About Access MiniGuide

Empowering businesses to showcase accessibility and create inclusive experiences for everyone.

Gillian Scotford and her sons

The Story Behind Access MiniGuide

The Access MiniGuide is the brainchild of Gillian Scotford – Managing Director of AccessibleUK.

As the mother of two sons born with disabilities, she knows that trying to find accessible places to visit can be a nightmare!

In 2010, Gillian carried out her own research on local tourist attractions in search of somewhere the whole family could visit. As the list grew, she decided to create a website to share her findings with other families 'in the same boat' and Accessible Derbyshire was born.

This award-winning initiative became a registered charity in 2014 and Gillian's work in this field led to the launch of AccessibleUK – a consultancy specialising in Accessible Tourism, creating accessible destinations and training 'Accessibility Champions' for thousands of organisations including VisitEngland, Forestry England and the National Trust.


Collaboration with Kakou Technologies

The Access MiniGuide is a collaboration between AccessibleUK and Kakou Technologies – an engineering company that uses inclusive design and innovative approaches to creating social value.

Together, they recognised that venues needed a simple way to showcase their access features to visitors with access needs and the Access MiniGuide was launched!

Why Accessibility Matters

Accessible tourism is not just the right thing to do – it is smart business. The disabled community represents a significant market segment with substantial spending power and specific information needs.

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16.8M+

Disabled people in the UK with a combined spending power of £446 billion

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91%

Try to find disabled access information about a new place before visiting
(Access Survey, 2022)

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58%

Avoid going to a venue if it has not shared its disabled access information
(Access Survey, 2022)

Did You Know?

Accessible tourism, also known as inclusive or universal tourism, aims to cater to the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities. By providing clear accessibility information, businesses can tap into this significant market while creating a more welcoming environment for everyone.

Accessible cafe

Easy to Share

Display your unique QR code anywhere – storefronts, websites, social media, or printed materials. Customers simply scan to access your complete accessibility information instantly.

Accessible playground

Comprehensive Details

Showcase everything from parking and entrances to toilets, seating, assistance services, and sensory considerations – giving visitors the full picture they need.

Accessible venue

Affordable Investment

The Access MiniGuide is a low cost solution for businesses of all sizes to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and reach a wider audience.