If you have tried to sort out disabled access at a theme park in the last few years then you have probably heard about the Access Card. You may be thinking is the card really worth the hype and why should I get a card when I already have proof of disability? Well this blog post will answer your questions from a fellow disabled girl who just wants to go to theme parks.
What is the access card?
The access card is a credit size card that enables you to easily communicate your access needs at over 2,500 venues. The access card does this by having a range of easily recognisable symbols on the card relevant to your access requirements. The access card also has your name and picture on the front so nice and easy to prove its your access card. Gone are the days of carrying round an Ikea freezer bag full of documents just to prove your disability and then needing to carry a form of ID to prove they’re your documents. All I need to take out with me now in order to get my access needs met is my access card that fits nicely into my purse or on a lanyard. One of my favourite features on the access card is the ID number that allows you to book tickets and access services online in advance of your visit to some venues. For example, when going to Pleasure Beach Resort, I was able to email them my access card ID number for my essential companion ticket so I didn’t have to queue for the ticket when I arrived.
Symbols
In order to quickly communicate your access needs when out and about there are 9 spaces on the front of the access card displaying your unique access requirements. I have listed the different symbols below however, a detailed and easy to understand explanation of each symbol is available on the access card website. Access card symbols link
- Standing and queue symbol
- Level access symbol
- Distance symbol
- Urgent toilet needs symbol
- Assistance dogs symbol
- Essential companions symbol
- Visual Information symbol
- Audible Information symbol
- Miscellaneous symbol
Where can I use my access card?
Of course the access card isn’t just for theme park it is accepted at most theatres, visitor attractions, festivals, events and more. There are so many places to use your access card its impossible to list them all. Thankfully the access card have a really useful map on their website where you can find providers that accept the access card so you don’t have to research each venue individually. Access card find a provider link
The access card also has a Facebook group for access card holders which I have found very useful for finding new accessible places to visit and seeing others’ experiences of using the card. Access card holders Facebook group link
How I use the access card
I first got my access card in February 2023 as a lot of the theme parks I visit had started using the access card. I was unsure at first if the venues would know about the card but I honestly had nothing to worry about because on the rare action a venue haven’t heard about the access card the symbols are supper easy to understand so my access needs were met. As someone with multiple disabilities, I find that the access card gives a very accurate display of all my access requirements which has been incredibly helpful for me and lessened a lot of my anxiety about going out. On my access card I have the following symbols: standing and queuing, level access, essential companion and visual information.
I thought I would give you an example of a scenario where I have used each symbol on my access card in order to help you get a better understanding about how I use the access card. I use the standing and queuing symbol in order to use the queue assist scheme at theme park and also to explain/prove that I can’t queue when we’re out and there is a big queue. I use the essential companion symbol when going to attractions for example, theme parks and festivals as it usually allows me a free ticket for my PA or carer. I use the visual information symbol if I’m given something to read when I’m out in order to show the staff that I can’t see/read what the information says. It’s also handy for me to explain things like having no depth perception when people ask questions about my eyes. I use the level access symbol in order to gain access to lifts and step free access when out and about.
Is the access card worth it?
The access card is £15 for 3 years. I like to think of this like the £10 I pay for my blue badge. So is the access card worth it for you? I would say the access card is 100% worth it if you are going to more then 1 venue that accepts the access card and with over 2,500 venues already using the access card its very likely that most places you plan on visiting will. However, if you are just planning on going to one attraction for example just going to Paultons park then it might be best to register you needs with just Paultons park via the Nimbus Operating system witch is free of charge. (Nimbus is the organisation that also do the access card.) Not all venues offer this service and if they do you’ll find it on the attractions accessibility page. More information can be found on the access card knowledge base. 3rd Party Registration Schemes link
How to get an access card
In order to get an access card all you need to do is fill in the application form. In order to make the process as user friendly as possible there is a really handy application guide on the access card knowledge base which I strongly recommend reading before starting your application. Access card application guidance
Final Thoughts
Well, I hope this post has helped you decide whether or not to get the access card. The card has been a game changer to how I access the world around me and given me so much more independence and freedom. So much so that when I saw a post from the access card on Facebook saying that they were looking for an access card ambassador for theme parks, I jumped at the opportunity. I’d love to hear about how you use your access card. See you on my next theme park trip bye for now.