Overview
This guide describes best practice guidelines on physical access to environments, as well as useful contacts who can provide specialist advice on accessibility issues. Physical access is not just about wheelchair access but refers to improving access for people with a range of impairments.
Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
Access Guides
Removing barriers, enabling change
The Access Guides provide technical information and best practice guidelines on accessible design. The guides have been produced in partnership with the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL).
- Fully Wheelchair Accessible (pdf)
- Barrier Free (pdf)
- Public Realm (pdf)
Duty to make reasonable adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers, service providers and education providers have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in three circumstances, one of which is to Change a Physical Feature. Sometimes a physical feature of a building or other premises may make it more difficult for you to access or use it.
Examples of reasonable adjustments to this could include:
- providing ramps and stairway lifts
- making doorways wider
- installing automatic doors
- providing more lighting and clearer signs.
For more information on the Equality Act 2010, please see our Equality Act information guide or contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against, you can call the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) on 0808 800 0082.
You can find useful information about discrimination on the European Human Rights Commission website.
Where can I get advice on physical access issues?
A good first step is to contact your local access panel. Access panels are groups of volunteers who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities. You can find your local access panel by visiting the Access Network website.
If you wanted to arrange an access audit, you can search the National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC). This is an independent register of accredited Access Auditors and Access Consultants who meet professional standards.
The Centre for Accessible Environments is the leading UK authority on inclusive design. They provide consultancy, training, research and publications on building design and management to meet all user needs, including disabled and older people. They have a range of publications on their website and a Frequently Asked Questions section. If you can’t find the information you are looking for you can email them on info@cae.org.uk or telephone 020 7822 8232.
Disabled access venues
The following websites provide access information on venues in the UK. This can help to plan trips out and holidays.
Euan’s Guide is a website that features disabled access reviews from disabled people and their friends and families. You can use the website to search for listings and reviews of venues across the UK and beyond. Listings include information about accessible toilets, wheelchair access, hearing loops and multiple other access features that exist at any one particular venue.
AccessAble is an online information service providing detailed access information to 1000’s of venues across the UK and Ireland. Covering everything from restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions to doctors, dentists, colleges, universities and hospitals.
Good Access Guide is an online directory you can use to search for accessible holiday accommodation in the UK and Ireland. You can also use it to search for companies providing Independent Living Aids such mobility aids, wheelchairs and walkers. (Please note the Independent Living Aids information is limited mostly to England at the moment).
Tourism for All is a website you can use to find accessible destinations, accommodation, attractions and events across Britain.
For further information about holidays, see our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
For information on accessible toilets, see our Accessible Toilets Information Guide
Additional Contacts
Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) provide advice to Scottish Ministers on the planning and regulating of transport facilities to ensure that they are accessible for those with a disability.
MACS has no staff but is supported by a Secretariat within Transport Scotland.
Email: macs@gov.scot
Telephone: 0131 244 0923
The Access Panel Network are groups of volunteers who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities. They are supported by Disability Equality Scotland.
Information last updated on 25 January 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Access and Accessibility:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I search for accessible places to visit in Scotland?
Whether you are planning a meal out, a weekend trip or day out to one of Scotland’s parks, there are websites and apps you can use in your search for an accessible venue or activity.
Euan’s Guide is a disabled access review website and app that aims to ‘remove the fear of the unknown’ and inspire people to try new places.
Disabled Go provide access information on venues across the UK and Ireland.
For more information on accessible places to visit in Scotland search our Scottish Disability Directory .
How can I get a RADAR key?
The National Key Scheme (NKS), often referred to as RADAR keys, offer disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. You can buy from Disability Rights UK either over the phone or through their website.
You can also purchase RADAR keys through some chemists and online.
For further information see our Accessible Toilets information guide or the Disability Rights UK website.
Call the Disability Information Scotland helpline on: 0300 323 9961
Access and Accessibility:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
Organisation | Description |
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Butterly Trust | Aims: To provide support in the community for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis. Services provided: Information and advice on services and other resources and guidance on how to acquire them Practical help that includes assistance with official forms… |
C.A.B.I.A. Counselling and Benefits in Action | Services provided: Free help with benefit forms (all kinds) ESA – DLA- PIP Attendance Allowance Pension Credit Carers Allowance Benefits advice Representation to appeals Scottish Adult Disability Payment Scottish Child Disability Payment Scottish Child… |
CAE | Aims: The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) has been a leading authority on inclusive design for over 50 years. They provide consultancy, training, research and publications on building design and management to meet all user needs, including dis… |
Caird Hall | Description There are 2 Halls available for hire. Capacities of each depend on the layout with the maximum capacity being 1850 fully seated. Sound and lighting systems included in rates. Free Wi-Fi. Catering at cost. Accessible facilities Lev… |
CALL Scotland | To provide services and carry out research and development projects across Scotland working with all those involved in meeting the needs of people who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and / or specialised technology use, particu… |
Carers of West Lothian | Carers of West Lothian 0ffer a range of services developed to meet the needs and improve the lives of the people they support through their information, advice and support service. They support unpaid carers aged 8 upwards providing care and support t… |
Carloway Community Association | Description There is 1 hall which can seat up to 200 people. A room which can seat 12 people. A room which can seat 20 people with an adjacent dining area A sound system, projection facilities and a hearing loop are available. There is not a catering s… |
Central Aberdeenshire Access Panel | Services provided: The Central Aberdeenshire Access Panel is a part-time organisation, set up and staffed by volunteers. It is a voluntary organisation whose members have an interest in promoting access for all to facilities and services, with particul… |
Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross (CILPK) | Aims: To promote a barrier free, inclusive and equality minded environment for all disabled people. To promote independence based on dignity, choice and control. Services provided: CILPK provides a range of services designed to ensure better access, gr… |
Cerebral Palsy Scotland | Aims: We’re a charity that improves the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy through specialist therapy, support and information. Our mission is to help people with cerebral palsy build skills, knowledge, confidence and relationships. We ad… |