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Accessibility at Abbey Guest House, Abingdon

Here we explain our accessibility, including Access Statement and Contact Us options if you wish to discuss anything. If we can help in any way with your access requirements, we will do our best - and a bit more - to make it happen; ensuring you the best possible, accessible, stay at Abbey Guest House.

I look forward to answering any questions you may have.

Terry Boswell (Mrs), Proprietor

Contents Summary and Full Access Statement - updated to 4th Jan 2012
  1. Access Summary and Floor Plans
  2. Physical Layout
  3. Latest News, Feedback and Future Plans
  4. Communication
  5. Locating Us and Getting Here
  6. Diet, Allergy Mobility, Sensory and Medical Issues
  7. Information and Formats
  8. Car Park to Front Door and Reception
  9. Guest Rooms and Shared Facilities
  10. ‘Easy Access’ and ‘Allergy Friendly’ Bedrooms
  11. Nearest Shops and Pubs
  12. Transport Options
  13. Emergencies / Exit / Assistance
Downloads for Abbey Guest House, Abingdon

Please choose your preferred format or ask if you require a different format.

PDF format
  1. 12 point Arial - Summary and Full Access Statement (PDF)
  2. 16 point Arial - Summary and Full Access Statement (PDF)
  3. Ground Floor Plan with size of gaps, widths, turn circles and distances
  4. First Floor Plan showing location of Rooms 2 to 7 relative to stairs as well as type and number of beds within
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WORD 2003 format
  1. 12 point Arial - Summary and Full Access Statement - includes both Floor Plans (Word)
  2. 16 point Arial - Summary and Full Access Statement - includes both Floor Plans (Word)
Default is set at 12 point Arial in the first option and 16 point Arial in the second, but after downloading, you can edit either document to meet your requirements using MS WORD or Open Office.

HTML format
  1. 12 point Arial - Summary and Full Access Statement - includes both Floor Plans (HTML)
  2. 16 point Arial - Summary and Full Access Statement - includes both Floor Plans (HTML)
Braille

Braille can be produced directly from these downloads, through your preferred Transcription service. We can obtain Braille copies, within a few days, through the Oxford Association for the Blind. We do not keep Braille copies in stock as Abbey Guest House information is updated frequently and demand is currently too low for this to be viable.

National Accessible Scheme

We have been accessed within the English Tourism grading system. We meet the criteria for:

  • Hearing Impaired and Deaf People 1
  • Visually Impaired and Blind People 1

    • Physically we meet criteria for:

  • Older and Less Mobile Guests
  • Part Time Wheelchair Users
    		•


    		We believe we are more accessible to mobility impaired guests than some physical dimension based standards might suggest e.g. Independent Wheelchair Users have stayed with us and tell us it is comfortable and they have enjoyed the experience.


    Brief History of Developing Accessibility at Abbey Guest House

    Abbey Guest House is a small B&B Guest House converted, since 2006, from a private house built in the 1970's. Since then it has, in stages, become one of the most accessible small B&B's in the country. Winning many Awards 2004 - 2011, gaining National Accessible Scheme 'standards' in 2007 and 2009 and most importantly, increasing complimentary reviews from disabled guests, from across the Globe.

    We have actively sought to remove unnecessary physical, sensory and cognitive barriers to access here at Abbey Guest House wherever possible. We initially sought professional access advice and made observations of how others seem to get it right or not (!). We now have on-going support from our local, highly experienced, Access Advisor and work to the Social Model of Disability and principles of Inclusive Design.

    Guests Know Best about Their Own Access Requirements

    We would never dare to use terms like 'fully accessible' or 'suitable for…'. We recognise 'Accessibility' is always a personal issue. Therefore we try and provide the means for you to make an assessment about Abbey Guest House and immediate local area for yourself. We will answer any questions factually and honestly towards helping you reach that all important decision.

    Feel free to Contact Us

    We always engage with every guest; before, during and after their stay and welcome guests insight into all those unnecessary barriers that impact them personally. We hope then to reduce, or remove altogether, those annoying barriers to an enjoyable stay for you, either prior to your arrival, during your stay or at least by the time you next return …..

    Access Philosophy at Abbey Guest House

    Proprietor, Mrs Terry Boswell, explains her Access Philosophy in response to a recent very complementary on-line review (Trip Advisor) from a guest who made a visit to Abbey Guest House:

    "We feel honoured to receive these comments as we do like to try and make all our guests feel special. Crucial to that is recognising people are all different and we all face barriers of some sort and extent in our everyday lives. Some of us may require access for our wheelchair; others have issues with diet or perhaps hearing, sight or cognitive issues. We all require dignity and respect, including of our beliefs

    Here at Abbey Guest House, we try and discover what commonplace barriers effect people generally and greatly value individual guests insights into their requirements before, during and after their stay with us. This way we can implement solutions for removing or lessening the slightly annoying to the impossible total barriers we can each face.

    We are so pleased when our guests recognise these efforts and, if the result is making some feel even more special, then we will plead guilty to intent as charged! "

    Guests Comments

    Repeated here is what Jay and Dick wrote after their recent visit to Abbey Guest House staying in the 'Easy Access' Room 1. Proprietor Terry Boswell's reply about her Access Philosophy is above.

    "A Warm Welcome for Wheelchair Users."
    On a business trip to Oxford we stayed at the Abbey Guest House in Abingdon. The Abbey was chosen primarily due to the special facilities for wheelchair users. It is a sad fact that in the UK, such facilities are deemed 'special' rather than standard. However, at the Abbey Guest House wheelchair facilities are standard and users are welcome to the point where it is possible to feel 'special' in the best meaning of the word. Terry Boswell and her husband must surely be two of the most helpful and welcoming of hosts. I must also add that Terry can also cater for vegetarians. Next time I visit Oxford I know I won't hesitate to book into the Abbey Guest House.
    Jay and Dick
    Comments posted on-line at Trip Advisor on 21st November 2011. Read more...

    3 Minute Video about Abbey Guest House

    Abbey Guest House won Access For All GOLD award with Tourism South East in 2009.


    This video was professionally filmed to show key features of Abbey Guest House and shown at the Gala Awards Evening. Whilst many features will have been improved or updated since 2009, it may still be of relevant interest. Please click on the arrow in centre of the screen to start the video. It will stop automatically. You can use the pause or play button in the bottom left corner.

    Contact Us

    Proprietor - Mrs Terry Boswell
    Abbey Guest House
    136 Oxford Road, Abingdon
    Oxfordshire, OX14 2AG

    Tel / Fax / Ansaphone: +44(0)1235 537020
    Mobile: +44(0)7976 627252
    Email: info@abbeyguest.com
    Text Relay Dial 18001 for the UK's text to voice relay service