Accessible?

I HATE the word accessible. It is a non word that is used to describe someones presumptions that their venue or building is suitable for everyone regardless of well, what I don't know. It's sometimes used to mean that there is phyiscal access such as a ramp or a lift or a toilet with a hoist.

As I said, I hate it. It is impossible to make somewhere accessible to all regardless. Where a ramp exists it means that wheelchair users and babies in prams can get in, but seeing as these are longer it restricts those who can only walk a short distance but not up stairs.

What I actually need to know, isn't if a venue is, by the venues standards "accessible" but by mine. How would I judge that? I would prefer information on what the venue actually means by accessible detailed. I can then decide for myself if its accessible or if I still need to make requests for additional information or assistance in accessing it.

Far too often i have been to places where something that i hadn't even thought of as an issue becomes an issue of access and a big barrier to participation because I didn't know, or expect there to be a problem. If there is no lift to the middle floor, but access to all the other floors by lift then it needs to be made clear. If there is a long walk between the venue and the toilets, wouldnt it be great to know this in advance? Or even the size of the lift.

It changes the statement that the venue is making from we think we are good enough for you to are we good enough for you. It puts the power back into the control of the people accessing the venue. Knowing the distance between facilities and lifts, even what sort of lighting there is would be really helpful information.

Although I do have some responsibility to make sure that a venue is accessible for me, how can I ask for adjustments and support in access if i dont know what it is i am accessing in the first place? It is a two way street.