The Businesses Making Accessibility Happen Today
Published · Updated · 4 min read
Purple Tuesday 2026
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Today, businesses and organisations have an opportunity to do something that should never be limited to a single day: make the world more accessible and welcoming for disabled people.
It is Purple Tuesday, the international movement dedicated to improving the customer experience for disabled people, their families and carers.
But what does that actually look like in practice?
It means more than changing a company logo to purple, posting a message on social media or making a promise to do better. It means looking at the everyday experiences that many people take for granted and asking whether everyone can enjoy them equally.
Can someone with sensory sensitivities comfortably visit your shop? Can a wheelchair user navigate your premises independently? Can someone with a visual impairment find the information they need on your website? Are staff confident about how to support customers with different disabilities?
These are the questions that matter.
And for Purple Tuesday 2026, we've been looking for businesses and organisations that are putting accessibility into action, with particular attention to what they have announced for today's celebrations.
Here are some examples worth highlighting.
1. The Baytree Shopping Centre – Brentwood, UK
The Baytree Shopping Centre has published a dedicated Purple Tuesday announcement on its website today, 3 November.
Its message is particularly practical. The centre is encouraging visitors who would benefit from adjustments to speak to a member of the team.
Among the adjustments specifically mentioned are:
- Dimmed lighting.
- Reduced background music.
- Assistance from members of the centre team.
This is an important reminder that accessibility isn't always about major building alterations or expensive technology. Sometimes, a relatively small change to the shopping environment can make the difference between someone feeling comfortable enough to visit and deciding to stay away.
Find out more: https://www.baytreeshoppingcentre.com/purple-tuesday-%E2%9C%A8/
2. Bluewater Shopping Centre – Kent, UK
Bluewater is also highlighting Purple Tuesday on 3 November, with a programme of activities and an opportunity to showcase the accessibility services already available to visitors.
Its published event information includes:
- More than 300 reserved accessible parking spaces close to the centre entrances.
- Disabled toilets throughout the centre.
- Changing Places facilities for people who need more extensive accessible toilet facilities.
- A visit from Guide Dogs UK to raise awareness and funds.
- A performance by the Vision Communication Signing Choir.
- Information leaflets, sensory fidget toys and goody bags for visitors.
The programme is a good example of how shopping destinations can use Purple Tuesday to bring accessibility, community organisations and the customer experience together.
It also recognises that inclusion involves more than physical access. Communication, sensory needs and awareness all play an important part in making people feel welcome.
Find out more: https://www.bluewater.co.uk/en/event-listing-page/purple-tuesday
3. Trinity Leeds and White Rose – Leeds, UK
Landsec's Trinity Leeds and White Rose shopping destinations have also announced activities for Purple Tuesday.
Their announcement, published on 28 October, describes a day of activities running from 10am until 4pm on 3 November.
Visitors and colleagues are being given opportunities to learn more about disability support, health and wellbeing services, working alongside charities, community organisations and health professionals.
What makes this particularly interesting is the involvement of different organisations. Improving accessibility isn't something a shopping centre can necessarily achieve alone. Working with charities, specialists and people with lived experience can help businesses understand barriers they might otherwise overlook.
Find out more: https://www.landsec.com/
The announcement can also be found through the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce news archive.
4. Experience Guildford and Lush – Guildford, UK
One of the most interesting accessibility initiatives being highlighted around today's Purple Tuesday is taking place in Guildford.
Experience Guildford has worked with wheelchair user Andrew Crawte to produce an updated accessibility guide for the town centre.
This isn't simply a list of businesses claiming to be accessible. Andrew has visited businesses and assessed their premises, looking at practical considerations such as ramps, lifts, accessible toilets and counter heights.
One particularly encouraging example is Lush in Guildford.
Following feedback about the layout of its shop, the team made changes to its central display furniture. A large table that made it difficult to navigate the shop, particularly at busy times, was replaced with a smaller display unit. Further improvements followed, including removing the central table altogether.
The result was a much easier shopping environment for wheelchair users.
This is exactly the kind of example that deserves attention: a business listening to a disabled customer, recognising a problem and actually doing something about it.
The updated Guildford accessibility guide is being made available online and through local visitor information points.
Find out more:
5. The Rochester Bridge Trust – Rochester, UK
Not every Purple Tuesday activity needs to take place inside a shop or business.
The Rochester Bridge Trust has included Purple Tuesday in its 2026 enhancement lighting programme.
On 3 November, the Old Bridge in Rochester is scheduled to be illuminated in recognition of Purple Tuesday.
Lighting up a well-known local landmark is a visible way of raising awareness and encouraging conversations about accessibility and disability inclusion.
It also helps take the message beyond individual businesses and into the wider community.
Find out more: https://rbt.org.uk/enhancement-lighting/
6. Nottingham Playhouse – Nottingham, UK
Accessibility in entertainment is just as important as accessibility in retail.
Nottingham Playhouse is presenting *Pride & Prejudice (sort of) during the week of 2–7 November, coinciding with Purple Tuesday.
An especially important part of the programme is a Touch Tour scheduled for 4 November.
Touch Tours give blind and partially sighted visitors an opportunity to explore the set, costumes and props before the performance, helping them build a picture of the production and enjoy the experience with greater independence.
It's a reminder that accessibility should extend to arts, culture and entertainment, giving disabled audiences the opportunity to enjoy experiences that everyone else can access.
Find out more: https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/
