Making Days Out Easier: The Access Card, CEA Card & Sunflower Lanyard Explained
Planning a day out with a disabled child or young person can feel like a military operation: contacting venues in advance, sending over proof, hoping they’ll understand your child’s needs… sometimes it hardly feels worth it.
But there are tools that can make access easier and help you avoid having to constantly explain or “prove” your child’s needs. Here’s what you need to know.
The Access Card: Your Shortcut to Adjustments
The Access Card is becoming increasingly common across the UK, and it’s now being required by many venues, especially theme parks and entertainment centres around Norfolk, Suffolk, London, and beyond.
Rather than sending over DLA or PIP letters every time you book, you simply use your Access Card. Some venues, such as the O2 Arena in London, will ask for your Access Card number, and they can check your access needs themselves. Others may ask you to bring your card along on the day to show them. This makes everything quicker, more private, and more consistent.
What It Is
A card that shows what access barriers your child experiences, using symbols like:
• Step-free access needed
• Difficulty standing/queuing
• Essential companion required
Does It Guarantee Free Carer Entry?
Only if you have the “Essential Companion” symbol on your card (and if the venue offers free essential carer tickets to begin with).
Just having an Access Card doesn’t mean a free carer ticket, it depends on the needs shown and whether that symbol is approved during your application.
What You’ll Need to Apply
• Details of your child’s access needs
• Some supporting documents (e.g. diagnosis, DLA letter)
• £15 for 3 years
Apply using this link: https://www.accesscard.online/apply-or-renew/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Where It’s Accepted
• Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor, Thorpe Park, Chessington
• Sea Life centres, Shrek’s Adventure, Warwick Castle
• O2 Arena, NEC Birmingham, London Eye
• Increasingly, local soft plays, cinemas, and holiday parks are now asking for this card too
You can use the Access Card website to see places others have used it. If you’re unsure if a venue accepts it, contact them and they can let you know.
Adults can also apply for this card and use it for theatre venues, concerts, etc.
The CEA Card: For Cinema Visits
If your child receives DLA or PIP, the CEA Card gives you one free carer ticket when attending with them at most cinemas.
• Cost: £6.50 for 1 year (at time of writing)
• Accepted at: Cineworld, Odeon, Vue, Picturehouse, and more
• Easy to apply with DLA/PIP proof
Using the card itself is quick and easy too. When booking cinema tickets online, just enter your CEA Card number during the booking process. A free essential carer ticket will be added to your booking, so you don’t need to call ahead or explain your child’s needs each time. Alternatively, you can use the CEA Card to book a free essential companion ticket in person at the venue. It makes going to the cinema smoother and more accessible to families.
You can find more information and apply using the following link: https://www.ceacard.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Adults can also apply for this card.
The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme: A Discreet Visual Cue
Many people are now familiar with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. Wearing one signals that someone has an invisible disability, like autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety, epilepsy, or chronic pain.
It’s entirely voluntary, you choose when and where to wear it. For many families, it’s especially helpful in:
• Airports (for fast-track or additional help)
• Supermarkets
• Train stations
• Large attractions
• Medical settings
It’s not legally binding, but many staff are trained to recognise it and offer help without you needing to explain. You can order them online or collect one free at some participating supermarkets, pharmacies, or airports.
Find out more here: https://hdsunflower.com/uk/
Why These Tools Matter
As a parent of a disabled child, you should never have to “prove” your child’s needs over and over again. These cards and symbols:
• Reduce the emotional labour of constant explanations.
• Create quicker, smoother access to adjustments.
• Give your child more chances to enjoy the same experiences as their peers.
And while they aren’t perfect, they help shift the responsibility away from you and onto providers to recognise and respond to inclusion needs, as they should under the Equality Act 2010.
Need Help Applying or Knowing What to Ask For?
At SEND Meadow, we know these systems can still feel overwhelming. If you’d like help with:
• Applying for an Access or CEA card.
• Drafting an access request email to a venue.
• Understanding your rights under the Equality Act.
… just drop us a message. We’re here to help!