Chris Packham: People like me with 'invisible disabilities' can have a less anxious day out

Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham knows only too well the moments of anxiety that a day out somewhere new can bring to someone with an "invisible" disability like autism.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, he finds social situations challenging. That is why he is championing the new ‘2018 Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’ - which for the first time includes autism-friendly attractions among the venues approved by people with disabilities.

“From personal experience, I know that many people face particular barriers to enjoying a day out", says Chris Packham, who has written a foreward to the guide.

'Avoiding conflict'

One of over 700,000 people with autism in the UK, he has spoken about experiencing the world in a different way from others, with heightened senses that can be overwhelming, and a mind racing from one subject to the next.

“For me, sensory overload is a constant distraction and that’s one element of living with Asperger’s that impacts me when trying to plan a day out.

“Myself, for instance. When I’m planning a day out, I like to ensure that I’m going to avoid conflict of any kind. Any sort of conflict; parking, too busy in the restaurant, generates anxiety and of course if you’re anxious you can’t enjoy a great day out."

The guide describes Britain’s most ‘inclusive’ venues for people - whatever their disability - including those with hidden conditions not easy to spot such as autism or mental illness.

He says: "All the work’s gone in to putting information there which is useful for people with cognitive conditions; those invisible disabilities."

As well as details of ramps, accessible toilets and parking spaces, the guide lists whether a venue has ‘quiet mornings’ to let people avoid busy crowds, disability-friendly queuing arrangements, and quiet rooms for people to sit and relax in.

All reviews are written by someone with a disability or by a friend or family member who has visited the location with a disabled person. The TV presenter describes such thorough checks by reviewers as "implicitly important” as “it means we can trust these reviews completely”.

There are more than 180 reviews of venues in the guide, including 171 cafes and restaurants, 34 museums, 14 beaches or coastal attractions, four major sports venues and a skydiving attraction.

Paralympian left in tears when asked to prove disability

By removing the barriers preventing many people from taking day trips, Chris Packham says those with a physical, mental or cognitive condition can "critically know what to expect when you get there".

Ignorance about someone’s disability is something many people face on a daily basis when they venture outdoors; even those who are famous for their achievements.

Recently a Paralympian sprinter, born with cerebral palsy, spoke out on Twitter about being left in tears when she was denied help by EasyJet staff on a flight and asked to prove her disability.

Sophia Warner is a Channel 4 sports reporter, who ran for her country in the T35 100m and 200m sprint and was also on the T35-38 women's relay team for Great Britain.

Her condition affects the mobility in her legs and her left arm, so she asked for assistance from airline staff on a recent flight. Ms Warner said she was left shocked with the reaction she received from staff who she says told her she "looks completely normal".

The Rough Guide includes whether venues offer specific assistance from staff for people with 'hidden' conditions and has drawn on advice from the National Autistic Society, to highlighting imaginative solutions to venue challenges.

iFly indoor skydiving is one of the attractions listed in the guide with staff available to help people with a range of different disabilities to experience the thrill of freefall in an indoor centre.

‘Quiet, peaceful nooks’

In the 2018 edition, 30 more venues have been added including Windsor Castle, RSPB Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire and Monkey World.

Chris Packham knows much of Britain has a long way to go to make its venues accessible. He also believes “there’s no doubt at all that in the last 10-15 years there’s been enormous positive changes when it comes to various venues like this making themselves accessible to absolutely everyone.”

In Prime Minister's Questions on 28 March, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn took the time to wish everyone Easter greetings before raising the fact it was World Autism Awareness Week. With almost all MPs, including the Prime Minister, sporting purple badges in aid of World Autism Awareness Week, Mr Corbin went on to ask Theresa May questions focused on what she would do to improve the quality of life for autistic people and those with mental health conditions.

Highlighting how the 2018 guide gives many hoping to venture outdoors the chance to see attractions during the Easter break, Mr Packham praised Andover's Hawk Conservancy Trust, listed in the guide. “You’ve got all of this wide, open, green space here and it’s also got lovely gardens; lots of quiet and peaceful nooks. Best of all you can get up close and personal to the wildlife.”

Mr Packham is looking forward to checking out the venues himself with his "best friend"; his poodle Scratchy, who he has become reliant on, as he lives alone in a cottage in the woods. “I love Scratchy more than anything else in the world”, he has publicly stated.

To make up for his own struggle to mix socially which he describes as “social failings” and his wish to get away from the challenges of crowded venues, he feels confident that Scratchy and his own copy of the guide will help him relax and enjoy more of Britain's attractions.

The ‘2018 Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’ is available to download for free at: accessibleguide.co.uk