National Accessible Scheme
The National Accessible Scheme (NAS)
...promoting your accessible accommodation...
It has never been more important to make small improvements to your business to keep one step ahead of your competition. By 2025, more than one third of the UK’s population will be over 55*. We are all living longer, so it is important to recognise that the baby boomers may need a little extra help whilst on holiday. The National Accessible Scheme provides a set of recognised standards against which you can be assessed and awarded a rating based on your awareness and work on disabled access.
The ratings indicate to disabled guests that you are both 'disabled-friendly' and prepared for their stay. This gives you a direct route into the large, but under-tapped, disabled market.
The National Accessible Scheme standards for serviced, self-catering and now holiday park accommodation cover three types of impairment: mobility, hearing and visual. There are four categories for mobility plus an additional accolade 'access exceptional' and two each for visual and hearing impairment with level 1 being the minimum entry requirement.
Why take part?
- The business potential - Research shows that there are approximately 2.7 million potential holiday-makers with disabilities in the UK who regularly travel, and millions more abroad.
- Confidence to promote your facilities as accessible - The ratings identify your establishment as one which has been assessed and approved to a national standard. Attaining a rating and using it in your marketing increases the visibility of your property and can improve business.
- It will help you comply with the law - The National Accessible Scheme cannot guarantee compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act, however, achieving a rating will demonstrate your recognition of and commitment to the importance of accessibility.
'Staying One step ahead'
VisitEngland has refreshed the entry-level mobility standard of the National Accessible Scheme (M1). The standard, called ‘One step ahead’, will help you increase the appeal of your business - even though you may have steps to the front door or no way of providing a ground floor bedroom.
‘One step ahead’ will help you see your business from the perspective of older guests and those who are a little less mobile. Taking part in this scheme has many benefits, including a visit from a specialist assessor and the use of the scheme logo in your marketing. Your business will also be searchable on visitsoutheastengland.com, enjoyengland.com, visitbritain.com and tourismforall.org.uk as accessible accommodation (non-quality assessed accommodation will not receive a listing on the VisitSouthEastEngland, VisitEngland and VisitBritain suite of websites and tourismforall.org.uk).
What do I need to do to get the 'One Step Ahead' rating?
Probably not a great deal, as it is likely that your business already meets most of the 'One Step Ahead' standard. Along with your public areas, only one guest room and bathroom needs to meet the standard. Are your doors easy to open and your public areas clutter-free? Log onto www.visitengland.com/onestepahead for more information and a PDF to print and download.
How to apply for a National Accessible Scheme rating
Contact Development at Tourism South East for more information or to apply for a grading please contact Quality in Tourism on 0845 300 6996, qualityintourism@gslglobal.com or www.qualityintourism.com
