Spooky Paranormal Investigations Ltd (“SPI”) aims to make its Events as accessible as reasonably possible while recognising that many Events take place at third-party, historic, listed, protected or otherwise unusual Venues.
Not all SPI Events are fully accessible, and some Venues or parts of Venues may be inaccessible to guests with particular access requirements.
This Policy explains the approach SPI takes to accessibility, reasonable adjustments, advance information and Venue limitations.
SPI considers accessibility as part of Event planning and aims to identify reasonably foreseeable barriers before an Event is advertised, rather than relying only on individual guests to raise them.
Nothing in this Policy removes or restricts any rights available under applicable equality or consumer law.
1. Venue accessibility
SPI Events take place at a wide variety of locations.
Some Venues may include physical or operational barriers such as:
- stairs without lifts;
- narrow doorways or passages;
- uneven, steep or historic flooring;
- upper or lower floors which are not step-free;
- restricted or confined areas;
- limited seating;
- long periods of standing or walking;
- dark or low-light conditions;
- inaccessible or restricted toilet facilities;
- gravel, cobbles, grass or outdoor areas;
- restricted parking or drop-off arrangements; or
- other features associated with historic or unusual buildings.
Some Events, areas or activities may not be accessible to every guest because of genuine physical, operational or Venue-related restrictions which cannot reasonably be overcome.
Where a particular access restriction is known and relevant, SPI will aim to provide clear Event-specific information before booking.
2. Third-party and historic Venues
SPI does not own or permanently control the Venues at which most Events take place.
Many are hired from independent Venue owners or operators and may be historic, listed, protected or subject to physical, conservation, operational or legal restrictions.
As a result, SPI may not have authority to:
- make structural alterations;
- install permanent ramps, lifts or access features;
- alter protected or listed features;
- change permanent toilet facilities;
- override restrictions imposed by the Venue owner; or
- make changes which would damage or materially alter the Venue.
These limitations do not mean that accessibility will be disregarded.
SPI will consider reasonable steps which are within its control and which are practical in the circumstances.
A restriction imposed by a third-party Venue is relevant, but it does not automatically end consideration of reasonable alternatives.
3. Reasonable adjustments
Where a disabled guest experiences a substantial disadvantage in accessing an SPI service, SPI will consider whether a reasonable adjustment can be made.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- altering the way an activity is delivered;
- using a different accessible area of the Venue;
- providing an alternative method of participating;
- modifying an investigation group or route;
- providing additional information or assistance;
- allowing additional time where reasonably practicable;
- making a reasonable procedural change; or
- another practical adjustment which does not fundamentally alter the Event.
Whether an adjustment is reasonable will depend on the circumstances, including its effectiveness, practicality, safety, the extent of SPI’s control over the Venue, the need for Venue approval, disruption to the Event and the resources reasonably available.
A reasonable adjustment does not necessarily require SPI to make a structural alteration which it cannot lawfully or reasonably make or to fundamentally change the nature of the Event.
SPI will not charge a disabled guest for a reasonable adjustment which SPI is legally required to provide.
4. Contact before booking
If an accessibility requirement may affect your ability to:
- enter the Venue;
- move around the Venue;
- access particular floors or areas;
- participate in an investigation activity;
- use toilet or other facilities; or
- evacuate safely in an emergency,
We strongly recommend that you contact SPI before booking wherever possible.
Advance contact gives SPI the opportunity to:
- explain the known Venue layout and restrictions;
- discuss the part of the Event which may be affected;
- consider possible reasonable adjustments;
- speak to the Venue where necessary; and
- identify whether an alternative arrangement may be possible.
Some adjustments may require advance planning, Venue permission or changes to Event arrangements and may not be possible to organise after a guest has arrived.
You do not normally need to provide SPI with a medical diagnosis.
It is usually more helpful to explain the barrier you may experience and the adjustment or assistance you believe may help.
5. Event accessibility information
SPI will take reasonable steps to provide clear and accurate accessibility information on individual Event pages where that information is relevant and reasonably available.
