Accessible Transport Partnerships: Building Community Together
Accessible transport isn’t just about vehicles – it’s about building connections, fostering independence, and creating a community where everyone can thrive. At Open Road Access (ORA), we believe that meaningful partnerships with disability organisations and charities are essential to advancing mobility rights and awareness across the UK.
Through our work with the Spinal Injuries Association, Wheelchair Alliance, and broader disability community, we’re not just providing wheelchair accessible vehicle hire – we’re contributing to a movement that puts accessibility at the heart of transport planning and policy.
Partnership with the Spinal Injuries Association
Our partnership with the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is a shared commitment to supporting people through life-changing transitions. The SIA, which has been supporting people with spinal cord injuries for over 50 years, understands the critical role that accessible transport plays in rehabilitation and long-term independence.
Through this partnership, we provide discounted first-time accessible vehicle hire and specialist support to SIA members who need wheelchair accessible vehicle hire during their recovery journey. Whether someone needs short-term access whilst adapting their own vehicle, or longer-term rental whilst exploring their transport options, our collaboration ensures that cost doesn’t become a barrier to mobility.
The partnership also extends to educational initiatives. SIA’s expertise in supporting newly injured people, combined with our practical knowledge of accessible vehicle options, creates valuable resources that help people make informed decisions about their future transport needs.
Working with the Wheelchair Alliance
The Wheelchair Alliance brings together wheelchair users, manufacturers, and service providers to improve wheelchair provision and accessibility across the UK. Our ongoing conversations with this vital organisation helps ensure that accessible transport solutions keep pace with evolving wheelchair technology and user needs.
Through our attendance at key forums organised by the Alliance like the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for wheelchairs and our regular consultation with our members on legislative changes in powered mobility, our collaborative working has ensured the voices of wheelchair users are front and centre.
The Alliance’s advocacy work also complements our mission to normalise accessible transport. By supporting their campaigns for better wheelchair provision in public transport and improved accessibility standards, we contribute to systemic change that benefits the entire disability community.
Supporting Accessible Tourism Initiatives
Tourism should be accessible to everyone, yet many wheelchair users and disabled people face significant barriers when planning trips. Our partnerships with accessible tourism organisations help address this challenge by ensuring reliable, high-quality accessible transport is available for leisure travel.
We work closely with accessible accommodation providers, tourist attractions, and travel agencies to create seamless experiences for disabled visitors. Our nationwide delivery service means that wheelchair accessible vehicles can be waiting at airports, hotels, or attraction car parks, removing one of the major stress points from accessible travel planning.
These partnerships have revealed the huge unmet demand for accessible tourism options. When transport barriers are removed, disabled people and their families are keen to explore, visit attractions, and enjoy holidays – driving economic benefits for the tourism sector whilst advancing inclusion.
Awareness Days and Community Engagement
Throughout the year, we actively participate in key awareness days that highlight disability rights and accessibility issues. International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Spinal Injuries Awareness Day, and National Wheelchair Day provide opportunities to amplify important messages about inclusion and accessibility.
During these campaigns, we share real stories from our customers about how accessible transport has impacted their lives, whilst highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector. These aren’t inspiration stories – they’re honest accounts of what independence means and why accessible transport infrastructure matters.
We also use these platforms to educate the broader public about wheelchair accessible vehicles, dispelling myths about who uses them and why they’re needed. Many people don’t realise that WAVs serve a diverse community including temporary wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, and families supporting disabled relatives.
Building Bridges in the Disability Community
The disability community is incredibly diverse, encompassing people with different impairments, life experiences, and transport needs. Our role as an accessible transport provider gives us unique insights into these varied requirements, which we share through our partnerships to strengthen community understanding and support.
We regularly participate in disability forums, conferences, and roundtable discussions, contributing practical insights about transport barriers and solutions. This involvement helps ensure that policy discussions about accessible transport are grounded in real-world experience rather than assumptions.
Our customer feedback also flows back into the community through our partners, helping identify emerging needs and service gaps that require attention from policymakers and service providers.
Future Partnership Goals
Looking ahead, we’re committed to expanding our partnership network to include more local disability organisations, independent living centres, and transport advocacy groups. Each partnership brings new perspectives and helps us better serve the disability community’s diverse needs.
We’re particularly interested in developing relationships with organisations supporting young disabled people transitioning to independence, and older people adapting to new mobility requirements. These life stage transitions often involve significant transport challenges that our flexible hire options can help address.
We’re also exploring partnerships with employers and educational institutions to support workplace accessibility and inclusive education through reliable accessible transport options.
Frequently asked questions
How do ORA’s charity partnerships benefit customers?
Our partnerships with organisations like the Spinal Injuries Association provide customers with preferential rates, specialist support, and access to additional resources and advocacy services. Partners often receive exclusive offers and priority booking support.
Can other disability organisations partner with Open Road Access?
Yes, we’re always interested in developing new partnerships with disability charities and organisations. We look for partners who share our commitment to advancing accessibility and supporting the disability community. Contact us on 0300 045 4505 to discuss potential collaboration.
How does ORA support accessible tourism?
We work with accessible accommodation providers, tourist attractions, and travel agencies to ensure wheelchair accessible vehicles are available for leisure travel. Our nationwide delivery service can have vehicles waiting at airports, hotels, or attractions to remove transport barriers from holiday planning.
What awareness campaigns does Open Road Access support?
We actively participate in International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Spinal Injuries Awareness Day, National Wheelchair Day, and other key awareness campaigns. We share customer stories, highlight accessibility challenges, and educate the public about wheelchair accessible vehicles during these initiatives.
Strong partnerships are essential for advancing accessible transport across the UK. If you’re part of a disability organisation interested in collaboration, or if you need wheelchair accessible vehicle hire for any duration, call us on 0300 045 4505.
