Make sure you know how to get the most out of public services and transport options.
Know what's accessible
If you’re off on a day-trip or holiday in the UK, you can check the accessibility of local tourist attractions and public services at Disabled Go.
DisabledGo will assess the accessibility of public buildings and services, so that you know what places will be like before you go. They currently have listings of the public services in Aberdeen, Angus, Dundee, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, Fife, Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire, and they are looking to go to other local authorities in Scotland in the near future.
Buses
If you live in Scotland, have a disability and meet certain criteria then you might be able to get Scotland-wide free bus travel.
To be eligible for the Transport Scotland’s Disabled Persons Scheme you must be receiving Disability Living Allowance, be profoundly or severely deaf, be visually impaired or have a mental illness, or have a learning disability or personality disorder. You might also qualify on other grounds, log on to Transport Scotland to find out more.
If you are eligible your Young Scot National Entitlement Card will be issued with a (C) on it, and this will entitle you to travel for free on local buses or scheduled long distance coach travel throughout Scotland.
If your require assistance when travelling, you might also be able have a companion travel for free with you. Your National Entitlement card will have a (+1), which means a companion can travel free of charge with you on the same journey. You can travel with or without your companion and it doesn’t have to be the same companion every time. Log-in to Transport Scotland to see if you are eligible.
Trains
Train companies have to make provisions for disabled travellers. So stations should try their best to make sure they are accessible. Saying that, not all stations have been fully adapted to meet the needs of disabled passengers, but all should offer to provide further assistance.
To help National Rail has as just introduced ‘Stations Made Easy’ which allows customers to view the station layout and plan the easiest route around the station before they arrive.
If you know you will require assistance at the station phone the rail operator in advance so that they can ensure there is someone there to help you. ScotRail promises to offer all the help that is needed, whether you have booked in advance or not. And if you are travelling from a station with poor access, they can provide transport to the nearest accessible or convenient station. If you require assistance on ScotRail you can call their Assisted Travel Helpline number: 0800 912 2901, or textphone service on 18001 0800 912 2 901.
If you are a disabled person and travel by train a lot then it might be worth considering getting a Disabled Person’s Railcard. It costs £20 for the year and gets you a 1/3 off most rail fares across Britain. Find out if you are eligible on the website.
Holidays
- If you are travelling abroad and need to take medical equipment or needles with you then ask your GP to write you a letter explaining this is for your personal use.
- Remember to bring any extra medication with you. You might not be able to get this abroad.
- Let the holiday company know in advance if you have any additional needs, so they can prepare this in advance.
Tourism For All is the UK's central source of travel and holiday information for people with a disability. They will be able to provide you with leaflets and information sheets on holiday opportunities in the UK and abroad.
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