Accessible Potchefstroom

"Accessible" should tell you something useful.

It should answer whether there is a step at the entrance, where the accessible parking is, whether the toilet works for the person using it, how loud the venue becomes and whether staff can communicate in the way a visitor needs.

This guide helps people plan around mobility, vision, hearing, communication, sensory, cognitive and other access requirements in Potchefstroom.

MyPotch does not certify venues. It records specific features, sources and review dates, then encourages people to confirm the details that matter to them.

Accessibility is more than a ramp

South Africa's Department of Tourism describes accessible tourism as enabling people with mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive access requirements to use tourism products, services and environments with independence and dignity. It also recognises that access improvements help older people and families using prams.

A ramp may solve one barrier while leaving five others waiting inside.

Useful information includes:

• route from parking or drop-off;
• surface and slope;
• steps and thresholds;
• doorway width;
• lifts;
• seating;
• toilet layout;
• counter height;
• lighting;
• noise;
• signage;
• communication support;
• service-animal arrangements;
• staff assistance;
• evacuation plan; and
• what has not been checked.

A note on language

Use respectful, direct language.

Good phrases include:

• disabled person or person with a disability, according to the person's preference;
• wheelchair user;
• blind or low-vision visitor;
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing visitor;
• neurodivergent visitor;
• person with an intellectual disability;
• access requirement;
• step-free entrance; and
• accessible toilet.

Avoid treating disability as tragedy, inspiration or a customer-service puzzle.

When describing a feature, describe the feature. "Ground-floor room with a 78 cm doorway and roll-in shower" is more useful than "special room available".

What MyPotch can show

Each place or business should have feature-level accessibility fields.

Information states

Use only these states:

• Verified by MyPotch on [DATE]
• Confirmed by the organisation on [DATE]
• Reported by a visitor on [DATE]
• Not verified
• Unknown
• Temporarily unavailable

Do not turn "unknown" into a cheerful green tick.

Source states

Show the source:

• site visit;
• business submission;
• official website;
• official access audit;
• Tourism Grading Council information;
• visitor report;
• photograph; or
• other named source.

A business submission is useful, but it is not the same as an independent audit.

Mobility access

A useful mobility-access record answers the journey from arrival to service.

Parking and drop-off

Record:

• designated accessible parking;
• number of bays;
• width or side-transfer space, if measured;
• surface;
• distance to entrance, only from reviewed coordinates or measurement;
• kerb ramps;
• covered drop-off;
• gate or boom process;
• payment machine height;
• route crossing traffic; and
• whether assistance can meet the visitor.

Do not write "parking available" when the visitor needs to know whether a wheelchair can leave the vehicle.

Entrance

Record:

• step-free entrance;
• number and height of steps;
• ramp;
• handrails;
• surface;
• gradient only if measured reliably;
• threshold;
• door type;
• doorway width;
• door weight;
• automatic door;
• call bell;
• alternative entrance; and
• opening process.

An alternative accessible entrance should not be hidden behind "ask someone around the back" without clear instructions.

Inside the venue

Record:

• level access;
• lifts;
• lift-door width and controls;
• aisle width;
• turning space;
• seating with removable chairs;
• accessible service counter;
• fitting room;
• queueing arrangement;
• stage or viewing access;
• treatment-room access;
• emergency exits; and
• staff assistance.

Toilets

"Accessible toilet" needs detail.

Record:

• location;
• step-free route;
• door width and opening direction;
• transfer side;
• grab rails;
• basin and mirror;
• emergency cord;
• change table;
• key or access process;
• whether it is used for storage;
• current working status; and
• review date.

A wheelchair symbol on a door does not move the mop bucket.

Vision access

Record features such as:

• tactile or raised signage;
• braille;
• high-contrast signage;
• large-print material;
• lighting quality;
• glare;
• edge contrast on steps;
• glass-door markings;
• audio description;
• staff assistance;
• accessible digital menus;
• screen-reader-friendly booking;
• guide or orientation information; and
• service-animal arrangements.

Do not claim "blind-friendly". Describe what is actually available.

Wayfinding

Good directions include:

• entrance from a named street;
• number of steps;
• door position;
• reception location;
• lift location;
• floor;
• landmarks;
• surface change; and
• staff meeting point.

Avoid directions built only around colour.

