Celebrating Purple Tuesday: Our Commitment to Accessibility
Today, 4th November, marks Purple Tuesday, a global initiative encouraging organisations to recognise, understand, and take meaningful action to improve accessibility for all.
At the Rare Breeds Centre, we’re proud to support this movement and to highlight the steps we’re taking to make both our website and farm more inclusive, reflecting our ongoing commitment to our mission and vision.
A More Accessible Website
We’ve been working hard to make sure our website is as accessible as possible for everyone! We’re delighted to now offer the Recite Me Assistive Toolbar, which helps make our website inclusive and easy to use for a wide variety of special needs.
This handy tool allows you to customise your online experience by:
- Adjusting text size, colours, and fonts
- Using a screen reader or reading aids
- Translating content into multiple languages
The toolbar helps individuals enjoy an online experience that works for them, including those who are neurodivergent, visually impaired, speak English as a second language, or anyone who needs a more tailored online experience.
Improving Accessibility on the Farm
Accessibility is just as important across the farm. In November 2023 we obtained funding for an accessible trailer, allowing one wheelchair user to enjoy a tour of the farm on each trip. Our next step was to welcome the team from Accessible UK, to provide an accessibility audit to help us identify ways we can continue improving.
Based on the audit’s findings and recommendations, and in honour of our 40th anniversary, we’ve launched an accessibility fundraiser to help us make the entire farm accessible to a wide range of visitors. Some of our future plans include:
- Installing more wheelchair accessible playground equipment
- Creating a changing places facility, allowing wheelchair users to access bathroom facilities with dignity and independence
- Setting up calm and quiet spaces to support visitors with sensory sensitivities
- Providing ear defenders and sensory backpacks for use around the farm
- Developing large print, Braille, and easy-read information guides
We’re excited to continue our journey toward a fully inclusive experience, both online and on the farm, so that everyone can access and enjoy the wide range of activities and events offered by the Rare Breeds Centre.
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