Disabled Accessible Holiday Accommodation in Somerset

Disabled Holiday Guide - Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Accommodation Somerset

The Disability Rights Commission would like stronger legislation across the board of accommodations to ensure all provide good disabled access facilities. In October 2004 changes were made to the Disability Rights Act, making legislation on adaptation of businesses providing goods and services a little more stringent! More 'reasonable adjustments' will be demanded, including the removal of any physical barriers making it difficult for disabled users to access goods and services. Inevitably though, some of the older B&Bs especially are struggling to adapt.

Before booking it's good to know your Disability Rights, and if accommodations are not fulfilling current legislative requirements, then they need to be advised of the fact. When booking, be honest and give detailed information about your disability, highlighting the services and facilities that you need. If you get clarification from the owner in writing all the better. This is useful cover should the accommodation not fulfil it's promises, with the consequence of your holiday being disrupted. Catering for blind visitors, for advice see www.rnib.org.uk.

There are National Accessible Standards - designated with wheelchair symbols which are nationally recognised and at a glance provide information on accessibility standards. (see below) One issue sometimes missed is disabled accessibility issues getting to your accommodation. Check out your transport route, as a superb accommodation venue at the end of a nightmare journey is a nightmare scenario!

Know Your Rights - The Disability Discrimination Act and The National Accessible Standards

For disabled access UK information, The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) outlines your rights as a disabled user of goods, services or facilities. These are obligations on service providers, who must ensure that their services are accessible for disabled people to use. In the Act, your rights to services have been introduced in three stages:

Firstly, since 2 December 1996 it has been against the law for service providers to treat you less favourably because of your disability. Secondly, since 1 October 1999 service providers have had to make "reasonable adjustments" for you, such as giving extra help or changing the way they provide their services. Thirdly, and pending from 1 October 2004 service providers may have to make other "reasonable adjustments" to their premises so that there are no physical barriers stopping or making it unreasonably difficult for you to gain access to services.

The momentum, then, of legislation is growing steadily more stringent, with an increasing onus being put on the service provider to change, rather than the service user to adapt.

Disability Rights UK

National Accessible Standards have been introduced and devised by Holiday Care, in conjunction with 'Tourism for All and the National Tourist Boards of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and also in conjunction with the British Hotels, Restaurants and Catering Association. Most accommodation types are inspected including guest houses, hotels, caravan sites and self-catering options. Also, tourist attractions and venues are inspected. The familiar wheelchair symbols are in three categories and represent the following, with category one being the highest level of disability access achieved.

Disability Access/Category One Accommodation is likely to meet the needs of all wheelchair users, including those travelling independently. Disability Access/Category Two Accommodation is likely to meet the needs of wheelchair users accompanied by a capable helper. Disability Access/Category Three Accommodation is likely to meet the needs of those who can walk short distances and climb at least three steps. May not be suitable for wheelchair users.