About Us
Education is great. Understanding is everything.
Friendly Access is a recognised leader in inclusive innovation, dedicated to creating accessible experiences and opportunities for people with disabilities or additional support needs.
We are best known as the people and catalyst behind the first-ever autism-friendly and relaxed performance in a mainstream UK theatre - Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, London, in 2012.
Since then, we have proudly collaborated with leading institutions including The National Theatre of Scotland, driving change across the arts and beyond.
Our work spans Sport, Technology, Education, and Policy, delivering co-produced, high-impact projects that remove barriers, promote independence, and celebrate diverse ways of being. Each project is built on trust, quality delivery, and a person-centred approach informed by lived experience.
'𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳.'
𝘎𝘭𝘺𝘯 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘴, 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦
Our Programmes Include
SurfABLE Scotland
Based on the northeast coast of Scotland, SurfABLE is the country’s first fully inclusive and adaptive surf therapy programme. Since 2017, we’ve welcomed people aged 5 and up, regardless of disability or condition, to experience the benefits of surf therapy. Our sessions include ASN groups, 1:1 support, and non-assisted options, with space for friends and family to join in the surf adventure.
SwimABLE Scotland
In partnership with Active Schools (Moray), we offer structured swimming lessons and pool-based surf sessions in Forres and Lossiemouth for children and young adults with additional support needs. Demand is high, and referrals can be made through schools, area coordinators, or directly through Friendly Access.
Technology, Research & Development
In partnership with the Glasgow School of Art - School of Simulation and Visualisation and Crag3D, we developed and validated iSenseVR, a mobile, virtual reality-based proof of concept tool to help individuals with hidden disabilities manage sensory challenges in public environments through virtual reality exposure therapy. Funded by the European Social Fund and supported by the Scottish Government’s Social Innovation Fund, iSenseVR was a global first, winning a Highly Commended Paper Award at the University of Nottingham’s International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies in 2018.
Policy & Equality
We believe inclusion must be meaningful, and embedded in policy that reflects real lives. Our team contributes to shaping accessible, person-centred guidance and strategies. One example includes our work with Moray Council on revising the Transitions to Adulthood Policy, approved in 2021, putting clarity and dignity at its core.
From surfboards to theatres to virtual reality, Friendly Access leads inclusive innovation across the UK. We work in close collaboration with young people, families, and organisations to design environments and experiences that truly work for everyone.
Meet The Team
Past & Present Supporters
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