How the Access Card can Help People With SMS

Many families tell us how difficult it can be to explain their child’s support needs every time they visit a new venue or book tickets for an activity. Staff may not understand SMS, hidden disabilities, or what reasonable adjustments are needed. The Access Card offers a simple way to show these needs without repeatedly discussing medical details or personal challenges.

What is the Access Card?

The Access Card is a nationally recognised photo-ID card that lists a person’s access needs using easy-to-understand symbols. Rather than focusing on diagnosis, it shows what adaptations or support the individual needs. It was developed by Nimbus Disability, a UK social enterprise run by and for disabled people. 

The card is accepted by many theatres, music venues, theme parks, attractions, travel services and ticketing systems across the UK. 

How the Card Works

The Access Card doesn’t require you to state a diagnosis. Instead, it communicates the barriers a person faces and the adjustments they need. On the card, symbols may indicate that the person:

• needs a companion or carer with them
• requires extra time or support
• needs urgent toilet access
• has mobility difficulties or needs step-free access
• finds queues, crowds or sensory overload difficult
• needs assistance with understanding or communication

This helps staff at venues understand quickly what support may be required, often without needing to see medical documents or benefit letters. 

Who Can Apply?

The card is available to anyone whose disability has a long-term effect on their ability to engage in everyday activities, regardless of whether their disability is visible or not. There is no age limit. 

Families applying on behalf of a child or dependent simply need to describe their child’s needs, they do not need to “prove a diagnosis,” only that there are substantial, long-term effects on access. 

Evidence that may be required includes: benefit letters, care plans, education/healthcare plans, therapy reports, or other documentation showing support needs. 

Cost and Validity

• The full Access Card costs £15. 
• It is valid for three years from issuance. 

Some venues or ticketing systems may also offer a free digital / ”registration-only” version of the card for their own use, but this tends to be valid only at that single venue or provider. 

Why the Access Card Helps Families Living With SMS

For many people with SMS, especially children and young people, the support they need may not be obvious to others. The Access Card can help make those needs clear without needing to explain a diagnosis every time. Some of the common situations where the card can help include:

• Needing a carer’s or companion ticket for safety or supervision
• Requiring assistance with sensory overload, noise, crowds, or queueing
• Needing priority for accessible facilities (e.g. toilets)
• Struggling with communication, understanding instructions, or following routines
• Fatigue or mobility issues, for example after poor sleep

Using the Access Card helps venues understand the person’s needs quickly, reducing stress for both families and staff.

How to Apply for an Access Card

To apply for the Access Card, you can visit the Nimbus Disability website and complete their online application form. 

Website to apply: accesscard.online 

The application process involves:

1. Providing basic personal details and a photograph of the card-holder. 
2. Describing the access barriers or support needs (rather than diagnosis). 
3. Uploading supporting evidence (benefit letters, care plans, professional reports, etc.) showing long-term access needs. 
4. Paying the £15 fee (for the full card). 
5. Awaiting confirmation from Nimbus. Processing usually takes a few days. 

Once approved, you receive a photo-ID Access Card and a unique registration number or digital pass you can use when booking or entering venues. 

Tips for SMS Families Applying

When applying, try to describe what support is needed rather than focusing on the name of the condition. Examples of what to mention:

• Behaviour that may cause safety or supervision needs
• Difficulties with waiting, crowds, noise or changes in routine
• Support required for communication or understanding instructions
• Need for a companion, additional time, or priority access to toilets/quiet spaces
• Fatigue, sensory sensitivities or mobility concerns

Using a prepared “description of SMS” (for example from our own resources, see below) can help explain the support needs clearly, especially to professionals assessing access requirements.