Ramp Access

Performers UK in Inverness is an independent performing arts school who offer training in all aspects of theatre from singing technique to acting for stage and screen, choral singing to commercial dance. In December 2023, Performers UK applied for a community change fund to improve the accessibility of the arts school.

The venue that Performers UK uses has three flights of struts and no lift. For the 14-year-old pupil who is a wheelchair user, this meant leaving her powered wheelchair on the ground floor, being carried up the stairs, and needing to be pushed in a manual wheelchair in order to take part.

“She loves drama but for performances has to relinquish her independence to be pushed around”.

Performers UK received a grant of £500 which they used to purchase a ramp which has enabled her to join the rest of the pupils upstairs in her powered wheelchair, giving her the independence to move around freely at her own accord. Performers UK are hopeful that this will encourage other wheelchair users to participate in the school too.