Sociability Mapping Day: Accessible Places in Leeds
Sociability
•
Apr 28, 2023
On Friday 14th April, the Sociability team headed to the heart of Yorkshire. We might be slightly biased since our Content Manager, Gem, is a local, but we absolutely love this city. One of the standout features of the area is that we have found Leeds accessible for wheelchair users in a way that many older UK cities struggle with. Boasting a large but generally flat city centre, it was the perfect location to get out and add a wealth of new spots to the Sociability app.
Our Mapping Days, which we are now calling Sociability Community Days, are about more than just data. They are about visibility, connection, and reclaiming the high street for everyone. Here is how we spent our time making Leeds accessible one venue at a time.
Finding the Best Accessible Coffee in Leeds
While exploring the city, we found some absolute gems that offer great coffee and even better access. If you are looking for a reliable spot in the city centre, these three venues are high on our list:
By mapping these locations, we are ensuring that the next person searching for Leeds accessible coffee spots can head out the door with total confidence.
Testing the Terrain with Trekinetic
A massive thank you also, to Trekinetic for sponsoring the day. Trekinetic specialises in the production of ultra-light, state-of-the-art wheelchairs designed for daily use, whatever the terrain.
We loved seeing our community test these wheelchairs in real-life situations. From the historic cobbled streets to the busy pathways of Trinity Leeds, the chairs were put through their paces. Ed Spindle from Trekinetic shared his thoughts on the day:
"It was great to meet the amazing team at Sociability and spend the day getting to know some of their users. We love the Sociability message around improving accessibility and see a great synergy between our businesses. Taking the Trekinetic GTE to Leeds and back from London on the train was also a really good experience. It was pleasing to see that it coped with the tight spaces on the train!"
The Power of the Disabled Community
Finally, it was not just the city that made this day so great; it was the people. We met both old and new faces, including our regulars Azariah, Damian, and Ali. We were also thrilled to welcome new faces like Ayad and Benny, who travelled all the way from Preston to join us.
Our Community Days are not just about finding local accessible places. They are about bringing like-minded people together. Many people who join us are newly disabled and find meeting others in a similar position incredibly helpful. Our community member, Elle, summarised the feeling perfectly:
"It has given me a community of people I did not know I needed. People with answers to questions I would not have even known to ask. I am beyond grateful for each and every one of them."
FAQ: Making Your City Accessible
1. What is a Sociability Mapping Day?
A Mapping Day (or Community Day) is an event where our team and local disabled people in the area, meet up. In the past we've shown people how to add detailed access information for the Sociability app. In the future we're planning lots of different activities so stay tuned.
2. Is Leeds accessible for powerchair users?
Generally, yes. Compared to many other major UK cities, Leeds has a lot of flat, pedestrianised zones and modern shopping centres like Trinity Leeds and Victoria Gate, which feature excellent lift access and Changing Places toilets.
3. How can I get involved in the next event?
We are always looking for people to help us make more cities like Leeds accessible. You can head over to our Community page to see where we are heading next and sign up to join the team for a day of mapping and connection.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this post. Planning a trip? Download the Sociability app to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants that meet your specific needs in seconds. You can also join our community and follow us on Instagram for the latest inclusive spots!
To take your advocacy further, sign up for our free newsletter, Beyond Compliance. We provide practical tips to help you champion accessibility in your workplace and everyday life. We look forward to seeing you there!
