Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Wandsworth introduces free accessibility guides to help residents and visitors with disabilities navigate libraries, leisure centres, and public venues.
To create Detailed Access Guides for the borough, the council has partnered with AccessAble. With the help of these guides, residents and guests with disabilities can enjoy more than 150 local attractions with increased self-assurance and freedom.
Families with buggies and other individuals with mobility and access challenges can also benefit from the Detailed Access Guides.
People can use the guides to locate step-free access, automated doors, accessible restrooms, on-site parking, and much more.
Measurements and photos, including huge 360-degree photos, are included, and they may be searched by location, venue type, accessibility criterion, and other filters on the internet.
Deputy council leader Kemi Akinola Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: said:
“We proud to have commissioned AccessAble to create these guides to make Wandsworth a more accessible and welcoming place for everyone – especially as we celebrate our year as London Borough of Culture 2025. These guides remove uncertainty and empower people to make informed choices about where they go and how they get there.”
A launch event presented the Detailed Access Guides and asked for feedback from members of local voluntary groups supporting people with disabilities. Amardeep Gill from Disability Sports Coach, which supports people with disabilities to take part in sport, said:
“The Access Able guides are a fantastic initiative to help break down barriers for disabled people to feel part of the local community.”
Tony Boden, from Generate, a group that supports people with learning disabilities, said:
“AcessAble is a wonderful idea. It will really help people try a new venue because they can find out if it’s accessible or not.”
Access Able Director, David Livermore said:
“We are thrilled to work in partnership with Wandsworth Council to launch Detailed Access Guides to some of the key venues across the borough. This crucial information will enhance the experience of the many disabled residents and visitors who will be taking part in the various activities planned through the London Borough of Culture year.
Acting as a legacy, these guides will remain live after the events have passed to ensure disabled people continue to benefit. The AccessAble programme has already supported 6.2 million people nationwide in the last 12 months and it is exciting to see these wonderful venues of Wandsworth as a part of this transformational programme.”
How will the guides improve access for families with buggies and mobility issues?
The new Detailed Access Guides in Wandsworth will improve access for families with buggies and mobility issues by providing comprehensive, detailed information about accessibility features of public buildings such as libraries, leisure centres, and entertainment venues.
These guides include specifics on step-free access, automatic doors, accessible toilets, parking, and physical layout details, helping families plan visits that accommodate their needs comfortably and independently.
For families with buggies and mobility challenges, knowing about features like ramps, lifts, wide doorways, and available seating in advance reduces barriers and uncertainties, making outings smoother and less stressful. The guides’ inclusion of measurements, photos, and 360-degree images supports informed decisions on whether a venue can accommodate strollers or wheelchairs.