If you're the parent or carer of a child who is disabled or has special needs, planning a family day out isn't always easy, because of the lack of facilities and understanding by certain venues and organisations.

This section of Breakout! aims to offer advice to you. Of course if you have any feedback or information it would be a great help to our users, so please email us.

  • Don't be afraid to ask
    Some venues and attractions are better than others at offering facilities and assistance - so it's probably best to telephone in advance to talk things through that may be helpful for you and your kids on the day. This could include booking a table at the café/restaurant, reserving seats at a special event, access to disabled toilets, booking a guide etc.
  • Proof of identity for free entrance
    Many venues offer free entrance for children with special needs and their carers, so don't forget to take your proof of being a carer. This could include your carers allowance or DLA book or letter. To save time when you arrive, it may be worth ringing in advance to book tickets.
  • Parking
    Some venues offer parking for families with special needs. As this can be limited and may need to be booked in advance, try and call beforehand, so that you can be allocated a space.
  • Toilets
    As your child may need access to changing facilities or disabled loos it's worth checking beforehand that these are easily accessible. Some need a key to get in - and if you don't know this in advance it can be very traumatic - so it's worth knowing the system. Keys are usually available on request from the venue or, for a very small charge, you can get your own key from Radar, who promote the National Key Scheme at www.radar.org.uk
  • Lifts
    If you need a lift to get from floor to floor, check that this is easily accessible. Some venues don't have dedicated customer lifts, but use the service ones, so like toilets, it's worth knowing what the facilities are.
  • Websites
    Do your research beforehand. Most attractions have websites, which can be an excellent source of information and can save you making a phone call.

Useful organisations

Contact a Family
A UK charity that gives information and support to parents of all disabled children. Their unique network enables families to contact one another for advice on any topic – on a local and national basis. For more information visit www.cafamily.org.uk or call 0808 808 3555.
Cantact a family - for families and disabled children

Children with special needs
An online directory with lots of information for parents and carers. It features a list of special needs friendly venues throughout the UK: special-needs-kids.co.uk.

Riding for the Disabled
This UK charity opens up opportunities for children and adults of all abilities to learn horse riding with experienced and professional instructors. There are classes throughout the country. Telephone 024 7669 6510 or visit www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk.

Guiding UK
Suitable for aged 5 to 16, the Girl Guiding organisation integrates hundreds of girls with disabilities and medical conditions into their wide range of activities. Visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or call 0207 834 6242.

The Scouts Association
Hundreds of boys with disabilities or medical conditions are integrated into the Scouts Association throughout the UK. Activities include first aid, knot-tying, map reading and "pack" holidays. Visit www.scouts.org.uk or call 0845 300 1818

Youth International
This charity brings together young people across the world who live with little or no sight. Opportunities include a friends’ network, a magazine featuring information on travel and support - and a variety of events - from adventure weekends, discussion forums and workshops. For more information telephone 0121 428 5038 or visit www.look-uk.org.

NCH
NCH runs more than 500 projects for some of the most vulnerable and excluded children and young people and their families. For more information call 08457 626579 or visit www.nch.org.uk.

NSPCC
NSPCC works to stop cruelty to all children. Its aim is to see a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. It runs 177 community-based projects and the Child Protection Helpline and ChildLine in the UK and the Channel Islands. Call 0808 800 5000 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk.

Scope
Scope works with people with cerebral palsy, their families and carers. It offers advice and runs campaigns, with the aim that all disabled people achieve equality. Call 0808 800 3333 or visit www.scope.org.uk.

Barnados
This UK charity offers a wide range of support services for children, young people and their families – so that children can be free from abuse, poverty and discrimination. Call 020 8550 8822 or visit www.barnardos.org.uk.

Mencap
Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Call 020 7454 0454 or visit www.mencap.org.uk

The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society represents the rights and interests of all people with autism and ensures that they and their families receive quality services that are appropriate for their needs. Call 0845 070 4004 or visit www.nas.org.uk which contains some useful tips for days out.

RNIB
This charity offers information, support and advice to over two million people with sight problems – and their families - in the UK. Call 0845 766 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.

RNID
RNID aims to make daily life better for deaf and hard of hearing people. It does this with campaigns, information, services and support of scientific and technological research.
Call 0808 808 0123, textphone 0808 808 9000 or visit www.rnid.org.uk.

Whizz-kidz
Whizz-kidz provides disabled children with customised mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, to give them independence. Call 020 7233 6600 or visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk.

Transport Contacts

National Rail enquiries
Gives information on the entire UK rail network. It also includes a journey planner and information about special discounts for certain venues. Tel 0845 7484950.

London transport
Gives information on all aspects of travel in London - from trains, buses, tubes and trams. You can plan your journey with their online tool - and there’s information on how accessible stations are. Tel 020 7222 1234

National Express coaches
Offers advice on information on their coach travel network across the UK. They offer a disabled persons travel helpline on 0121 423 8479, a textphone for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing on 0121 455 0086 or for any other enquiries tel 08705 808080