Not every disability is visible, which is why accessible places to stay and disabled-friendly attractions offer staff training and have a host of facilities, including sensory backpacks and quiet rooms, as well as an atmosphere of kindness and acceptance.

Hidden disabilities present differently depending on the person, and some people might have low support needs, while others have high support needs. Some may need access to a disabled parking spaces or toilet facilities, while others will need lower lighting and less music and distractions.

Autism-friendly UK

According to the National Autistic Society, more than 1 in every 100 people are autistic, but despite this huge number, many of the people who are on the autism spectrum report that they still struggle with finding accessible things to do and places to stay. This is in part due to a lack of awareness of the condition but also because of how vastly it differentiates between each individual – however, there are an increasing number of organisations and companies across the UK who are working hard on making sure that they are as autism friendly as possible and you’ll find them here.

Because the range of access needs across hidden disabilities is so vast, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all all approach to hidden disabilities, like autism, but you will find that businesses are offering adjustments to the environment and facilities that suit a wide range of conditions and this is great for peace of mind.

You’ll find a wide range of things to do, from relaxed theatre performances to dedicated movie screenings, sensory displays and more.

Don’t miss out on having amazing holiday experiences at these attractions and accommodation providers.

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Hidden Disabilities

Not all disabilities are visible, hidden disabilities account for the majority of disabilities and include conditions including autism, dementia, MS, Chron's and a plethoria of other conditions.

When it comes to going on holiday or staying over night somewhere new, we know it can be incredible stressful and overwhelming for those with hidden disabilities, especially if they have to take medication at certain times or have a stoma for example. New places, new smells and of course, a break in the routine can cause anxiety for everyone and can really affect how they experience their break. Luckily, there are accommodation providers who have had effective training so they are ready to offer a helping hand. Many accommodation providers have ground floor rooms, quiet areas, sensory rooms and rooms that have minimal decoration, so take a look at what is available to you below.

Autism, dementia, anxiety and other sensory conditions

Autism is a hidden disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Because autism is a spectrum, those that have it can react to the world in different ways and no two cases is the same. This means that there isn’t a one fits all approach when it comes to being autism friendly, but you can take steps to make sure that you make your environment as welcoming and friendly as possible.

Autistic people can have difficulty communicating, so having visual symbols or sign language can help while others can easily become overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises and crowds. With the rise in awareness regarding hidden disabilities and conditons such as autism, you’ll find that there are loads of attractions and accommodation providers who are working hard to make sure that they are as autism friendly as possible.

Sunflower Lanyards

One way you can show that you are inclusive is by joining schemes like the Sunflower one, this scheme allows people with hidden disabilities to wear a lanyard which will discreetly indicate that they may need additional time or assistance. Lots of companies all over the UK are part of the scheme, including airports and train companies. You'll find it isn’t just travel companies, attractions and shops are getting involved too.

Speaking of shops, there are a number of shops, malls and other retail outlets offering quiet shopping times where they turn off the music and dim the lights, creating a better environment for visitors with sensory conditions and with incentives such as JAM cards and the Sunflower lanyards becoming more widely used, shopping with hidden disabilities has become so much easier.

Hidden disabilities

By working to make sure that exits are well lit and signposted, that the lighting and sound levels are accessible to all and adding in interactive displays and areas where possible, you’re actually making your business accessible to a whole bunch of people. Those on the autism spectrum or with sensory conditions aren’t the only ones that will benefit, so will those with anxiety disorders, as well as conditions such as dementia.

Want to look at accommodation, suitable for those with hidden disabilities, click here. For attractions that are suitable for people with hidden disabilities, click here.

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Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 9SH

Telephone
01554 741087

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Telephone
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Kingsley Road, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6SU

Telephone
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The Birdbox @ Jack’s Alt-Stays

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College Street, Millport, North Ayrshire, Isle of Cumbrae, KA28 0HE

Telephone
01414881559

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The MAD Museum

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4-5 Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PT

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American Museum and Gardens

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Claverton, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7BD

Telephone
01225 460503

enquiries@americanmuseum.org

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LFC Stadium Tours & Experience

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Liverpool Football Club, Anfield Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L4 0TH

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01513379887

Alison.lamb@liverpoolfc.com

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New Union Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 2PS

Telephone
0247625 2500

wavereception@cvlife.co.uk

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Todsworthy Farm Holidays

Address

Todsworthy Farm, Albaston, Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9AW

Telephone
01822834744

jon@todsworthy.co.uk

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Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH166EU

Telephone
01202 622 022

shop@farmerpalmers.co.uk

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Cardinham Woods

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Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AL

Telephone
01208 76787

Cardinham.rangers@forestryengland.uk

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voco Leicester

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101 Welford Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 7QS

Telephone
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Lincolnshire Wildlife Park

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Dickon Hill Road, Friskney, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 8PP

Telephone
01754 820107

admin@lincswildlife.com

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Lincolnshire Wildlife Park has become a premier attraction for all ages & a great family day out. The park recently became a Dementia and Age Friendly business, to reach out to the local community and open doors to all those wanting to get out in…

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Jersey Kayak Adventures Ltd

Address

La Grande Route De La Cote, St. Clement, Jersey, Channel Isles, JE2 6FW

Telephone
07797853033

info@jerseykayakadventures.co.uk

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Aldingbourne Country Centre

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Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0JP

Telephone
01243 542075

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291 Mare Street, London, London, E8 1EJ

Telephone
020 8985 2424

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Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4PT

Telephone
01308 897317

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