Disabled Information

Access all areas?

Compared to some European cities, such as Madrid and Rome, London is relatively friendly to the mobility-impaired. But this is only relative. While many of the capital's sights make provision for wheelchair users, the great headache for those who have problems getting around is transport.  London Transport publishes a booklet called Access to the Underground, which gives information on lifts and ramps at individual underground stations. It's available free from LT ticket offices or from LT's Unit for Disabled Passengers (172 Bucking ham Palace Road, SW1 9TN; 0171 918 3312/minicom 918 3015/fax 918 3876) and at LT Travel Information Centres (see above). The unit also provides details on buses and Braille maps. To obtain the booklet and to receive detailed information concerning facilities for disabled passengers (voice/minicom) 0171 918 3312. Booklets are also available free from LT ticket offices or from Unit at London Transport, 55 Broadway, SW1H OBD and at Travel Information Centres (see above). The unit also provides details on buses and Braille maps for the visually impaired.All DLR stations have wheelchair access. 

In previous editions of this guide we have attempted to give some information on the accessibility of individual sights, restaurants, bars and so on. However, in the space available it is all but impossible to give details thorough and accurate enough to be useful. An entire guide, specially tailored to the needs of those with mobility problems, is necessary. Happily, such a guide does exist, and we thoroughly recommend Access in London by Gordon Couch, William Forrester and Justin Irwin (Quiller Press, 1996). Admirably comprehensive, it is written and researched by a team of able-bodied and disabled people and includes detailed maps of step-free routes and accessible tube stations. There are tips on travelling around, who to contact for help, a guide to adapted loos, sections on accommodation, shopping and entertainments from pubs to racecourses. A further supplement expanding the pub section and including restaurants is planned for 1998. The guide is available at some (but not all) bookshops, priced at £7.95, or free of charge (although a donation is appreciated) from Access Project, 39 Bradley Gardens, W13 8HE.
The organisations below offer help to disabled visitors to London.

Artsline
54 Chalton Street, NW1
(tel/minicom 0171 388 2227/fax 0171 383 2653). Euston tube/rail.
Open 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri. Gives free information on arts and entertainment events in London and on adapted facilities at venues such as cinemas, art galleries and theatres. Artsline is involved in the publication of a monthly magazine, DIAL (Disa bility Arts in London), which contains up-to-date listings and reviews.

Can Be Done
7 Kensington High Street, W8 5NP (0181 907 2400).
Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat.
This small tour operator can tailor holidays and tours in London to the needs of disabled people.

DIAL (National Association of Disablement Information & Advice Lines)
(01302 310 123). Open 9am-5pm Mon-Thur; 9am-4pm Fri.
Call DIAL for details of local groups within London who offer free information and advice on all aspects of disability.

William Forrester
1 Belvedere Close, Guildford, Surrey GU2 6NP (01483 575 401).
William Forrester is a London Registered Guide and, as a wheelchair user himself, has extensive experience in leading tours in the capital for disabled individuals and groups. Book early.

Greater London Association of Disabled People (GLAD)
336 Brixton Road, SW9
(0171 346 5800/infoline 0171 346 5819). Brixton tube/rail.
Open general phone enquiries 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; infoline 1.30-4.30pm Mon-Fri.
GLAD is a voluntary organisation providing, via local associations, valuable information for disabled visitors and residents. Its publications include the London Disability Guide (available free by post; send stamped self-addressed envelope) and the monthly London Disability News.

Holiday Care Service
2nd floor, Imperial Buildings, Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7PZ
(01293 774 535/fax 01293 784 647).
Open 9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. Credit AmEx, MC, V An advisory service specialising in holiday accommodation for disabled visitors.

Royal Association for Disability & Rehabilitation (RADAR)
12 City Forum, 250 City Road, EC1
(0171 250 3222). Old Street tube/rail. Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
The central organisation for disabled voluntary groups. Through RADAR you can get advice on almost any aspect of life. The Association publishes Bulletin, a monthly newsletter, which has articles on news-oriented subjects such as housing and education.

Tripscope
The Courtyard, Evelyn Road, W4 5JL
(0181 994 9294).Open phone enquiries 9.30am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Chiswick Park tube/South Acton rail.
Jim Bennett and Adrian Drew's information/advice service for the elderly and disabled can help with all aspects of getting around London, the UK and overseas. It's chiefly an enquiry line, but you can write in or visit by appointment if you have difficulty with the phone.

Wheelchair Travel
1 Johnston Green, Guildford, Surrey GU2 6XS
(01483 233 640).X
An excellent source of converted vehicles for hire, including adapted minibuses (with or without driver), plus cars with hand controls and 'Chairman' cars.

Links
AbilityNet Home Page

Ability Web Directory

Artsline, London

British Computer Association of the Blind

Deaf and Hard of Hearing HomePage - Index

PLANET: (Play Leisure Advice Network)

RNIB - Royal National Institute for the Blind

Telegraph Online Newspaper this is NOT the web site of The Daily Telegraph.