This may include information about:
- step-free access;
- stairs and lifts;
- wheelchair access;
- accessible toilets;
- seating;
- walking and standing requirements;
- parking or drop-off arrangements;
- uneven or outdoor surfaces;
- lighting conditions;
- confined spaces; and
- areas which cannot reasonably be made accessible.
Where an Event is not fully wheelchair accessible or is unsuitable for guests who require step-free access to participate, SPI may state this clearly on the Event page.
Guests are encouraged to contact SPI if they need clarification about a particular restriction.
6. Requests raised on arrival
If an accessibility requirement is first raised when you arrive at an Event, SPI will consider what reasonable assistance or adjustment is practically possible at that time.
SPI cannot guarantee that an adjustment which requires:
- advance planning;
- Venue approval;
- additional equipment;
- structural changes; or
- significant changes to Event arrangements
can be provided without prior notice.
Where a requested adjustment cannot reasonably be provided on arrival, SPI will consider whether an alternative way of participating is available.
A guest will not be refused participation solely because they are disabled.
However, access to a particular area or activity may not be possible where there is a genuine physical, operational or safety restriction which cannot reasonably be overcome.
7. Wheelchair and mobility access
Wheelchair and mobility access varies significantly between Venues.
Some Events may be fully or partly step-free, while others may contain stairs, narrow passages, uneven surfaces or inaccessible areas.
SPI will not describe an Event as wheelchair accessible unless the available information reasonably supports that description.
Where only part of a Venue is accessible, SPI will aim to explain this clearly.
Where practical, SPI will consider whether an alternative investigation area or participation method can be used.
8. Seating, rest periods and walking
Paranormal investigation Events may involve periods of standing, walking and moving between different parts of a Venue.
Where seating can reasonably be provided or an existing seat can be used without creating a safety or operational problem, SPI will consider this as an adjustment.
If you may require regular seating, rest periods or reduced walking, please contact SPI before the Event where possible.
9. Assistance dogs
SPI recognises that some disabled guests may require an assistance dog.
An assistance dog is not simply a pet; it supports a disabled person with practical access needs.
Because Events take place at third-party Venues, Venue restrictions, building conditions and the nature of particular activities may need to be considered.
Any issue or restriction involving an assistance dog will be considered on an individual, case-by-case basis, taking account of the guest’s circumstances, the Venue, the nature of the Event, any genuine health, safety or operational issue, possible reasonable adjustments, and applicable legal obligations.
Guests who intend to attend with an assistance dog are strongly encouraged to contact SPI before booking so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed with the Venue.
SPI will not apply a general “no pets” rule to an assistance dog without considering the individual circumstances and applicable legal obligations.
10. Personal assistants, carers and companions
A disabled guest may sometimes require a personal assistant, carer or companion in order to access or participate in an Event.
SPI will consider this on an individual basis as part of its reasonable-adjustment duties.
Where the attendance of a personal assistant or carer is reasonably required as an adjustment, SPI will assess the appropriate booking arrangement in the individual circumstances. A companion ticket is not automatically free in every case, but SPI will not charge the disabled guest for an adjustment which SPI is legally required to provide.
Guests should contact SPI before booking where a personal assistant or carer may be required.
11. Non-visible disabilities and access needs
Not all disabilities or access requirements are visible.
SPI will not require a person to “look disabled” in order for an accessibility request to be considered.
Guests are encouraged to explain the practical barrier they experience and any reasonable adjustment that may help.
This may include requirements relating to:
- communication;
- sensory conditions;
- neurodivergence;
- difficulty with particular environmental or sensory conditions;
- hearing or visual impairment;
- mobility;
- fatigue; or
- another disability-related access need.
SPI will consider reasonable requests in the circumstances without unnecessarily requiring detailed medical information.
12. Alternative formats and communication adjustments
Where reasonably practicable, SPI will provide essential Event information in an alternative format where this is needed as a reasonable adjustment.
This may include:
- clearer or simplified written information;
- larger text;
- information provided electronically;
- additional explanation of Event arrangements; or
- another reasonably practicable communication adjustment.
