Accessibility Statement Guidance

Accessible Tourism Services and Facilities

Accommodation, Eateries, Attractions and Activities
 
Phase 2 of the Disability Discrimination Act 2006 commenced on the Isle of Man on 15th December 2016. This phase provides that it will be unlawful for a provider of services to discriminate against a disabled person in relation to the provision of goods, facilities and services.  Provisions within this phase would also make it unlawful for landlords and other persons to discriminate against a disabled person in the disposal or management of premises.

For further information or understanding of what the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 2006 means for tourism providers, please click here.

Please click here to view the full Disability Discrimination Act.

Please click here to view further information and understanding of  the Act 

Accessibility Statements

To comply with the Act, all tourism providers are required to have an Accessibility Statement in place by 31st December 2017. 

What is an accessibility statement?

An accessibility statement is a marketing document that provides detailed information on the accessibility of your property’s facilities and services. For example, how many steps do you have to climb to enter your property? Is there a ramp? Do you have level-entry access? Do you have a hearing loop in reception? Do you have rails in the bathroom? Where is the nearest accessible car parking space? And how wide are your doorways? 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why should I create one?

• It can help you to meet your legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 2006.
• It provides important information for people with access needs, as you describe exactly what fixtures and facilities you have, providing a clear and honest account of your capabilities. This allows the visitor to consider your statement and decide whether they are able to visit your establishment. 
• It is a marketing opportunity to broaden the appeal of your business to a growing market 
• Unless you outline your accessibility and ensure that is it clearly available, visitors may choose to go elsewhere.
• It is a minimum requirement for all participants in Visit Isle of Man Visitor Accommodation Assessment Schemes. From 11th February 2017 the Assessors will be requesting to see you property’s Accessibility Statement during their visit to assess your accommodation and/or eatery.

2. How long does the Statement need to be? 

Depending upon the size of your property, this statement will vary in length, for example, if you have a small B&B or café, your statement may be a paragraph to half an A4 page. If you have a larger guest house or restaurant, your statement may extend beyond this. 

3. I am unable to accept full time wheelchair users, how do I explain this? 

If you are unable able to accept full time wheelchair users due to the layout or location, it is acceptable to state:

‘Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate full time wheel chair users as ……….. (for example, we have narrow doorways, we do not have a lift, we have 12 steps into the property). 

It is not acceptable to state:

‘We do not accept disabled guests / guests in wheelchairs’

4. How do I write an Accessibility Statement? 

You can find guidance of how to write your accessibility statement here, however, all visitor accommodation in the UK should have accessibility statements on their websites which you can research for inspiration. 

www.visitbritain.org/writing-access-statement 

www.access.tourismtools.co.uk

5. Where do I need to publish my Accessibility Statement? 

Your property’s Accessibility Statement should become an integral part of any online or offline marketing. Therefore, it should be included either with your description, as a downloadable attachment, separate tab on your website ‘Accessibility’ or as a hyperlink within your online information, websites, visitisleofman.com profile, social media profiles. If you have a relatively large accessibility statement and you feel that you would struggle to add it onto these platforms, it is possible to state:

‘Full Accessibility Statement is available upon request, please call / email’ 

6. How can I make my property more accessible? 

In order to comply with the ‘Act’ reasonable adjustments are to be made where possible in order to make your property more ‘accessible’ to visitors. Guidance as to how you can make your property more accessible can be found in the following downloadable documents: www.gov.im/dda

• What you need to know – A guide for small to medium businesses 
• What Service Providers Need to Know
• Accessible cafes, restaurants and hospitality

Hiring Accessibility Equipment  

The Isle of Man has fantastic charities that are happy to lend accessible equipment to you in exchange for a donation. 

• British Red Cross
• Disability Networks

You are able to state on your marketing materials ‘If you have any additional requirements please let us know and we will be happy to source the necessary equipment’ (you are not allowed to charge the visitor for the hire, as this is discrimination). 

Accessible Websites 

You can find information on how to make your website more accessible within this document. 

• Accessible cafes, restaurants and hospitality  p8 – 11

Assistance Dogs 

You can find information on assistance dogs within this document.

• What Service Providers Need to Know p20

To comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 2006, all service providers must accept assistance dogs. If you currently accept pets into your property and charge, you are able to charge the same rate for an assistance dog. If you currently do not accept pets into your property and do not charge, you cannot charge for an assistance dog. 

It is not acceptable to state:

‘We do not accept service dogs’

Useful Statements to use in your Accessibility Statement 

• Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate full time wheelchair users. 
• Regrettably, our premises/cottages/apartments are not suitable for wheelchair users, due to the door width, bedrooms being located on the 1st and 2nd floor. 
• Please contact us to discuss any requests or requirements that we may be able to assist with and we will endeavour to accommodate. 
• We do not accept pets, however if you wish to bring your assistance dog, please contact us to discuss your requirements.