Before the event accessibility
Your 'before the event' accessibility guide
At Tall Ships Aberdeen, accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do—and we’re proud to partner with We Too! to help make this event welcoming for all.
Who Are We Too!?
We Too! is a local, award-winning charity based in Aberdeen, dedicated to empowering and supporting the disabled community. We specialise in promoting inclusion, raising awareness of hidden disabilities, and ensuring that families and individuals with additional support needs can access events, activities, and spaces confidently and comfortably.
We are known for providing practical solutions, training, and resources that create meaningful access—not just ticking boxes.
Our Role at Tall Ships Aberdeen
We Too! has been working closely with the event organisers to develop and deliver a wide range of accessibility services throughout Tall Ships Aberdeen, including:
- Planning and coordinating accessible features across the site
- Hosting the Relaxed Session for visitors who would benefit from a quieter, calmer environment
- Providing Sensory Bags at key locations for those with sensory sensitivities
- Organising Community Communication Boards to support non-verbal communication
- Supporting BSL Tours and helping create accessible video content
- Working alongside Accessibility Ninjas—our trained volunteers—to provide hands-on assistance throughout the event
- Promoting awareness of services like audio description, Changing Places facilities, accessible toilets, and mobility support
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At We Too!, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live and champion every day. We believe everyone has the right to fully enjoy community events like Tall Ships Aberdeen, regardless of disability or access needs.
We are committed to:
- Advocating for hidden disabilities and neurodivergent individuals
- Ensuring accessible spaces are welcoming, practical, and comfortable
- Offering training and guidance to event staff and volunteers
- Encouraging a culture of patience, kindness, and acceptance throughout the festival
Why This Matters
Events like Tall Ships Aberdeen are about connection, celebration, and adventure—and everyone should have the opportunity to participate.
By working together with the event team, we’re proud to help make Tall Ships Aberdeen a space where everyone can feel included, respected, and supported.
Relaxed Session at Waterloo Quay
We are thrilled to announce a Relaxed Session during the Accessible Tall Ships event on Monday, 21st July 2025, from 09:00 – 10:00.
This specially designed session offers a calmer, quieter environment for visitors who would benefit from a less crowded experience. Relaxed Sessions are ideal for individuals with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Learning Disabilities
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Immunosuppressed conditions (who may require more space and reduced congestion)
Important Information
Due to tight security protocols at Port of Aberdeen, this session will take place exclusively within Waterloo Quay.
In keeping with the spirit of Relaxed Sessions—and to maintain a truly peaceful atmosphere—numbers will be strictly capped. (After all, it wouldn't be very relaxing if it was too busy!)
How to Attend
Attendance will be allocated by ballot to ensure fairness, with up to 4 spaces per application available. Spaces are FREE.
If you, your family, or the people you support would benefit from this unique opportunity, we warmly invite you to apply.
The ballot will close at Noon on Tuesday 15th July with successful applicants notified no later than Friday 18th July.
MAKATON at the Tall Ships 2025!
We’re delighted to offer Makaton signing at TWO special Storytelling Sessions on the Family Stage during the Tall Ships event — led by local Makaton Tutor Sam Stephen!
Saturday 19th July
12:45 – Book Now
13:45 – Book Now
Please meet at the Family Stage 15 mins early to get settled.
Sam will be joining local Scottish storyteller Pauline Cordiner, bringing her tales from the briny sea to life with Makaton signing!
What to Expect
- A relaxed, friendly atmosphere
· Informal storytelling & lots of laughs
· Each session lasts around 30 mins
Booking Essential!
Spaces are limited to keep the experience comfortable & accessible. Everyone attending must book a space — don’t miss this unique chance to enjoy the Tall Ships with Makaton!
British Sign Language Tours & Information
We are excited to offer Informal BSL (British Sign Language*) Tours during the Tall Ships event, led by local guide - Ninja Colin!
Saturday 19th July 2025 - Book Now
Sunday 20th July 2025 - Book Now
Monday 21st July 2025 - Book Now
Tours will depart from the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and will explore the Waterloo Quay area of the event.Colin’s tours will be light-hearted and informal, offering basic facts about the ships in this area—perfect for enhancing the signed videos that will also be available online for selected ships.
👋 What to Expect:
- A relaxed, friendly atmosphere
- Informal storytelling with interesting ship facts
- A chance to explore the event in BSL*, guided by a local
- Tours designed to complement our online video content.
