The National Accessible Scheme

Developed following extensive review with accommodation providers, guests and many organisational bodies representing people with disabilities, together with the other National Tourist Boards, the scheme provides a set of Accessible Standards against which establishments are assessed and awarded a rating. Standards for serviced and self-catering accommodation cover three types of impairment: mobility, hearing and visual. There are four categories for mobility, and two each for visual and hearing impairment.

Accommodation that displays one or more of the signs shown below are committed to accessibility. When you see one of the symbols, you can be sure that the accommodation has been thoroughly assessed against demanding criteria.

	Mobility 1: Typically suitable for a person with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of steps but would benefit from fixtures and fittings to aid balance.
	Mobility 2: Typically suitable for a person with restricted walking ability and for those that may need to use a wheelchair some of the time.
	Mobility 3: Typically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and transfers unaided to and from a wheelchair in a seated position.
	Mobility 4: Typically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and transfers to and from the wheelchair in a seated position. They also require personal/mechanical assistance to aid transfer (e.g. carer/hoist).
	Visual 1: Typically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests.
	Visual 2: Typically provides a higher level of services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests.
	Hearing 1: Typically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with a hearing impairment.
	Hearing 2: Typically provides a higher level of additional services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with a hearing impairment.