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Disability factsheetHoliday Information
There is a lot to consider if you are planning a holiday. This factsheet has information to help you think about planning your holiday and also selected information on accessible holidays in Scotland.
Before you start planning make a list of the things that are essential for you. For example, if you need a hoist, or a wet room, or local accessible transport.
Accommodation
When considering your accommodation you should make a list of questions to ask so you are clear it will meet your needs. Do not accept the general term of “disabled room” or “wheelchair friendly” – this means nothing. Ask for hard facts about access, but also ask specific questions as you know what you need. Some accommodation may have standard equipment such as raised toilet seat; grab rails etc. that can be used as required by guests. Accommodation providers may also be able to give you information about hiring equipment locally.
Here are some questions you may want to ask:
Parking – is there a car park with accessible parking spaces, if not is there on street parking, are there blue badge spaces nearby, how far is the parking from the accommodation?
Entrance –is there level access, or a ramp, are there any steps?
Reception – is it far from the entrance and is the lift near reception?
Room – How far is the room from the hotel entrance, is it near the lift if not on the ground floor, where is it in relation to the dining room or any other hotel facilities you may want to use? Does the door open wide enough to gain entry easily, is the handle easy grip and easy to operate, does the door stay open long enough for everyone to enter, is the lock easy to operate?
Fire procedure - does the fire evacuation procedure make provision for people who may need assistance to evacuate the hotel?
Bathroom – how big is the room, what height is the toilet, flush type, does it have a lid or not, type of cistern, position of toilet in the bathroom, are there grab rails and if so what is their
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position? Is there a toilet frame, is there an alarm cord, what is the width of the door, what type of handle and lock, does the door open in or out, what is the position of toilet roll dispenser, what type of flooring is in the bathroom, is there a seat?
Washbasin – what is the height - is this adjustable, what type of taps are there, what is the position of towel rails?
Bath – height of bath, availability of grab rails, pole, is it against the wall or in the middle of the room, are there any bath aids, does it have a non slip base or mat, type and position of taps?
Shower - is it wheelchair accessible, height of controls, height of shower head - is this adjustable, availability of seat/stool and type, type of doors or curtain?
Kitchen – how big is the room, height of worktops and appliances, are the work tops height adjustable, is there any adapted kitchen appliances/equipment, can a wheelchair user sit comfortably at the table?
Living room – how big is the room, can the furniture be moved around to suit you. What height are the seats in the room and do they have arms etc.
Bedroom - is the bed height adjustable, are there single or double beds, is a high bed available on request, are bed blocks available on request, is there any other equipment available on request such as a lifting pole?
Garden – are there any steps or changes in level either into the garden or within the garden, is it grassed, is it paved, is it enclosed by a fence or hedge?
Surrounding environment –is the accommodation on a hill, are there cobbles, is it very far from the beach, town centre, tourist attractions etc. Is there accessible parking nearby, are there accessible activities for you to participate in, is there equipment hire nearby?
Equipment
If you require disability equipment, you may want to take this with you, however it is important to consider what you can and will do if your equipment gets lost, broken, or breaks down either in transit or at your holiday destination. Alternatively you can enquire into the possibility of hiring equipment when you arrive. However bear in mind it can be difficult to hire certain equipment such as a shower chair or commode. Our Equipment Factsheet has more information about hiring equipment. Carers/sitters
Sometimes it can be useful or necessary to use paid carers when on holiday. For some people, it is essential to have a full time paid carer to be able to go on holiday. Paid care might be ideal for teenagers/adults who are holidaying with family, but want to do different activities. Some specialist holiday companies offer accompanied holidays or holidays which can provide carers
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or sitters. Other specialist holiday providers provide ‘respite’ where the disabled person takes part in activities they enjoy while their family does different activities and then meet later. Some care agencies can provide carers. For example, in the morning/evening as required for those on holiday in the area. These obviously add to the cost of a holiday.
Transport
Think about how you will travel to your holiday destination.
Your own car - If you decide to take your own car, it’s important to find out about accessible parking, can you use your blue badge and if so what are the local rules for using a blue badge? It can be helpful to know the dimensions of your wheelchair when enquiring about transport. Will your transport options all link up? For example, where are the taxi ranks for wheelchair accessible taxis in relation to bus stop/station/train station/airport etc. Can you book assistance in advance?
Hiring a car – If you decide to hire a car make sure that it will be big enough for you, your family, luggage and equipment. Some hire cars can be fitted with hand controls.
