An access rider is a document which disabled people can create and share to provide information about their access needs. It will provide all the necessary information to ensure the receiving party can take the actions required.
Anyone can write or provide an access rider to their employer or co-workers, but they are frequently written and shared by disabled, D/deaf or neurodivergent people.
They can be shared at any time. Some people choose to send them when initially applying for a job but others may send after having been hired or simply when they find out about access riders. You can also send one or an updated version when and if your access requirements change.
They are a clear way to formally lay out access needs without the individual having to repetitively communicate them to people. It can serve as a complete document or reference and sets out the best ways to support someone you are working with.
It is good practice to begin the conversation as an employer, if you are asking all your employees for their access needs it removes the stigma when some want to share. It will also create a more welcoming and likely more productive workspace for everyone!
When you receive the document the first thing to do is read through it, you should make sure that you understand what all of the individuals requirements are. If there are any parts which you're confused about, you should ask the person who sent the rider to you for clarification.
When you receive the rider you should read it thoroughly and make sure that you fully understand all the needs listed by the individual. If you have any questions it is good to reach out to the individual or their support worker, preferred contact details will likely be listed on the document itself. Similarly you can do further research by looking at recognised charities or the gov.uk website for more information about your responsibilities and the best ways to support someone.
It’s up to you! You are allowed to create and share as long or short of a document as you want, and therefore if you have any access needs at all you can ask for them.
As an employer you can create and share a template if you wish, though you should also accept access riders in other formats, to most easily allow the individual to communicate their needs.
Check there is no further danger to yourself or the individual.
If someone is unconscious but breathing you should put them in the recovery position.
If someone is unconscious and not breathing you should start CPR immediately and phone 999.
If necessary, dial 999 for an ambulance.
You will be asked your telephone number, your location, a brief description of the individual and their state (eg bleeding, unconscious, not breathing)
Carry out basic first aid where required
Once the situation is stable, or when you can ask someone else to, you should contact the individual’s emergency contacts.
Further Reading on Access Riders
While some of this sites information is specific to heritage sites, a lot is transferrable to many industries. There is information about access riders and how to make them as well as reccomendations for supporting and offering access riders.
This site provides information about how to write an access rider and FAQs, as well as an alternative document template.
For Employers
UK Government Reasonable Adjustments Information Your employer, by law, is required to make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure workers with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.
It is also worth noting some of these charities who may be able to provide further support or reading for specific access requirements. Links for many different charities can be found below:
