Widd, one of the UK’s longest-established sign makers, is marking Accessibility Week (until 9 November 2025) by shining a light on the importance of inclusive, well-designed signage in public and educational spaces. The campaign follows Widd’s recent involvement in Purple Tuesday, a global initiative that encourages businesses to improve accessibility and inclusivity for disabled customers.

With over 137 years of experience crafting signage for some of the UK’s most recognisable venues and institutions, Widd offers a service that specialises in designing and manufacturing signage that incorporates braille, tactile textures, high-contrast colour, accessible typography, and translated messaging. This work has become especially meaningful within Widd’s team.

Business Development Manager, Damon Kirkham, said: “Almost 20 years ago I visited my first SEN school (SEND as it is now) and saw first-hand how important signage can be in helping people understand where they are and how to get to where they want to go - sounds simple enough but without effective DDA compliant signs it can lead to frustration and a sense of exclusion. Many children see and understand the world differently, and something as simple as clear, well-placed signage can make the difference between feeling included or overwhelmed.”

The Accessibility Spotlight series is a three-part educational campaign designed to help schools, public buildings, businesses, and organisations better understand the role of inclusive signage in creating welcoming, safe, and independent environments for all.

Accessible signage is more than a design choice; it is essential for navigation, safety, and dignity. With 1 in 5 people in the UK living with a disability, signage that is clear, tactile, high-contrast, and logically placed supports independence and usability across a wide range of needs – including visual impairment, neurodiversity, learning differences and mobility challenges.

While the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) laid the groundwork, the Equality Act 2010 now sets the legal duty for service providers to make “Reasonable Adjustments” to ensure equal access. This includes signage.

Widd partners with SEND schools, councils, architects, and commercial clients to create signage systems tailored to the needs of their environments. From concept and compliance guidance through to manufacturing and installation, Widd provides a full end-to-end service.

Sarah Beaumont Marketing Director at Widd said: “At Widd, we believe accessibility must be the foundation of every physical space. When signage works for everyone, everyone is welcome.”