Buses - It is important to check whether there are wheelchair accessible buses both to your holiday destination and at your destination. Contact the bus company to get information about timetables and regulations regarding carriage of wheelchairs.
Trains – Contact the train company to get information about booking assistance and regulations regarding the carriage of wheelchairs.
Ferries - Contact the ferry company to ask for information about assistance to board the ferry as well as access on the ferry.
Our Mobility and Transport Factsheet has more information about different modes of transport.
Below is selected information on accessible holidays, including accommodation, activity holidays, and holiday companies.
Accommodation – Hotels, Guesthouses, Self-Catering
The main source of information about accommodation and accessible accommodation is VisitScotland. If you are looking for information on accommodation then you should try these organisations first.
VisitScotland Visit Scotland is the national tourist board for Scotland. Its website gives information about accommodation and visitor attractions. You can search for accommodation online by location, accessibility and by star-grading. You can also telephone their booking line for information about accessible accommodation.Contact:
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Visit ScotlandOcean Point 194 Ocean DriveEdinburghEH6 6JHThe national booking line for accommodation is: Tel: 0845 859 1006E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.visitscotland.com
Shared Care ScotlandShared Care Scotland has an online directory of short break and respite services which does include holiday breaks and accessible guest houses and hotels.
Contact:Shared Care ScotlandUnit 2 Dunfermline Business CentreIzatt AvenueDunfermlineKY11 3BZTel: 01383 622 462E-mail: [email protected]: www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk
Crathie Opportunity HolidaysFour fully accessible self-catering holiday cottages on the banks of the River Dee in Aberdeenshire. Contact: The Manse CourtyardCrathieBallaterAberdeenshireAB35 5UL Tel: 01339 742100 E-mail: [email protected]: www.crathieholidays.org.uk
Dalraddy Chalet, AviemoreChalet providing accessible self-catering accommodation for six people in Dalraddy Holiday Park in Aviemore. Contact :Capability Scotland11 Ellersly RoadEdinburghEH12 6HY
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Tel: 0131 347 1067E-mail: [email protected]: www.capability-scotland.org.uk
Denis Duncan HouseFully accessible self-catering accommodation in Dirleton, East Lothian. Facilities include a portable induction loop, wet room, hoist and height adjustable washing facilities. Contact: The Lin Berwick TrustThe Christopher Centre10 Gainsborough StreetSudburySuffolk CO10 2EUTel: 01787 372343E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.thelinberwicktrust.org.uk
Farm Stay UKHolidays and accommodation on more than 1000 farms across the UK. Many properties provide facilities for disabled people. Their website has information on accommodation and they produce a publication called Farm Stay Guide. You can search for accessible accommodation on the website. Contact:Farm Stay UK LtdNational Agricultural CentreStoneleigh ParkWarwickshireCV8 2LGTel: 0247 669 6909E-mail: [email protected]: www.farmstay.co.uk
Leuchie House,North BerwickAccessible holiday home in a listed building in North Berwick. Sleeps 20 people. Geared towards people who need 24-hour nursing.
Contact:The ManagerLeuchie HouseNorth BerwickEast LothianEH39 5NY Tel: 01620 892864 E-mail: [email protected]: www.leuchiehouse.org.uk
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Forest HolidaysProvide a range of luxury cabins, some of which are wheelchair accessible, on Forestry Commission land in Argyll and Strathyre in Scotland.
Contact:Forest HolidaysBath YardMoiraDerbyshireDE12 6BATel: 03330 110 495E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.forestholidays.co.uk
Accompanied Holidays / Holidays with Care Provided
Some specialist holiday companies, as well as activity centres, offer organised holidays with care provided.
Altogether TravelArranges bespoke holiday packages for disabled people in the UK and abroad with care provided if needed.
Contact:Altogether Travel Ltd.Meadow ViewCumbernauldG67 2BYTel: 01236 222006E-Mail: [email protected]: www.altogethertravel.co.uk
Holidays With HelpArranges holidays for people with disabilities and their carers. Can provide experienced volunteers and a range of activities. Medical and nursing advice is available if needed. They do not provide 24 hour nursing care but can assist with medication.
Contact: Holidays with Help4 PebblecombeAdelaide RoadSurbitonSurreyKT6 4LLTelephone: 020 8390 9752E-mail: [email protected]: www.holidayswithhelp.org.uk
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Chalfont Line HolidaysProvides a range of holidays in the UK and abroad. There are personal assistance packages available to suit clients needs. A specially adapted coach is provided for UK and European travel with a side lift, clamped wheelchair spaces, an induction loop system and video screens to relay signing. Door to door transport is available.
