Theatre lover becomes latest accessibility scheme ambassador

A theatre fan has become the latest ambassador of a scheme developed by Nimbus Disability to make it easier for disabled people to visit attractions.

Emma Watts, 34, from Sunderland, who regularly enjoys trips to West End theatres, has been officially recognised as an ambassador for the Access Card scheme.

Emma lives with ADHD, Fibromyalgia and Chiari Malformation, which means she now relies on the use of a motorised scooter and needs to be accompanied when venturing out.

Despite this, her passion is going to the theatre with the support of an essential companion, and she says that having the Access Card is an important part of her life and independence.

Emma is now the official Access Card Ambassador for theatres and her views and experiences of using the Access Card is now available for others to see online.

The Access Card is the first accessible ticketing scheme of its type in the world – offering a universal and consistent way for disabled people to evidence and communicate their needs to providers quickly and discreetly.

Recognised with The Queen’s Award for Innovation, it is now held by more than 350,000 people across the UK and is recognised by more than 1,600 venues and events across the world who offer accessible tickets.

It has been developed and is managed by Nimbus, the Derby-based social enterprise B2B consultancy, which is run by disabled people for disabled people.

Emma said: “I love the Access Card and it is as important to me as my scooter.

“Planning even the most simple of trips can be worrying but the Access Card has made life so much easier.

“I particularly like that the Nimbus staff understand and have lived experience themselves of what accessibility issues people like me face.

“It is good to know that the venue already recognises what accessibility issues I have by booking and quoting the Access Card and that there will be someone on hand to support me if I need it during my visit.”

Martin Austin MBE, managing director of Nimbus Disability, said: “Ultimately our operating system lessens the administrative burden on disabled people at the same time as opening up equality of access to online ticketing solutions from West End theatres to theme parks.

“We are delighted to welcome Emma onboard as our Access Card Ambassador for theatre.

“Through the ambassador programme, we want to empower our Access Card holders to highlight the benefits and give them a platform to share their lived experience with the growing number of providers and venues who work with us to improve accessibility for disabled people.”

To watch a video in which Emma explains how she uses the Access Card visit https://www.accesscard.online/news/2024-03-26-theatre-goer-becomes-latest-access-card-ambassador/ .