FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Access Guides, Groups & Venues in Surrey
Access groups (made up of disabled people) work with local councils, businesses & organisations to ensure the views of disabled people are represented when access to buildings & the environment is being considered. From October 2004 the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 gives disabled people rights of access.
Access guides are produced mainly by access groups and/or local councils and give useful local information on access to shops, restaurants, leisure facilities etc in a town or area. They may not be available at all times and in all areas.
For access information on shops, hotels, restaurants etc in the UK look at Direct Enquiries. The locations of RADAR toilets can also be found on this website.
If you are planning to hold a meeting or event always check that the venue is suitable & can accommodate the numbers of people expected to attend. Check that, where required, there is adequate parking, that the venue is wheelchair accessible, has an accessible toilet, a loop system & easy-to-read signage. There should be an option for those attending to have information in alternative formats (Braille, audio tape, large print & easy read). British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters may be required to aid communication between deaf and hearing people.
Accessible venues for meetings & other events can be found in all areas of the county. The list below is only a starting point:
- Elmbridge
- Access guide: None available
- Access Group for Elmbridge
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Elmbridge Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Sandown Park Racecourse
- Epsom & Ewell
- Access guide: None available
- Access Group for Epsom & Ewell Contact Pam Foulks c/o DICE 01372 735243
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Epsom & Ewell Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- The Wells Centre
- Bourne Hall
- Epsom Downs Racecourse
- Guildford
- Access guide: Ready end 2007 available from Guildford Borough Council
- Access Group for Guildford: subides@guildford.gov.uk
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Guildford Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Mole Valley
- Access guide: None available
- Access Group for Mole Valley
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Mole Valley District Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Reigate & Banstead
- Access guide: None available
- Access Group for Reigate & Banstead: Reigate & Banstead Access Forum contact Barry Samuels 01737 243308
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Reigate & Banstead Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Holy Trinity Church, Redhill
- Redhill Methodist Centre
- Runnymede
- Access guide: None available
- Access Group for Runnymede
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Runnymede Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- The Jurgens Centre, Egham
- Spelthorne
- Access guide: One guide to Staines available from SCAN
- Access Group for Spelthorne
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Spelthorne Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Surrey Heath
- Access guide: None available
- Access Group for Surrey Heath: DASH (Disability Access Surrey Heath), contact Disability Initiative.
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Surrey Heath Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Camberley Theatre
- Tandridge
- Access guide: Guides for Caterham & SW Tandridge. Warlingham & Whyteleafe are due in March 2007.
- Access Group for Tandridge
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Tandridge District Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Waverley
- Access guide: One guide for Godalming, Milford & Farncombe available from DisCASS.
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Waverley Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Godalming Baptist Church
- Woking
- Access guide: One guide for Woking available from WIDE or Woking Borough Council. Also see DisabledGo - Woking.
- Access Group for Woking: contact WIDE.
- Accessible venues in the area:
- Woking Borough Council - search online for venues available for hire in the area
- Maybury Centre
- HG Wells Centre
Communication support
Surrey Interpreting Agency provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters to aid communication between deaf and hearing people, as well as note takers, lip speakers & communication support workers. There is a charge for this service.
Scan Audio, 01737 778620, hire loop systems for which there is a charge.
SAVI & RNIB Redhill, 01737 378570, have Braille transcription and audiotape transcription services for which there is a charge.
+ Additional Information: Everyday life and access
More information on living with a disability in Surrey can be found at www.askenid.org.uk and in the leaflet Information for You available from SID (Social Information on Disability), 0800 0439395.