Contact: Chalfont Line Holidays4 Providence RoadWest DraytonMiddlesex UB7 8HJ Tel: 01895 459540 Fax: 01895 459549 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.chalfont-line.co.uk
Can Be Done LtdOrganiser of holidays for disabled people. Co-ordinates accommodation, transport and visits to most areas of the world. Arranges fully accessible holidays; self-drive mini-tours with adapted transport. Contact: Can Be Done Ltd11 Woodcock HillHarrowHA3 0XPTel: 020 8907 2400 E-mail: [email protected]: www.canbedone.co.uk
3H FUNDOrganises group holidays for disabled adults and children. Holidays are arranged in the UK and abroad. Full care is provided with volunteer helpers, a leader and a nurse for each holiday. Contact: 3H FundB2 Speldhurst Business ParkLangton RoadTunbridge WellsKentTN3 0AQ Tel: 01892 860207 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.3hfund.org.uk
Wings on WheelsHolidays in the UK and abroad. There is a nurse or carer accompanying each group who can
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give assistance with basic medication, dressing and getting out of the shower.
Contact: Wings on Wheels8 CornfieldsChurch LaneTydd St GilesWisbechCambridgeshirePE13 5LX Tel: 0194 587 1111 E-mail: [email protected]: www.wingsonwheels.co.uk
Care InspectorateIf personal care is required while on holiday in Scotland, for example in the morning or evening, the Care Inspectorate can give information about local agencies that provide short-term care in Scotland and may do so for people on holiday.
Contact:The Care InspectorateCompass House11 Riverside DriveDundeeDD1 4NYTel: 0845 600 9527E-mail: [email protected]: www.scswis.com
Shared Care ScotlandShared Care Scotland’s online directory of short break and respite servcies also includes details as to whether an agency may be able to provide support to people who are on holiday in the area.
Contact: Shared Care ScotlandUnit 2 Dunfermline Business CentreIzatt AvenueDunfermlineKY11 3BZTel: 01383 622 462E-mail: [email protected]: www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk
Specialist Holiday Companies / Tour Operators
Access Travel (Lancs) LtdAccess Travel is a tour operator specialising in overseas holidays for people with a disability and
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their families. They offer wheelchair accessible accommodation and, at some resorts, special aids (bath hoists, chairs etc) and car hire. Contact: Access Travel (Lancs) Ltd6 The HillockAstleyManchesterM29 7GW Tel: 01942 888844 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.access-travel.co.uk
Accessible Travel and LeisureOffer accessible holidays to a variety of destinations overseas. Cruises, city breaks, winter and summer sun holidays are available.
Contact: Accessible Travel and LeisureAvionics HouseNewhaven RoadKingsway Business ParkQuedgeleyGloucesterGL2 2SN. Tel: 01452 729 739 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.accessibletravel.co.uk
Enable HolidaysAccessible package holidays worldwide. Brochure available. Contact: Enable HolidaysArion Business CentreHarriett House118 High StreetErdingtonBirminghamB23 6BGTel: 0871 222 4939 E-mail: [email protected]: www.enableholidays.com
Outdoor / Group / Activity Holidays
Badaguish, AviemoreActivity holidays with support and accommodation for adults and children with learning, multiple or physical disabilities. Unaccompanied individuals and groups are catered for and 24 hour care
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can be provided. Self-catering accommodation also available.
Contact: Badaguish Outdoor CentreAviemorePH22 1QU Tel: 01479 861285 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.badaguish.org
FABB ScotlandTheme based residential summer activity holidays for young disabled and non-disabled people. Also have activity clubs running throughout the year.
Contact: FABB ScotlandNorton Park57 Albion RoadEdinburghEH7 5QY Tel: 0131 475 2313 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fabb.org.uk
Jubilee Sailing TrustOffers sailing holidays for disabled and non-disabled people (from 16 years old) on specially designed tall ships. Everyone on board takes an active part in the running of the vessel.
Contact: JSTHazel RoadWoolstonSouthamptonSO19 7GA Tel: 023 8044 9108 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.jst.org.uk
Outward Bound ScotlandRun a variety of courses in the West Highlands. Disabled people, ages 16-24 years, are welcome on all courses. Activities include water rafting, kayaking and problem solving courses.
