5 Accessible First Date Ideas

Going on a first date is both exciting and terrifying for anyone, but if you have a disability it can be even more stressful. Depending on your disability there are various considerations that may need to be thought about ahead of time. Will the venue have wheelchair access? Will there be provisions for the visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing? Are the employees trained to understand ASD?

Luckily, for disabled singles looking to enjoy a day out with someone special, there are some venues that can be relied upon to be considerate for visitors with disabilities. These are my top 5 accessible first date ideas:

Museums and Galleries

Visiting a museum or a gallery is a classic date. Whether it be the National Portrait Gallery or The Natural History Museum, you are almost 100% guaranteed to find they are mostly accessible. Museums often cater to elderly patrons, so having rentable or borrowable wheelchairs or other mobility aids is usually a hidden feature. There are usually large-print maps, magnifying glasses, enhanced sound and audio guides available. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are usually welcome too.

Zoo or Aquariums

I love animals, so a Zoo or an Aquarium trip will always be on the cards for a date. Zoos and aquariums, like Museums and Galleries, will usually be very accessible with almost complete level access. Some even offer a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants. The accessible path is usually used by all visitors, so you and your date will not be separated from everyone else for very long, if at all, and you can focus on having a really lovely experience with your special someone.

Botanical Gardens

Just like animals, I also love nature in all its forms and Botanical Gardens can make a lovely day out. Looking at Kew Gardens as an example, they offer free entry of essential carers accompanying visitors with a disability as well as registered blind and partially-sighted visitors. The Gardens are largely flat, with tarmac paths in most places. Mobility scooters are available to hire on-site and guide, assistance or service dogs are welcome. Drivers displaying a blue badge can park in the Kew Gardens car park free of charge. I think it’s the little things like this that make people with a disability feel considered, and not just an afterthought.

Casinos

If you’d rather do something a little more exciting on a first date then why not go out to a Casino? Looking at the top Casinos in London, the majority have accessible entry (although sometimes it’s not the main entrance), welcome officially recognised and working assistance dogs, free tickets for an assistance companion, Staff are on hand throughout the venues to offer assistance and those who have difficulty standing or queuing for any length of time are welcome to have early access to the venue and seating can be provided, even for standing shows.

Bowling

There is a wide variety of equipment that helps people with disabilities bowl more easily and without much assistance. Many venues offer disabled access, moveable ramps to access lanes, ramps to aid bowling and disabled toilet facilities. If you or your date gets a bit too competitive there are usually arcade games (one of my top picks for going out with a gamer too) and refreshment options to be at a bowling alley so once you’ve thrashed them on the lanes, you can cool off with a nice drink!