We are delighted to be named winner of the Disability Smart Customer Experience (large organisations) category at the 2025 Disability Smart Awards.
The award is given to an organisation that ‘showcases truly inclusive customer service that has gone the extra mile to break down barriers experienced by disabled people.’
It recognised the efforts our team have gone to engage with the disabled community and the accessibility improvements we have made. This includes updating physical infrastructure, policies, procedures and digital channels. Improvements include wheelchair accessibility enhancements, a hidden disability scheme, British Sign Language, captioning and relaxed performances, publication of easy read materials and the launch of an accessibility membership.
The judging panel said: “The impact is the creation of an experience where disabled visitors feel truly welcomed and included from the moment they engage with Alexandra Palace, setting the example for the rest of the entertainment industry.”
Read the Business Disability Forum’s case study of Ally Pally.
Jack Brooks, Head of Visitor Services at Alexandra Palace, said: “Ally Pally is here for everyone to enjoy, and we want everyone who visits to have a truly positive experience. We’ve targeted a range of improvements so that anyone who has additional requirements can feel safe and welcome. Improving a 150-year old building and 196 acre Park definitely comes with challenges, but it is something we’re absolutely passionate about. It’s fantastic our efforts have been recognised by the team at the Disability Smart Awards, as they are experts in the field. We look forward to continuing to work together with our visitors and partners to further improve everything we offer here.”
Business Disability Forum’s annual Disability Smart Awards recognise organisations and individuals that are improving the life experiences of disabled employees and consumers by removing barriers to inclusion. The awards are a platform for sharing evidence and learnings from real-life projects that have had a positive and tangible impact on disabled people’s lives.
Alexandra Park and Palace was among 13 organisations and individuals who won a Disability Smart Award this year.
Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s Disability Smart Award winners and finalists. 2025 marks 30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act and 15 years since the Equality Act came into force. There is still much work to be done but our Disability Smart Award winners show what can be achieved when businesses and disabled people work together to achieve positive change. Their stories are real-life examples of disability inclusion in action.”
The awards were held on 29 April, find out more here