Contact: Outward Bound Trust ScotlandRobertson House152 Bath StreetGlasgow
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G2 4TBTel: 0141 413 0244E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.outwardbound.org.uk
Seagull Trust CruisesHires out a wheelchair accessible canal boat for holidays on the Lowland canals. The boat is based in Falkirk.
Contact: Seagull Trust CruisesBantaskine ParkFalkirkFK1 5P1Tel: 07513 291 771E-mail: [email protected]: www.seagulltrust.org.uk
Camping and Caravan Holidays
Action Group Caravan, Port SetonCaravan available for hire for children and adults who have a learning disability and their parents/carers. Must register (no charge) as a member of the Action Group at the Edinburgh office to use the caravan.
Contact: The Action GroupNorton Park Centre57 Albion RoadEdinburgh EH7 5QY Tel: 0131 475 2315 Fax: 0131 475 2316 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.actiongroup.org.uk Camping and Caravanning ClubClub for people interested in camping and caravanning. It is possible to search on their online database for sites that are wheelchair accessible.
Contact:The Camping and Caravanning ClubGreenfields House Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8JH Tel: 0845 130 7631Website: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
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Visitor attractions
Visit Scotland provides information about tourist attractions in Scotland. See their entry under ‘Accommodation’ for their contact details.
Historic ScotlandProvides information on historic properties and places of historic interest that they manageacross Scotland. There is an online access guide which has information about access at Historic Scoland properties for disabled people.
Contact: Historic ScotlandLongmore HouseSalisbury PlaceEdinburghEH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8600 Website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
National Trust for ScotlandProvides information about its own visitor attractions across Scotland, which includes information about access for disabled visitors.
Contact: The National Trust for ScotlandHermiston Quay 5 Cultins RoadEdinburghEH11 4DFTel: 0844 493 2100 Fax: 0844 493 2102E-mail: [email protected]: www.nts.org.uk
Transport
Our Mobility and Transport Fact Sheet has information about transport throughout Scotland, including information about car hire, hand controls and contact details for transport providers.
Travel Insurance
Most standard holiday company insurance policies will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. However there are specialist insurance companies who will do so. Tourism For All has an online directory which includes a list of specialist insurance companies.
Contact:Tourism For All
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7A Pixel Mill44 Appleby RoadKendalCumbriaLA9 6ESTel: 0845 124 9971E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tourismforall.org.uk
Other Useful Organisations and Websites
If you don’t have access to the internet you can contact the Advice Service Capability Scotland to get more information about the organisations mentioned below.
Changing PlacesThis is an organisation which campaigns for more accessible toilets with adult changing facilities. Their website has a list of all Changing Places toilets in the UK.
Contact:Tel: 01382 385 154Email: [email protected] Website: www.changing-places.org Ceiling Hoist Users ClubThis is an organisation that has details about holiday accommodation with ceiling hoists. Contact:CHuCc/o 7 The ScarplandsDustonNorthamptonNN5 6EYTel: 01604 805839E-mail: [email protected]: www.chuc.org.uk
Holiday Inn ExpressSubject to availability some Holiday Inn Express hotels may offer a free room for a carer adjacent to the accessible room used by the disabled guest. Telephone their booking line: 0871 423 4942 or go to their website for contact details of individual hotels: www.hiexpress.com
www.caravanable.co.ukInformation about caravan sites in the UK with facilities for disabled people.
www.disabledgo.comHas detailed access information about museums, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs and attractions in certain UK cities and Local Authorities.
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www.walkswithwheelchairs.com An online database of routes which are accessible for wheelchair users. It has directions, ordnance survey maps and reviews from users.
www.disabledholidaysguide.comAn online resource which can be used to find an accessible holiday.
www.describe-online.comWebsite with text guides and text maps to public places in the UK, including railway stations.
March 2014
Disability Factsheet
This Factsheet can be made available in other formats e.g. audio, large print
Telephone: 0131 313 5510Textphone: 0131 346 2529Fax: 0131 346 7864Email: advice@capability-scotland.org.ukwww.capability-scotland.org.ukScottish Charity SCO11330
Capability ScotlandWesterlea11 Ellersly RoadEdinburghEH12 6HY
Our Advice ServiceAdvice Service Capability Scotland is a national disability advice and information service. We specialise in information on cerebral palsy.
We offer:• information on Capability Scotland services• advice on cerebral palsy• general advice on disability issues
You can get in touch with us by calling, e-mailing, dropping in or writing a letter.
