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Looking for a verified Nimbus Access Card discount? Purpl members can currently save 10% as a new Access Card customer, subject to the current offer terms. The Nimbus Access Card is a photo ID card that communicates a disabled person’s verified access requirements using recognised symbols, helping venues and ticketing providers understand what reasonable adjustments may be needed without repeatedly asking for detailed medical information.
The Access Card is operated by Nimbus Disability, a social enterprise run by and for disabled people.
Rather than simply proving that someone is disabled, Nimbus assesses the barriers and access requirements they experience. These are then represented by symbols on the card, which can be used at thousands of events, attractions, venues and other locations in the UK and beyond.
Purpl members can currently save 10% on their first Nimbus Access Card.
Applying for an Access Card makes communicating your accessibility needs at venues, events, and attractions so much simpler without having to explain your condition every time. To get your card or renew it, you often need official proof of your disability status, such as a benefit award letter for PIP, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or DLA. Knowing exactly which benefits you qualify for not only unlocks official accessibility passes but also helps protect your household income against the disability price tag. Take a look at our complete guide to check what benefits you can claim.
How to check what disability benefits you can claim
— Georgina, Founder of Purpl
A full Nimbus Access Card currently costs £15 and is valid for three years.
Purpl members can access an exclusive Access Card disability discount, helping reduce the cost further.
Once approved, you receive a physical photo ID Access Card alongside your Access Card details, which can be recognised by participating venues and organisations.
You cannot currently get the full physical Access Card free as standard, but some venues and organisations offer their own free Digital Access Pass or Access Registration scheme operated by Nimbus.
These schemes assess your access requirements in a similar way but are normally only valid with the venue, event organiser or organisation you applied through.
For example, some theatres, arenas, festivals and attractions use Nimbus to manage their accessibility registration.
Depending on the venue and your assessed requirements, a Digital Access Pass may allow you to access things such as:
The important difference is that a Digital Access Pass is not the same as the full Nimbus Access Card.
A free venue registration:
If you already hold a full Access Card, many participating venues can use your existing Access Card ID instead of asking you to complete another accessibility assessment.
If you regularly visit theatres, concerts, festivals, theme parks, attractions or other participating venues, an Access Card can make communicating your access requirements significantly easier.
Rather than submitting detailed disability evidence to multiple organisations, the Access Card provides venues with a recognised record of your assessed access requirements.
Benefits can include:
It can be particularly useful if your disability or health condition is not immediately visible.
Nimbus asks for evidence that helps demonstrate the access barriers you experience and the adjustments you require.
Evidence may include:
Receiving a disability benefit does not necessarily mean every Access Card symbol will automatically be awarded.
Nimbus considers your application, your description of the barriers you experience and the supporting evidence you provide when deciding which symbols are appropriate.
You do not need to upload every medical document you have. The most useful evidence is documentation that clearly supports the specific access requirements you are asking Nimbus to recognise.
Applying for an Access Card is completed online.
You'll be asked for information including your name and contact details.
You'll need a clear photo for your Access Card.
Rather than focusing only on your diagnosis, explain what actually creates an access barrier for you.
For example, you may experience difficulty:
Provide documentation that supports the access needs you have described.
Nimbus reviews the information and decides which Access Card symbols reflect your evidenced access requirements.
Once your application is approved, your Access Card will be valid for three years.
Nimbus uses symbols to communicate different types of access requirements without requiring you to disclose detailed medical information every time you visit a venue.
Some of the main Access Card symbols relate to:
Standing and queuing: For people for whom standing or queuing creates a substantial access barrier.
Wheelchair access: Identifies people who require wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Distance: For people who experience significant difficulty moving themselves over longer distances.
Urgent toilet needs: Helps communicate an urgent requirement to access toilet facilities.
Essential companion: Indicates that accessing a service without another person's substantial or significant support would be difficult.
Assistance dogs: Communicates the requirement to access a venue with an assistance dog.
Visual information: For people who experience barriers accessing visual or written information.
Audible information: For people who experience difficulty hearing or processing audible information.
There are also provisions for other access requirements that do not fit neatly within the standard categories.
An Access Card does not automatically guarantee a free companion ticket everywhere.
If Nimbus awards you the Essential Companion symbol, often known as the +1 symbol, it shows venues that Nimbus has assessed you as requiring substantial or significant support from another person to access services.
Many participating organisations use this symbol when deciding eligibility for an essential companion or personal assistant ticket.
However, companion ticket policies can vary between venues, so always check the individual organisation's accessibility policy before booking.
Yes, if standing or queuing presents a substantial access barrier, Nimbus may award an appropriate symbol based on your application and supporting evidence.
A participating venue can then use this information when deciding what reasonable adjustment it can provide.
That does not necessarily mean skipping every queue. Adjustments depend on the venue and may include an alternative waiting arrangement, timed access or another suitable solution.
The Access Card was developed by Nimbus Disability, an organisation run by and for disabled people.
One of its biggest advantages is privacy. Your detailed medical information does not need to be shared with every venue you visit. Instead, your assessed requirements are translated into recognisable access symbols.
For disabled people and people with long term health conditions, this can help with:
Reducing repeated explanations: You have a recognised way to communicate your access needs.
Hidden disabilities: The card can provide evidence of requirements that may not be immediately apparent.
Wheelchair and mobility access: Relevant symbols can communicate requirements around wheelchair access, distance and standing.
Support from another person: The Essential Companion symbol can help venues identify people who need significant support to access their services.
Sensory and communication requirements: Symbols can communicate barriers around audible and visual information.
Planning days out: Participating venues can use your Access Card information when arranging suitable accessibility support.
If you have questions about your Nimbus Access Card application, need to update your access needs, or want support with the symbol system, you can contact the team directly:
Nimbus is known for its supportive team and fast responses.
The Nimbus Access Card fee is generally non-refundable once issued, as the service includes the verification of accessibility evidence and creation of your personalised card.
If you encounter issues during the application, contact Nimbus customer support - they are often able to resolve problems quickly.
Purpl and Nimbus Disability both focus on reducing barriers experienced by disabled people.
The Access Card can make it easier to communicate verified access requirements when booking attractions, theatres, concerts and other activities, while Purpl helps reduce the additional costs disabled people face.
Through the partnership, eligible Purpl members can save 10% on their first Nimbus Access Card.