Sheffield Theaters Awarded Credability Quality Mark

17th July 2015

Sheffield Theatres is delighted to have been awarded CredAble Access accreditation in recognition of its commitment to offering disabled patrons a positive, tailored experience of seeing shows in its theatres.

Both the Crucible and Lyceum Theatres have met the core standards for disabled people in terms of accessibility and the ease with which services and facilities can be utilised. Sheffield Theatres is now part of the Access Card scheme. There a limited number of CredAbility Access cards available to people living in Sheffield for free (usually £15 for 3 years). Card holders' specific requirements are contained within a secure central database, and their specific access needs are identified on the card itself, which reduces the need to repeat their requirements every time they are making a booking. The CredAbility Quality Assurance Scheme, developed by Derby-based Nimbus Disability Consultancy in conjunction with disabled people, supports businesses across a number of sectors (including the University of Derby, Academy Music Group and Live Nation) in providing a quality experience for their customers. Its purpose is to both acknowledge and reward good practice, but also to use that information to promote those services directly to disabled people. Dan Bates, Sheffield Theatres' Chief Executive commented: 'We are very proud to have gained CredAble Access status. We want more people everyone - to come to the Theatres and to make that possible we know it's vitally important to offer great, accessible services and facilities. Both our buildings have been refurbished in the last six years and accessibility to everyone has been paramount in both projects. We've also developed a great programme of accessible performances including audio described, captioned and relaxed performances. By displaying the accreditation, our customers will know that we are committed to quality for disabled people.' Martin Austin, Managing Director of Nimbus added; 'We're really pleased to welcome Sheffield Theatres on board, as this will make a fantastic contribution to the wider 'Accessible Sheffield' venture that we're delivering in partnership with Disability Sheffield. 'Accessible Sheffield' aims to improve the ability for Sheffield many thousands of disabled people, enabling them to access a broad range of mainstream activities and we see Sheffield Theatres as being a crucial cog in that machine' For further details about CredAbility and the Access Card Scheme visit http://www.nimbusdisability.com/quality-mark/ or http://www.accesscard.org.uk/