The Access Card is created by disability social enterprise Nimbus and therefore is sometimes referred to as the Nimbus Access Card. It is a disability identification card designed to easily communicate and verify your access requirements for a variety of events and venues.
The card is the same size as a regular credit card and shows your photograph, your card number, and a series of small symbols to represent your needs. When applying for the card you are required to show relevant evidence of your needs. Therefore the cards acts to both communicate the type of adaptations you require and minimise your need to carry around paperwork to prove your needs.
The Access Card can either be presented to staff in person at the venue or the number can be used online when booking tickets.
Symbols
There are nine symbols that can appear on the Access Card. They are as follows:
The Visual Information symbol shows that you find accessing visual information a barrier and may require alternative formats or guidance.
The Audible Information symbol is for people who have difficulty accessing or processing audible information.
The Assistance Dog Symbol proves you have official documentation stating your dog has gone through training to be able to support you at events and venues. This is unlikely to include emotional support animals.
The Essential Companions symbol is for people for whom it would be significantly difficult to access services without support from another person. It may mean an essential companion ticket, or it may mean a provider will offer additional support from their own staff.
The Level Access symbol is for people who require level access as they are unable to make it up steps.
The Distance symbol shows that you may have difficulty moving yourself more than short distances.
The Standing and Queuing symbol is for people who find standing or queuing a substantial barrier to accessing services.
The Urgent Toilet Needs symbol is for people with continence issues, providers are made aware that this means they must provide urgent access to any toilet without question.
Finally the Miscellaneous symbol is for everything else. It encourages providers to seek more information directly from you about how they might be able to support any needs not covered by the other symbols.
Providers
The Access Card is not currently required or accepted as proof of disability at all venues however their list of partner providers has been steadily growing since the card was first made available in 2016. Below is a list of some local venues and festivals which are listed as Access Card providers. For the full list of providers and additional accessibility information visit the Access Card website here or inquire directly with the venue.
- Banham Zoo
- BeWilderwood Norfolk
- Cinema City Norwich
- Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
- Hollywood Bowl Norwich
- Snetterton Circuit
- Marina Leisure Centre Great Yarmouth
- Norwich Theatre Royal
- Odeon Norwich
- Phoenix Events East
- Roarr!
- Speedway King’s Lynn
- Sundown Festival
- The Bug Parc
- The UEA LCR
- The Waterfront
- Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
- Vue Cinema Norwich
- BP Connect Stores
Cost and Application
The cards currently cost £15 for 3 years. The application process is available either online or in paper format. As part of the application you will also have to upload or post the required proof of your disability, benefit status and a photograph. If you struggle to complete the form the help desk can assist to complete the form over the phone but all documents of proof would still need to be forwarded to them. Vision Norfolk’s Community Outreach team can also provide advice and support on paperwork and local support. Contact Vision Norfolk by calling 01603 573000.
More information and a full list of partner providers can be found on the Access Card website at www.accesscard.online or you can call the Access Card team at 0330 808 5108.