Please contact SPI if you require Event information in an alternative format.
13. Sensory and environmental conditions
Paranormal investigations frequently take place in dark or low-light environments and may include:
- sudden or unusual noises;
- electronic equipment;
- flashing or illuminated equipment;
- periods of silence;
- confined rooms;
- unusual environmental conditions; or
- group movement through dark areas.
Where a guest has a disability-related sensory requirement, SPI will consider whether a reasonable adjustment can be made without fundamentally changing the Event or creating a genuine and significant safety risk which cannot reasonably be reduced.
Guests are encouraged to contact SPI before booking where these conditions may create a substantial barrier.
14. Emergency evacuation
SPI and the Venue must be able to respond appropriately in an emergency.
Accessibility and evacuation requirements will be considered on an individual and practical basis.
SPI will not assume that a guest presents an evacuation risk merely because they are disabled or use a wheelchair or mobility aid.
Where an individual evacuation arrangement may reasonably be required, advance contact is strongly recommended so that SPI can consider the Venue’s emergency arrangements and any practical assistance which may be available.
15. Areas that cannot reasonably be made accessible
Some historic or unusual Venue areas may have physical restrictions which cannot reasonably be removed or overcome.
Examples may include:
- upper floors accessible only by historic staircases;
- cellars or basements with steep steps;
- narrow towers or passages;
- protected structures where alteration is prohibited;
- unsafe or unstable surfaces; or
- areas restricted by the Venue owner.
Where this occurs, SPI will consider whether a reasonable alternative method of participation can be offered.
SPI cannot guarantee that every part of every Venue can be made accessible.
16. Health and safety
Accessibility considerations and health and safety requirements must both be properly considered.
SPI will not refuse a reasonable adjustment merely because a guest is disabled.
Equally, SPI is not required to make an adjustment which would create a genuine and significant safety risk which cannot reasonably be reduced.
Safety decisions will be based on the actual circumstances rather than assumptions about disability.
17. Agreed adjustments
Where SPI has specifically agreed to provide a reasonable adjustment, SPI will take reasonable steps to provide it.
If an agreed adjustment later becomes unavailable or cannot reasonably be provided, SPI will aim to inform the affected guest as soon as reasonably practicable and consider whether a suitable alternative adjustment is available.
Where the inability to provide an agreed adjustment materially affects the guest’s ability to attend or participate in the booked Event, the circumstances will be considered under the Cancellation, Refund & Ticket Transfer Policy and applicable law.
18. Changes to accessibility information
Accessibility information is based on information reasonably available to SPI from the Venue, previous visits and Event planning.
Venue conditions can occasionally change.
If SPI becomes aware before an Event of a material accessibility change which is likely to affect booked guests, SPI will take reasonable steps to update the information and, where practicable, contact affected customers.
19. Under-18 attendees
Where an Event permits under-18 attendees, accessibility requirements will be considered alongside Age Requirements at SPI Events and safeguarding arrangements.
An under-18 attendee must continue to comply with the supervision requirements applying to that Event.
20. Making an accessibility request
If you:
- have an accessibility question;
- wish to request a reasonable adjustment;
- require clarification about a Venue;
- believe accessibility information is incorrect; or
- experience an accessibility problem at an Event,
please contact SPI.
When contacting us, it is helpful to provide:
- the Event name;
- Event date;
- Venue;
- the barrier or difficulty you expect to experience; and
- the adjustment or assistance you believe may help.
You do not need to use any particular legal wording when making an accessibility request.
21. Accessibility complaints
If you believe an accessibility matter has not been handled appropriately, please contact SPI so that we can investigate.
Accessibility complaints will be handled under the SPI Complaints Procedure.
Nothing in the Complaints Procedure removes or restricts any statutory right available to you.
22. Contact SPI
For accessibility questions or adjustment requests, contact:
Spooky Paranormal Investigations Ltd
Email:
hello@spookypi.co.uk
Company number:
16540220
Registered office:
71–75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
Website:
spookypi.co.uk