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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

"Accessibility" - my arse

22 replies

SerendipityJane · 02/09/2021 14:59

looking to book some tickets including a friend who is a wheelchair user.

Have now found 10 sites where "accessibility" tells you all about the accessibility of the website and is silent on the accessibility of the building.

AIBU to think this is just plain shit ?

OP posts:
CheeseCrackersAndWine · 02/09/2021 15:08

Yep! I have a disabled child & there are very few places which are truly accessible.

RestingPandaFace · 02/09/2021 15:09

What type of thing are you trying book tickets for?

PerkingFaintly · 02/09/2021 15:09

Yep. Know this one well...

Chloemol · 02/09/2021 15:30

Most websites now have to have an accessibility statement related to that website and how they help the disabled use the website

It’s totally different to how accessible a building maybe

Email them and ask

EmeraldDiamondBeryl · 02/09/2021 15:32

In this day and age you shouldn't have to email a business to ask about disabled access, in my view.

Original poster
SerendipityJane · 02/09/2021 15:34

@EmeraldDiamondBeryl

In this day and age you shouldn't have to email a business to ask about disabled access, in my view.
Generally it's a 50% strike rate with emails being answered. The SOP is a phone number that's never answered.
OP posts:
AnnaSW1 · 02/09/2021 15:35

If you want to find the answer quickly I would search on theatre monkey. It tells you everything about best seats including for wheelchair users.

Original poster
SerendipityJane · 02/09/2021 15:35

@RestingPandaFace

What type of thing are you trying book tickets for?
A theatre performance.
OP posts:
starfishmummy · 02/09/2021 15:35

@Chloemol

Most websites now have to have an accessibility statement related to that website and how they help the disabled use the website

It’s totally different to how accessible a building maybe

Email them and ask

It can be confusing. Accessing the building will nearly ne in there somewhere
starfishmummy · 02/09/2021 15:36

*will be in there somewhere

Akire · 02/09/2021 15:39

Yup I think they should have big banner telling you how Inaccessible their venue on their website or you should assume basic features like everyone being able get in and out the building.

But no they will have no information at all and leave it up to you to risk it then can blame you for not checking. Usually booking tickets for event where wheelchair space may be limited to 1 or 2 stops and tucked away on certain corner and may be allowed 1 person with you even if going as a group etc. Then can’t book online have you ring a special number and then maybe have send documentation of said disability. It’s not good

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 02/09/2021 15:39

Slightly disappointed this isn't a thread about bum sex with that title Grin

My dad is disabled and they usually end up phoning the building for information before booking. It's ridiculous though, I agree

BlackeyedSusan · 02/09/2021 16:08

And when you do get info on wheelchair access other disabilities are forgotten...like the theatre with one relaxed performance per year... On a school day afternoon. So not accessible then.

Original poster
SerendipityJane · 02/09/2021 16:40

@Madcats

Try this guide:

officiallondontheatre.com/access/access-london-theatre/venue-access-guide/

Let's pretend for a moment we aren't in London.
OP posts:
PerkingFaintly · 02/09/2021 17:34

Thank you for posting that link, though, Madcats. It may well be useful to someone.

PerkingFaintly · 02/09/2021 17:35

And AnnaSW1.

SheWoreYellow · 02/09/2021 17:36

Surely there aren’t theatres outside London though?

muffinffaces · 02/09/2021 17:42

It's actually awful how it's so shit but it's just ignored.

Clocktopus · 02/09/2021 18:26

And when you do get info on wheelchair access other disabilities are forgotten...like the theatre with one relaxed performance per year... On a school day afternoon. So not accessible then.

Theatre Royal Newcastle by any chance? Their relaxed panto performance is always on a school day in January.

Lonecatwithkitten · 02/09/2021 19:01

It is very variable our local theatres are brilliant my favourite has an access section of it's website which is broken down into access to site, access to performances (lots of detail about accessibility of different seats), access performance diary.
There are signed shows, audio description shows and captioning is available to those who are deaf, hard of hearing or English as a second language on a personal device. All of these are Saturdays both matinees and evening. There are touch tours prior to the show for audio description shows. In relaxed shows the sound and visual effects are often changed to prevent them causing distress the auditorium lights remain on low.
Final on the website there is a visual story to help prepare visitors for the experience of attending the theatre.
This should be standard not something to aspire to.
This is a tiny little theatre who has big names of musical theatre heavily involved - lots of shows do pre west end runs.
Oh if you live anywhere near West Berkshire their Christmas Show is The Jungle book - it has a relaxed performance at 2.30pm on Saturday 18th Dec. Yes you can go for a proper Christmas trip to the theatre.
I love this very special gem and it's creative team.

Ermmmmname · 02/09/2021 19:02

Take a look on AccessAble?
www.accessable.co.uk/
I always check there before I email, although normally if I have to email that’s a sign they’ve not bothered to think about it.

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