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Accessibility access statement template

Home | Enhancing our welcome | Accessibility | Making your business accessible and inclusive | Accessibility access statement template

This page gives you an overview of what should be included in your Access Statement – for a quick fill in sheet use our one page ‘fill in the blanks’ resource.

[Business Name] Accessibility Guide

Welcome

A short, friendly opening.

“We look forward to welcoming you to [Business Name]. We are committed to making our [hotel/cafe/attraction] accessible to everyone. If you have any specific requirements, please call us at [Phone Number] or email [Email Address] and we will be happy to help.”

At a Glance

A quick summary for people who are short on time.

  • Level Access: [Yes/No/Partial]
  • Accessible Toilets: [Yes/No/Location]
  • Assistance Dogs: [e.g., Always welcome / Water bowls provided]
  • Staff Training: [e.g., Our team has completed the Visit Thanet Ambassador training]

1. Getting Here

How do people find you?

  • Public Transport: Nearest bus stop and train station (include distances in meters/miles).
  • Parking: Do you have blue badge spaces? Where are the nearest blue badge spaces? Is the ground flat, gravel, or paved?
  • Drop-off Point: Is there a safe place for taxis to drop off close to the entrance?

2. Arrival & Entrance

The “first impression” of the building.

  • The Door: Is it manual, automatic, or heavy? How wide is it?
  • Steps: Are there steps to the entrance? Is there a permanent or mobile ramp?
  • Reception/Counter: Is there a lowered section for wheelchair users or a hearing loop?

3. Getting Around Inside

Navigating the space.

  • Flooring: Is it carpet, wood, or tile? (Important for wheelchair users and those with visual impairments).
  • Lighting: Is the area brightly lit or dimly lit?
  • Lifts/Stairs: If there is a lift, what are the dimensions? If there are stairs, do they have handrails on both sides?

4. Our Services

Specifics for your business type.

  • Dining/Seating: Are tables at a height that accommodates wheelchairs? Do you have large-print menus?
  • Rooms (if applicable): Do you have “wet room” bathrooms or vibrating fire alarms for the D/deaf?
  • Quiet Spaces: Do you have a quiet area or “relaxed hours” for neurodivergent visitors?

5. Toilets

Details are vital here.

  • Location: Where is the accessible toilet?
  • Layout: Does the door open inwards or outwards? Is there a red pull-cord that reaches the floor?

6. Emergency Evacuation

How you keep everyone safe.

  • Procedures: Do you have a PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) process?
  • Alarms: Are there visual (flashing) alarms as well as sirens?

Top Tips for Businesses:

  • Be Honest: It is better to say a doorway is narrow than to say you are “fully accessible” and have a guest arrive and be disappointed.
  • Use Photos: A picture of your entrance or bathroom is worth a thousand words to a visitor with access needs.
  • Keep it updated: If you change your layout or your lift is out of order, update your statement immediately.