Disability Awareness
November 16th – December 16th is UK Disability History Awareness Month.
Did you know that the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has lead the way in some key programmes to increase our focus on Disability Awareness and Inclusion?
Destination Access Guides:
VisitWindsor was an early partner with AccessAble and has lead the way forward in the provision of Destination Access Guides and Disability Training. An Access Guide, developed by experts AccessAble is here to take the chance out of going out. To give you the detailed information you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible to you. Destination Access Guides for Windsor and Eton have been developed in a partnership between the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and AccessAble and are available now. Guides for Maidenhead and Ascot are also being developed and will be online soon. For more information, click here: https://myroyalborough.com/accessable
Theatre Royal Windsor: Accessible & Relaxed Performances:
This year’s Relaxed Performance of Aladdin will take place on Tuesday 28 November 2023 at 1.30pm. Relaxed performances are adapted for families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. A Relaxed Performance relaxes some of the traditional ‘rules’ and format of theatre-going. For example:
• lighting levels are adjusted;
• sound levels are reduced;
• audience members are free to come and go as they wish;
• additional staff will also be on hand.
The whole experience is designed to reduce anxiety, promote freedom of expression, and ensure a safe and enjoyable time.
An Audio Described performance by The Windsor Theatre Describers Association is scheduled for Wednesday 13 December at 7pm. Audio Described performances are for patrons who are visually impaired. The Describer will explain what is
happening, visually, on stage throughout the performance and this is relayed through a headset which can be borrowed from the theatre shop on arrival. To find out more: https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/whats-on/accessible
Purple Sock Day:
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place annually on 03 December. The day was created by the UN in 1992; with the aims to promote the rights & well-being of disabled people across society & raise awareness of disability in every aspect of political, social, economic & cultural life. To mark & celebrate this day our simple aim is to engage the nation with one, effortless, single act of united solidarity - to buy & wear a pair of our purple socks. To find out more, and to purchase a pair of purple to show your support: https://www.parallellifestyle.com/purple-sock-day
Shop Mobility:
People to Places ShopMobility is a mobility equipment hire service based in Windsor and Maidenhead town centres. This fantastic scheme offers a wide range of electric scooters, powered and manual wheelchairs and manual walkers for hire. It’s perfect for anyone with limited mobility. You can hire by the day or book equipment for a few days. You’ll find ShopMobility hire available at top local events such as Royal Windsor Horse Show too. For more information: https://www.windsor.gov.uk/visitor-information/travelling-with-a-disability
Parallel Windsor:
VisitWindsor has also been integral in the formation of the Award winning festival of Inclusivity, Parallel Windsor. Parallel is a disability lifestyle brand with purpose & an attitude of no limits living. As a social enterprise, Parallel’s aim is simple; to support disabled people to be free to live life to the full in mainstream society. To help achieve this purpose, Parallel Windsor was created, and after the success of it’s summer 2023 festival in Windsor Great Park, this award-winning, flagship event, will be back in 2024. Want to get involved in next year’s event? There are loads of opportunities for local businesses and charities to be a part of Parallel 2024. Email: andrew@parallellifestyle.com to find out more, or click here: Accessibility — My Royal Borough
You can find out more about UK Disability History Awareness Month here:
And Shop Mobility:
https://www.people2places.org.uk/shopmobility/
Many of the venues and attractions around the Royal Borough have also made huge steps to ensure a warm welcome to all; Legoland (Merlin) have won awards for their accessibility work, Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park, and Ascot Racecourse have all been recognised for their great work too. You can read more here: