Access card?

knightstyle

We have just applied for one as we need it to go to an event and they need to see it before we can access disabled areas.
Does anyone else have one, what can it be used for?
https://www.accesscard.online/

Muttleythefrog

Probably comes down to individual venues/companies and their own policies. I've never seen a requirement for such in personal experience (which is that typically no evidence is requested at all) and probably because it is not an official document as far as I'm aware.

Cyclamen

Hello Yes I have an access card / also called Nimbus card.

Many places now accept them and some places use it as the main form of identifying access needs. It is possible to get a free version for some attractions but I paid for the three year card and have found it useful. 

To get the different symbols for access needs you have to provide medical evidence to the company and they then allocate symbols.  This means not every access card holder has the same support needs and that reflects the disabled community.

An issue that is raised by many is that a +1 essential companion isnt automatically added for children, as Access assume all kids under a certain age require an adult.  You can however provide evidence as need for this and have symbol included.

Problems with queuing is not automatically allocated to wheelchair users as they may not have an issue sitting and waiting, so again you have to provide information if you need queue assist.

The WC symbol is more about urgent need or a changing places loo rather than a standard accessible loo.

Then symbols for walking ability, visual or hearing needs, and a miscellaneous.  I think in miscellaneous ive seen assistance dog label, but not certain. 

It takes the decision making process away from potentially untrained staff in kiosks, removes the need for sharing medical letters with so many people, or having sensitive personal discussions in public. I hated  carrying evidence a PIP decison letter and a Doctors letter.  I find it far more dignified.

I really hate asking for adaptations.. but can take my card to a local attraction and am placed on the queue assist, I have the +2 symbol for essential companions and that was and still is something i feel uncomfortable asking for bt is necessary.   

I havent had any problems using it, there is a facebook group and people report using them overseas too. Occasionally in a small attraction someone may have to explain the card but most often its all pretty positive.. even in supermarkets trying to queue for a checkout. 

This seems to solve the problem i was starting to encounter between places only offering discounted carer ticket to employed carers with work ID.  My employed PAs are employed by me using council funding and dont have work ID and my husband or cousin was often ending up supporting me to things they had no interest in on times i couldnt employ support. 

Most places still have an alternative system for non Access card holders, either a free mini version or there own system.  However it does seem to be coming more common on many websites as evidence requested.

I know i sound a bit like a marketting plot, i'm not.  I was really nervous at first as had never heard of them.  I came across them on the legoland website a couple of years ago and have since found them useful in Cathedrals, animal parks, National Trust and local museums. 

marcia_

knightstyle said:

We have just applied for one as we need it to go to an event and they need to see it before we can access disabled areas.
Does anyone else have one, what can it be used for?
https://www.accesscard.online/

 I have one for my son. Gets us free carers entry all over the place. Queue jump passes in theme parks and disability entry rates where they have one but need proof. 

 I also have a CEA card which gives free carers entry to the cinema and theatres. 

MouldyOldDough

I have a wheelchair which (should) give me access to exactly the same resources as an Access card - however the downside is it's size - I am unable to put it into my pocket.

Seriously - why should I spend £15 on a card, when the government used to provide me with a "registered disabled" card for free, 30 years ago - but withdrew that ?

Cyclamen

Unfortunately being in a wheelchair doesn't seem to be the automatic proof of disability it was even when turning up at the ticket kiosk in person. Ive been queried on my need for essential companion/ PA ticket even with them pushing the wheelchair I'm sat in.  

I agree it shouldnt be yet an additional cost for us.  The free version is often attraction specific so would need doing each time.  A national card does help with online bookings and cutting the awkwardness out  for me. 

sheeps68

I've had a Nimbus access card for almost 3 years as required by Merlin and some London theatre. Has bee useful in other places too. But there is now The National disability card too hence I'm confused as to which way to go.

marcia_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81876773#Comment_81876773

dont know about theatres etc but most theme parks only accept nimbus. That said alton towers are removing the ability for those with neuro developmental conditions to use the fast pass

Spoonie_Turtle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81876838#Comment_81876838

It's all Merlin parks and they've removed access for some people who can't physically stand in queues too - not officially, but that's what has been happening to some.

Also just for info, the latest from them is "it's a trial" after the outcry.

marcia_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81877233#Comment_81877233

i didn't know that but im mostly on autism groups. How can they legitimately remove it for people who cant stand for long periods glad its now a trial