Why I didn't review disabled access on Euan's Guide - but now I do

This Giving Tuesday and International Day of Disabled People, we hear from our Communications Intern, Haneul, about why she only started reviewing disabled access since joining the team, despite being a user of EuansGuide.com.

Today, we ask for you to give your time by writing a disabled access review for the tens of thousands of disabled people who regularly use Euan's Guide to plan their trips - just one review can give someone the confidence to try somewhere new. 

As a long-term user of Euan’s Guide, it’s surprising to admit that I’d never written a review before I joined the team as a Communications Intern in October. When Antonia, the CEO, asked me why, I wasn’t sure how to answer. There are plenty of reasons (or excuses) that flickered through my head: I was too busy, I didn’t take pictures, I forgot to do it right after visiting, or I felt too much time had passed and therefore it wouldn’t be accurate. My actual response, though, was: I’m not an expert in disability or access.

Looking back, it’s funny–because since joining the team, I’ve learned one key thing: access is a mindset. Very few disabled people are “experts” in accessibility in the sense of drafting legislation or designing accessibility features. But we are experts in our own experiences. We know what makes a place feel accessible, from a ramp to a Changing Places toilet or staff who genuinely care to make our experience enjoyable.

I wasn’t just saying I used Euan’s Guide to look good in the interview–I rely on it constantly. As a powerchair user, I’ve spent years looking out for myself. This often means squinting at grainy Google Maps street views to check for steps or calling venues in advance. Sometimes, the person on the other end of the line isn’t even a person—it’s an actual bot, programmed to take bookings but completely unequipped to answer questions unrelated to its dialogue input. Reviews on Euan’s Guide have often saved me that hassle. I always make arrangements around what I read on the site—if someone says a restaurant has a ramp but no accessible toilet, I know to visit the loo ahead of time and plan my next stop somewhere with accessible facilities. People who don’t have access needs can probably tell that by far the least time-consuming and least stressful option is reading reviews on Euan’s Guide. So, it’s ironic that I’d hesitated to write my own reviews despite relying on them so much.

It’s a common trend. Thousands of people visit the site every week, but far fewer write reviews. Those who do are invaluable to the community. Many have been contributing for years. Still, there’s room for more voices, and that’s where I’ve started contributing.

When Claire, one of the Volunteer Coordinators and the site’s resident review expert, advised me on how to write a review whilst giving me a tour of the office, I had a bit of a lightbulb moment. While curbs are something I navigate daily (often turning back when there isn’t a low enough dip), I’d never considered how helpful a picture could be to someone else planning their visit. It was a reminder that even small details can make a big difference. Claire also encouraged me to think about facilities like Changing Places toilets, which don’t apply to my needs but are vital for others. This reminded me of another important lesson I've learned: access isn't just for those who need it; it's a shared responsibility.

The process made me more mindful of access as a shared experience. It’s not just disabled people contributing to Euan’s Guide—plenty of able-bodied reviewers have written amazing reviews, highlighting features like ramps, wide doorways, or staff attitudes that make a space truly accessible. Their reviews remind me that access is a mindset, and anyone can make a difference by sharing their observations.

Writing my first review, of the Euan’s Guide office, was easier than I’d expected. Uploading pictures (which, as Claire says, is helpful but not mandatory - so review anyway!), reflecting on my experience, and sharing details (as personal or detailed as you like) didn’t take long. As someone who loves writing and reflecting on personal experiences, I found the process very enjoyable.

This is something that many hundreds of reviewers knew to be true before me. At our daily catch-up, Steve, the Moderation & Website Manager, shares the stats–how many reviewers have joined, how many reviews have been written, and the new places people are exploring. Whether it’s a Tesco or a new upscale restaurant, we love hearing about the experiences being shared and seeing how every review keeps us connected with our users. 

These reviewers got a head start, but I’m excited to join them. The lesson is this: reviews aren’t just about logistics; they’re about building confidence and community. For years, I hesitated to contribute, but now I see how powerful even one review can be. Here’s to many more—from me and the Euan’s Guide community, working together to make the world a little more exciting and accessible, one review at a time.

Tags: disabled access, giving tuesday, iddp, International Day of Disabled People, 2024, euan's guide, review, disabled access reviews