Access website gives better service to Ballymena’s disabled people

The online guide ACCESS400 created by the charity ADAPT NI for local disabled people also performs a vital service for tourists to enable them to visit hundreds of arts, cultural and heritage venues across Northern Ireland.

Venues on the website include the Braid Arts and Conference Centre and Gracehill and Galgorm Community Centre.

After months of consultation with disabled individuals and groups, ACCESS400 has introduced a new online service that will allow users to give feedback to each of the 400 listed venues. Other improvements include new accessibility features and faster search engines

ADAPT NI Development Manager Caroline Shiels said that tens of thousands of visitors to Northern Ireland will have specific accessibility requirements and this guide was essential if Northern Ireland was to be recognised as a world class tourist destination.

Ms Shiels added: “We have a thriving cultural, arts and tourist industry with a lot on offer for visiting audiences and participants. This website provides visitors and local people with practical information on whether venues are accessible and therefore helps people plan their itinerary more effectively.

“Our improved website means that users can rate and add comments on any of the venues featured, which will mean greater interaction between the customer and the venue. This is a positive step as it means that some of our most iconic buildings are getting first hand feedback from individuals.”

Access400 service users and representatives from the venues, local councils, statutory and voluntary organisations met at the Manor House in Cultra today to view the new database and celebrate the relaunch of this valuable resource which attracts up to 100,000 hits each year.

ADAPT Chairman Ken Ewart said: “In recent years, local people and tourists have benefited from practical information on public venues that they are not familiar with. Typical information outlined in the database includes: whether a community centre has wheelchair access, if a visitor to a leading museum can expect hearing support systems such as induction loops, or if a top theatre offers audio-described performances – and much more.”

ADAPT are also enthusiastic about the re-launch of their Incentive grant scheme which has helped numerous organisations across N.Ireland to carry-out property adaptations and commit to Building Equality and Inclusion into all that they offer. Providing accessible services and facilities boosts business and reduces the impact of physical and attitudinal barriers that often restrict disabled people fulfilling a more active role in their community.

Former Grant recipient, Anne Collins Shopmobility commented: “The funding will enable us to take Belfast schemes further afield allowing our members more freedom to visit places throughout N Ireland.”

Non-profit organisations seeking financial support to increase accessibility can find out about the assistance available at www.adaptni.org.