Dr. Gerald Craddock:

One of the key things we found, again, from engaging with diverse end users, is that of reliable pre-visit information. I have many friends with disabilities with whom I go away for weekends. We may check into a hotel that states on its website it is fully accessible but when we arrive, there are two or three steps to get into the hotel. Pre-visit information that is reliable is needed so that people can plan their journey. We find it is not only about getting there but getting back on public transport. It may be quite easy to get to a location on some of the transport services, but getting home from that location can be very difficult, as regards the timing of buses and trains. We have heard a lot about train stations and particularly the lifts not working. The Deputy asked for one thing - pre-visit information is critical in order for people to plan.

The key issue for people who are autistic is whether there are quiet times when people can visit locations. We see a lot of that now with supermarkets, where there is a quiet time to shop. That is not only for autistic people. In the local supermarkets where I live, older people also use that quiet time to do their shopping.

The main issue is pre-visit information that is reliable and, of course, accessible. A key part of our work is making sure online information is fully accessible and understandable.