Accessibility is about designing and creating environments, products, services and information that allows everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, to access them.
In Jersey, we believe that warm welcomes should have no limit. By making our island – and our businesses – more accessible, we open the door for more visitors to share the magic of our shores, our culture and our community.
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance or checklists – it’s about creating spaces and experiences where every guest feels valued, comfortable and free to explore. Whether it’s offering clear information, adapting your facilities or simply understanding the diverse needs of your visitors, every step you take makes a meaningful difference.
Why is accessibility important?
An estimated 16.1 million people in the UK are living with a disability.
The disability community – families with a person with a disability represent 1/3 of the world population.
In the UK 17% of people with disabilities are born with their condition. 83% acquire their disability in their lifetime.
80% of disabilities are invisible therefore you cannot assume that someone does not have a disability simply by looking at them.
Only 8% of people with disabilities are wheelchair users. Accessibility considerations must go beyond ramps and lifts.
Disabled households in the UK have a combined spending power of £446 billion pounds per year, however only 75% of disabled consumers report leaving a business due to poor accessibility.
Top 10 tips for your business
Making your business more accessible doesn’t have to be complicated – it starts with small, thoughtful changes that make a big difference. Whether you run a hotel, café, attraction or tour, here are 10 top tips that you can take to help every visitor feel welcome.
- Ask, don’t assume – it’s more respectful to ask a person with a disability if they need help and how you could help them, rather than assuming they need it.
- Follow the 6 second rule – Give someone time to process and respond, especially when speaking with neurodivergent individuals.
- Speak directly to the disabled person, not to their companion – Ignoring them and talking to their companion instead can make them feel pushed aside, as if their voice doesn’t matter.
- Be prepared to slow down and repeat instructions – This approach ensures they have ample time to understand and process the information. If necessary, break down complex instructions into smaller, manageable steps.
- Always announce yourself before touching or assisting a blind person – When you notice a blind person who may need assistance, ask if they’d like to take your arm, and guide them by lightly touching their elbow, never grab their arm or hand.
- Avoid distracting guide/service dogs – Walk on the opposite side to the guide dog to avoid disrupting its work. Never pet or distract the dog while it’s working. To support safe navigation, you can also describe their surroundings clearly including any obstacles.
- Bring yourself to eye level – When talking with someone who uses a wheelchair or is short in stature, being at eye level helps create a more inclusive, comfortable interaction. You can sit or kneel, depending on what feels appropriate.
- Be mindful of sensory sensitivities in shared spaces – Neurodivergent individuals can be sensitive to things like bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells; even if they don’t bother you, it’s considerate to check before introducing these stimuli into shared spaces.
- Make sure all your communications are accessible – Use clear, simple language, easily readable fonts, good colour contrast and add ALT text to images for screen readers. In meetings, offer captions or sign language if needed and share accessible files.
- Nothing about us, without us – Ensure that individuals with a disability are actively included in the decision–making process. Especially around matters that concern or impact them or their disability. This means seeking their input, listening to their perspectives and valuing their contributions.
Purple Tuesday
Purple Tuesday is a global leader in disability inclusion and accessibility services, recognised as an expert partner for organisations striving to become truly inclusive. As a trusted strategic adviser, Purple Tuesday works closely with businesses to assess and enhance their people, policies and places. The initiative champions accessibility advancements that improve the customer experience for disabled people, while raising awareness of the immense commercial and social value of the disability market.
By connecting organisations with their disabled customers and sharing best practices, Purple Tuesday empowers leaders across industries to create a world that’s more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.
Purple Tuesday Global Celebration Day is the annual highlight of the movement – a moment to shine a light on the remarkable accessibility improvements made by organisations worldwide. It celebrates the positive impact these changes have on the lives of disabled customers, while inspiring others through shared success stories and best practice. To take part, organisations commit to implementing at least one new accessibility improvement each year – a tangible step towards lasting inclusion. Each November, these efforts are proudly recognised and celebrated, uniting brands and the disability community in a global movement for a more accessible and equitable world.
Get involved with Purple Tuesday
Accessible Toolkit
Discover our accessibility toolkit that can help guide you through every stage of your visitor’s journey – from first enquiry to fond farewell. Discover practical ways to make travel smoother, stays more comfortable and experiences more inclusive, so every guest feels welcome from arrival to home.
Jersey Disability Strategy
The Jersey Disability Strategy provides a single focus for change to improve the lives of islanders and visitors to Jersey. Combined with the introduction of Disability Discrimination Legislation, the strategy aims to become a powerful tool to promote equality, and work towards the elimination of discrimination.
Accessible holidays in Jersey
At Visit Jersey, we have a dedicated Accessible Holidays in Jersey page, designed to help visitors discover accessible experiences, places to stay, eat, drink and explore – all in one place. It’s a great resource for you and your team to use when supporting customers with accessibility needs, helping them plan their trip with confidence. The page also features our four Accessibility Guides, offering detailed insights into the island’s product landscape and all relevant contact information. It’s the perfect place to direct visitors looking for inclusive, welcoming ways to experience the very best of Jersey.
