Disabled Access

Posted by: Zelah Vincent
Date: 11/07/2009

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Generally walking around the ship was lovely, the lifts were easy to find and the walk ways were wide enough for my chair.

However at every turn my carer and I encountered door after door and it got to the point where people had to help us open the door. It would never be possible for me to visit the ship independantly as I would be unable to negotiate all the doors. In particular the lift doors and the double doors off the top deck, on our way out we realised that once inside the first door, we were unable to open the next door without going back outside again! Very frustrating!

I am also confused as to why I was charged a standard adult rate, when I would be unable to roam as freely as everyone else?

Fortunately the cafe was very easy to get into and we ordered our food, the member of staff who served us offered to carry our food over and the table, the cafe manager (Dawn) came and asked us if we found the cafe accessible and if we had any suggestions to improve the service. I suggested that the menus and prices were easier to read and were put up at a height wheel chair users could see.

I look forward to your response in relation to the problems I encountered today.

However an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable day.


ss Great Britain's response:

Dear Zelah,

Thank you for your visitor review and for taking the time to tell me about your visit to Brunel’s ss Great Britain. I am glad you enjoyed walking around the ship and that the lifts were easy to find. It is also pleasing to read that you found the walkways on site wide enough for your chair as great care has been given into making the ship accessible. The ss Great Britain is one of the most accessible historic ships in the world.

I am sorry that you were frustrated by the number of doors you encountered through your visit. I have accompanied wheelchair users around the site so know that the number of doors can be difficult. The double doors in the museum were fitted earlier this year to improve conditions for the collection on display within the museum. I appreciate that these doors are difficult to manoeuvre around but alterations to historic buildings are always problematic.

The first door on the top deck opens automatically; perhaps this was not the case when you visited. It is currently working. The double doors are necessary to give an authentic and weather-proof front on to the ship and the interior door is part of the lift itself.

The ss Great Britain Trust consulted with a local group of disabled people when reviewing the ticket prices earlier this year. Although the Trust charges the standard adult rate for people with disabilities it is hoped the complimentary day tickets for assistants go some way to providing a concession.

I am also glad that you also found access to and within the café very easy. As you are aware the café manager is very keen to receive feedback and ideas to further improve access for visitors with disabilities. The accessibility of the café menu is currently in review and I have been advised by the RNIB and Action for Blind People. Copies of the menu are available from members of staff.

I agree that the menus need to be at a level accessible at a height wheelchairs can see. All the menus will be situated at a suitable level for people using wheelchairs- both inside and outside of the café. I hope that you will be able to visit again and enjoy the improved service.

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