AccessIndex

AccessIndex is a short questionnaire from our website partner DestinationCore inviting you to complete a set of questions around the accessibility features that your business offers to your customers. It forms as part of a project from VisitEngland to help you share accessible and up to date information.

VisitEngland has developed a set of Key Accessibility Features - a clear, consistent way for businesses to describe the accessibility of their venue, so visitors with accessibility needs can find accurate information and make informed choices about where to stay, eat, and visit.

AccessIndex is how we're bringing this to life locally. It's a tailored questionnaire and data system, built in partnership between DestinationCore and VisitEngland, that helps us showcase the accessibility features on offer across our businesses and attractions.

What you'll be asked to do

If you have a business, attraction or accommodation listing on NewcastleGateshead.com, you'll receive a short questionnaire tailored to your type of business (e.g. accommodation, attractions, food & drink). The questions are based on the VisitEngland KAF framework, so you're simply describing what you already offer, there's no jargon or technical knowledge required.

Each question is written so you only need to tick a box if you can answer yes. If a feature doesn't apply to your business, just leave it blank. There's nothing else to fill in.

If you'd like a hand getting started, there's a step-by-step guide to completing an AccessIndex questionnaire here: https://destinationcore.com/completing-an-accessindex-questionnaire

What happens after you complete it

Once you submit your questionnaire, you'll receive a confirmation email summarising your responses, along with guidance on how to describe your accessibility features clearly and accurately to visitors. Your answers will also automatically update the accessibility features listed on your business profile on our visit website, there's nothing further you need to do.

This also creates your account, so you can log back in at any time to review or update your answers. For example, if you make accessibility improvements or want to add more detail. We'll also send the occasional reminder email to encourage you to keep your information up to date.

Accessibility information is a direct driver of bookings, according to AccessAble You and Yours Survey 2023/324 you can see the significance of communicating accessibility as part of the visitor journey:

• 87% of disabled people and carers check a venue's website first
• 95% of visitors check accessibility information before going somewhere new
• 96% claim advance access information makes them more likely to visit
• 77% of visitors have skipped a venue because they couldn't find accessible information ahead of their visit
• £17.1bn is the combined spending power lost from visitors with access requirements who click away from inaccessible sites

• 63% of accommodation providers with good accessibility, don't promote it. This is known as 'purple-hushing'.

  Reviewing and updating your accessibility information regularly builds trust and long-term benefits your business. Clearly stating your offer, allows your visitor the autonomy to choose if your experience is the right fit for them.