🎟 Booking Essential!
Spaces on these tours are strictly limited to keep the experience comfortable and accessible, therefore advance booking is essential.
Don’t miss this unique chance to experience the Tall Ships in BSL!*.
EVERYONE joining the tour will be required to book a space.
*Due to the factual nature of the Tall Ships, please be aware Colin will be using SSE alongside BSL in this tour
Audio Description
As part of our accessibility offerings, we’re providing audio description for selected ships to help bring the sights and stories of the event to life.
How to Access Audio Description:
- Via This Website: Listen to the audio description directly from your own device.
- QR Codes On-Site: Simply scan the QR codes displayed around the quayside to access the audio content.
Need a Hand?
If you’re unable to access the audio description for any reason—whether due to technology, signal, or accessibility needs—ask for our friendly Accessibility Ninjas who are stationed around the quayside.
They’ll be equipped with devices and happy to assist you in accessing the audio content, so you don’t miss out on the experience.
We’re here to make sure everyone can enjoy the magic of the Tall Ships!
Grateful thanks to Master Mariners Robbie Middleton and Claire Gaskin alongside Aberdeen Performing Arts Audio Describer Mhairi Shewan and Mark Williams for their time and our friends at SHMU for providing studio space and media expertise.
Sensory Considerations
Tall Ships may be a highly sensory experience for visitors.
Community Communication Boards
What Are Community Communication Boards?
Community Communication Boards are simple, easy-to-use tools that help visitors communicate their needs, feelings, or questions—particularly those who may find verbal communication challenging.
The boards display symbols, words, and pictures that people can point to in order to:
- Express how they’re feeling
- Ask for help
- Request directions or assistance
- Communicate basic needs
They are designed to provide a supportive way to communicate for individuals who may be pre-verbal, have limited speech, or experience communication barriers.
Who Can Benefit from Community Communication Boards
These boards are available for anyone who may find them helpful, but they’re especially useful for:
- Neurodivergent individuals
- People with learning disabilities
- Individuals with speech or language difficulties
- Visitors who use alternative communication tools
- Visitors with limited English language who may prefer visual prompts
- Young children and families
Whether someone uses communication boards regularly or simply finds them useful in busy or overwhelming environments, these boards are here to offer reassurance and support throughout the event
Where Can I Find the Boards?
The Community Communication Boards will be clearly displayed at key locations around the Tall Ships event site:
- Main entrance at Castlegate
- Beside AbleDeen at Accessibility Shuttle Bus Stop
- ChillVille at Blaikies Quay
Staff and Accessibility Ninjas will also be familiar with the boards and ready to assist if needed
Why Are We Using Them?
Communication is key to an inclusive event. By providing Community Communication Boards, we aim to:
- Reduce anxiety around communication
- Help visitors feel confident and supported
- Make the event more accessible for people of all ages and abilities
These boards are just one part of our wider efforts to make Tall Ships Aberdeen a welcoming, accessible celebration for everyone.
Sensory Borrow Bags
To support visitors with sensory considerations, we’ll have Sensory Bags available at key locations around the event. These bags contain helpful items designed to make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable, whether you need a calming distraction or tools to help regulate sensory input.
Where to Find Sensory Bags:
- Accessibility Hub at Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- ChillVille at Blaikies Quay (a quiet, chill-out space for visitors)
- AbleDeen Unit at Waterloo Quay
Whether you or someone in your group experiences sensory sensitivities, these bags are available to borrow during your visit—free of charge. All we ask is that you return the bag to any accessibility Ninja when you leave Tall Ships so we can use them to support others and remain sustainable as a charity.
Stay Connected with We Too! for Accessibility Updates
Want the latest accessibility updates during Tall Ships Aberdeen?
Make sure to follow We Too! on social media for up-to-date information, resources, and tips throughout the event.
We’ll be sharing:
- Live updates on accessibility services
- Tips for navigating the event comfortably
- Reminders about Relaxed Sessions, Sensory Bags, BSL Tours, Accessible Toilets, and more
- Where to find our Accessibility Ninjas for extra support
- Any last-minute changes to accessible facilities or routes
Whether you’re visiting with specific needs or supporting someone who is, following We Too! will help you get the most out of your Tall Ships experience.
Follow Us Here:
Stay informed, stay included, and sail smoothly through the event (sea what we did there?)
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