The Euan's Guide Access Survey 2024
Supported by the Motability Scheme
The Reality of Accessibility Today
Large Print Version
Results Published February 2025
Contents
Introduction
Access matters. It’s the difference between inclusion and exclusion. Every year, Euan’s Guide, the UK’s leading disabled access charity, asks disabled people, their friends, families, and carers to share their real experiences of accessibility in the Euan’s Guide Access Survey, supported by the Motability Scheme.
In 2024, over 6,500 people took part in the survey, making it the UK’s largest and longest-running of its kind.
“It contributes in part to why I am so isolated and so restricted in what I can achieve... Then trying to get out and about in a world which just doesn't recognise your type of disability is extremely difficult.”
“The lack of access has a daily impact on us socially and in our work... It has made us nervous to try new places and leads to frustration and upset that can have lasting effects as well as making us feel more disabled and less empowered.”
Now in its tenth year, the Euan’s Guide Access Survey highlights what’s working — and what’s failing. It exposes real-world barriers, tracks progress, and reveals the impact of policies, attitudes, and design choices.
In 2024, the survey included new questions on representation and attitudes for the first time — revealing that 57% of respondents felt disabled people are not fairly represented across the media.
From transport to entertainment and dining, barriers for disabled people remain in 2025.
Disabled Access Information
Unnecessary stress and anxiety are caused by poor or non-existent disabled access information and can lead to isolation. Before heading out to meet a friend for coffee, go to the supermarket, or attend a hospital appointment, disabled people have to ask further questions:
Will there be a ramp? Is the toilet usable? Will I be turned away at the door? Should I just not bother?
When access information is missing or unclear, it stops disabled people from enjoying the same experiences as everyone else.
- 62% of respondents avoid going to a venue if it hasn’t shared its disabled access information.
- 77% found a venue’s website misleading, confusing, or inaccurate.
“The lack of ready information has impacted my quality of life. I choose to stay at home rather than chance a difficult and painful journey or outing which makes me feel unable to maintain my independence and dignity.”
Travel and Transport
Transport is essential for disabled people to work, socialise, and be part of their communities. Yet many still face barriers — from broken lifts to buses without working ramps.
- 81% reported that a lack of access has negatively impacted their travel.
- 43% said poor attitudes make travel harder.
Impact of inaccessible public transport:
- Commuting – 41%
- Going on holiday – 59%
- Work/Volunteering – 22%
- Training/Education – 15%
- Socialising – 72%
“I had an experience on the train where I needed help getting on... For the second, I was directed outside to a bus with no support. At that point, I was in tears and asked to be put on the next train back home.”
Accessible Toilets
Finding a safe and accessible toilet can make or break a day out. Yet too often, disabled people find toilets locked, dirty, or simply not usable.
Accessible toilets aren’t a luxury — they’re a basic right.
- 73% encountered an accessible toilet they couldn’t use.
- 77% avoided going somewhere because they couldn’t find toilet information.
“Changing Place toilets are so hard to find... It’s awful because if every human couldn’t go to a toilet all day there would be mayhem... It’s a basic human need.”
Why We Do What We Do
This report is more than data — it’s a call to action. Disabled people deserve more than promises; they deserve inclusion and action.
Conclusion
The 2024 Euan’s Guide Access Survey makes one thing clear: lack of access information continues to exclude disabled people from everyday life.
Euan’s Guide is calling on the public, businesses, policymakers, and local authorities to improve access information and facilities now.
Change is possible — and everyone has a role to play.
You can be part of the solution:
- Submit a review on EuansGuide.com
- Encourage businesses to list their venues for free on Euan’s Guide
- Share your experiences to help others plan visits with confidence
Real Stories, Real Struggles
“It sucks, people look at you and think you're a waste of space.”
“I feel like a second-class citizen.”
“It’s easier to just not go out.”
“I avoid public transport as I’ve been left behind too many times.”
These powerful stories show the daily barriers that still exist in 2025 — from inaccessible venues to a lack of understanding.
About Euan’s Guide
Euan’s Guide is the award-winning disabled access charity best known for EuansGuide.com, the disabled access review website with thousands of reviews written by disabled people for disabled people.
Euan’s Guide also:
- Makes tens of thousands of accessible toilets safer through the Red Cord Card scheme
- Amplifies the voices of disabled people via the UK’s largest and longest-running Access Survey
“Accessibility should be a right, not a privilege.”
— Kiki MacDonald, Co-Founder, Euan’s Guide
Follow us on social media @EuansGuide
About the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme supports disabled people to achieve greater independence by providing access to affordable, worry-free mobility.
They lease cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), scooters, and powered wheelchairs in exchange for a customer’s mobility allowance.
- Over 815,000 customers benefit from the scheme
- All profits are reinvested for the benefit of customers
Learn more at motability.co.uk
Acknowledgements
Euan’s Guide would like to thank:
- The 2024 Access Survey respondents and supporters
- The Motability Scheme for sponsorship
- Wood Mackenzie for data processing the results