Whether you are having disabled or elderly guests coming to visit this Christmas, be it for a day or longer, it’s important to plan festivities that all can enjoy. We have some tips on how you can ensure that your plans work for everybody involved.
There are a variety of accessible places you can go if you or a loved one has limited mobility.
Theatre – Tis not only the season to be jolly, but it is also the season theatreland becomes panto land. Many theatres cater for people with disabilities, offering wheelchair spaces inside and disabled access.
Christmas Fairs and Festivals – Many Christmas Fairs will be up front with their facilities; check websites and social media to find out their capabilities and accessibility. The lights and decorations will be available to all.
Garden Centres – Most garden centres are built to be as accessible as possible. During the lead-up to Christmas, they become winter wonderlands of light.
Not many would describe shopping in December as a stress-free experience. However, with a disability on top of that, it can quickly become quite an ordeal. Some disabled shoppers experience feeling invisible during these periods as others rush around them. For some who suffer with anxiety disorders, autism or ADHD, it can be overwhelming. While online shopping provides a convenient alternative, it hardly provides the same level of satisfaction that a proper Christmas shop can.
There are steps that can take the edge off traditional Christmas shopping. For certain shops and venues, Google can indicate when the busy periods are. It may be best to reach out to businesses directly for an accurate assessment. They may even have dedicated quieter periods you can make use of.
Selecting a Venue for your Get Together
It may be that hosting at home is not the best venue for your festive get-together. Things that may not warrant a second thought from an able person could provide a big challenge to someone else. You might have a sizeable front step, making basic access a challenge. Even then, you may have toilet facilities upstairs.
In the first case, you may be able to circumvent this issue with a temporary ramp. Our team is on hand to talk you through what you may need for this. In the second instance, it may be best to consider different hosting options. Either you visit them or consider a different venue entirely, be it a meeting at a restaurant or booking a small hall. Even then, you should consider whether the venue s disabled toilets and lift access for those who need it.
If you are planning on hosting for a few days or weeks, there are plenty of options on how to improve your living space to make your home accessible.
For further help and advice, our team is always on call to lend support. It may be that you have a particular event or venue in mind but need help to make it work. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team!
