Leeds attractions to host exciting events for Disabled Access Day

Attractions across Leeds will be encouraging disabled people in the city to visit somewhere new this weekend on Disabled Access Day 2016.

Taking place on March 12, the annual event will see some of Leeds's most popular sites hosting activities designed for disabled people and their families to try.

Disabled Access Day is a national initiative for disabled people, their families, friends and carers, and is geared towards giving them the opportunity to get out and try something new.

Leeds City Museum will be hosting the official launch event, with information stands and have a go activities throughout the day.

The museum will play host to a pop up sensory room, tours, including touch tours and British Sign Language tours, handling sessions and have a go disability sports sessions.

Youngsters can try a tactile craft session based on themes from the museum and can experience the museum with a multi-sensory backpack.

Lotherton Hall, the stunning Edwardian house and country estate in Aberford, will be holding activities throughout the day including tours featuring British Sign Language interpretation, handling sessions and crafts.

Tropical World at Roundhay Park will be offering early free entry for disabled people on the day, which needs to be booked in advance.

The John Charles Centre for Sport will be offering people the opportunity to try out adapted cycling on the outdoor athletics track.

And at Leeds Grand Theatre, Northern Ballet will be putting on an audio described performance of the classic ballet Swan Lake, with a workshop lead by the dancers and audio describer before the show, followed by a touch tour, where people can learn more about the show through touching costume and props.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Disabled Access Day gives us a fabulous opportunity to celebrate and recognise what an inclusive city we live in and to highlight just some of the many opportunities disabled people in Leeds can take advantage of.

“It’s also a chance to encourage those people to try something new and pay some of our much-loved attractions a visit.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adults, added:

“It’s our ambition for Leeds to be a city that people of all ages can enjoy, regardless of the physical, mental or sensory challenges they face, and Disabled Access Day gives us a chance to show how far we have come in accomplishing that goal.

“By highlighting some of the venues and organisations that are already making accessibility a priority, we can hopefully inspire others to follow their example and expand the city’s already excellent network of places that disabled people can visit and enjoy.”

Euan MacDonald, co-founder of the disabled access reviews website EuansGuide.com, said: “There are so many great venues across Leeds. Disabled Access Day is not only a chance to promote accessibility, but highlight the value to businesses in catering for disabled people and their family, friends and carers.”

Further information on Leeds City Councils celebrations visit www.leeds.gov.uk/disabledaccessday

For city wide events go to http://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/disabled-access-day-leeds or www.disabledaccessday.com

Other events are taking place at the city’s libraries, Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre and White Rose Shopping Centre.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk