set in an acre of woodland above the coast village of Shaldon in Devon. They look after and help to preserve some of the rarest and most at risk and endangered species in the world.

The Parks Trust in collaboration with AccessAble have officially launched new Detailed Access Guides for three of the city’s most popular parks. Detailed Access Guides are now available for Furzton Lake, Stanton Low Park, and Great Linford Manor Park. The new guides are 100 per cent facts, figures, and photographs to help people plan their visit to the parks, covering everything from parking facilities and assistive listening, to walking distances and accessible toilets.

Aside from summer arriving and sporting feats galore, July is extra poignant because we celebrate Disability Pride Month. An opportunity to encourage conversations and awareness around differences and equalities, individuality and community, Disability Pride Month is a global event. It’s believed that Disability Pride Month originated in the USA, to mark the introduction of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990.

We are delighted to have been appointed by VisitScotland as the national provider of quality-assured accessibility information. This forms part of a range of new measures by VisitScotland to transform Scotland into an accessible visitor destination. Earlier this year, we launched the Your Accessibility Guide portal.

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust becomes the latest of over 95 NHS Trusts to partner with AccessAble; a world leader in the provision of accessibility information. The Trust has worked with AccessAble to create Detailed Access Guides to facilities, wards, and departments at North Middlesex Hospital, Bowes Road Clinic and St Michael's Hospital.