Hearing access

Record:

• hearing loop;
• captioning;
• South African Sign Language support;
• text or WhatsApp contact;
• visual queue display;
• visual alarm;
• quiet seating;
• microphone use;
• written instructions;
• speech-to-text support;
• online booking;
• staff communication options; and
• whether music volume can be reduced.

Do not promise an interpreter unless the arrangement is confirmed for the specific date and service.

Sensory and cognitive access

People may need predictable, lower-stimulation or easier-to-understand information.

Record:

• quiet hours;
• typical busy periods;
• lighting type;
• flashing or strobe effects;
• music or machinery noise;
• strong smells;
• crowding;
• queue length;
• waiting-room options;
• break-out or quiet space;
• clear sequence of what will happen;
• simplified information;
• advance photographs;
• companion or support-person policy;
• appointment timing; and
• staff assistance.

"Calm venue" is too subjective. "No music before 10:00 on Tuesdays" is useful, provided it is current.

Speech and communication access

Ask whether the organisation can offer:

• email or text instead of telephone;
• extra processing time;
• plain-language forms;
• picture or symbol support;
• writing materials;
• speech-to-text;
• communication boards;
• support-person participation;
• patient or customer preference notes; and
• a quieter conversation area.

Staff should ask, not assume, how a person prefers to communicate.

Access for older adults and people with temporary injuries

Access information also helps people recovering from surgery, using crutches, managing fatigue or travelling with an older relative.

Useful details include:

• seating along long routes;
• handrails;
• lift availability;
• walking distance;
• shade;
• rest points;
• toilet access;
• drop-off;
• queue alternatives;
• delivery or collection;
• home visits; and
• mobility-equipment space.

Do not merge ageing and disability into one assumption. Ask what the person needs.

Families using prams

Pram access may overlap with step-free access, but not always.

Record:

• kerbs;
• steps;
• lift access;
• doorway width;
• baby-changing facilities;
• feeding space;
• safe storage;
• crowded aisles;
• high chairs;
• toilet access; and
• event terrain.

A venue may be easy with a compact pram and difficult with a double pram. Detail beats the sticker.

Service animals and assistance animals

MyPotch can record the organisation's current policy and contact route rather than invent legal conclusions.

Ask:

• whether trained service animals are admitted;
• whether advance notice is requested;
• whether water is available;
• relief-area information;
• seating arrangement;
• allergies or animal conflicts;
• staff procedure; and
• who can resolve a problem on the day.

Where legal rights or disputes are involved, use current South African law and qualified advice.

Accessible attractions and heritage places

MyPotch's visitor guide should surface access fields on attraction pages.

Useful attraction information includes:

• parking and arrival;
• entrance route;
• ticket or reception counter;
• paths and surfaces;
• slopes and steps;
• seating and shade;
• toilets;
• viewing access;
• audio or tactile interpretation;
• tour format;
• companion policy;
• guide or staff support;
• emergency access;
• weather impact; and
• inaccessible sections.

Heritage buildings may contain unavoidable barriers, but the page can still explain what is accessible, what is not and whether an alternative experience is available.

Route planning

An itinerary should state:

• transport between stops;
• parking;
• walking or rolling surface;
• rest options;
• toilet points;
• expected duration;
• weather exposure;
• booking requirements;
• accessible alternatives; and
• which details must be confirmed.

Do not call an entire itinerary accessible because the first stop has a ramp.

Accessible accommodation

An accommodation enquiry should ask about the exact room, not merely whether the establishment has "disabled facilities".

Arrival and public spaces

Ask:

• step-free route from parking;
• check-in counter;
• lift;
• restaurant access;
• pool or garden access;
• emergency evacuation;
• backup power for lifts or essential equipment;
• accessible parking; and
• staff assistance.

Bedroom

Ask:

• room floor;
• door width;
• clear space beside the bed;
• bed height;
• movable furniture;
• reachable controls;
• plug points;
• visual or vibrating alerts;
• connecting room;
• balcony access; and
• emergency instructions.

Bathroom

Ask:

• shower or bath;
• roll-in shower;
• shower lip;
• shower seat;
• grab rails;
• handheld shower;
• toilet transfer space;
• basin clearance;
• mirror;
• non-slip surface;
• emergency call system; and
• photographs or measurements.

Booking

Get the agreed room and access features in writing. A request in a notes box is not the same as a confirmed room allocation.

MyPotch listings are not booking confirmations or accessibility guarantees.

Restaurants, cafés and shops

Record:

• entrance;
• aisle space;
• table options;
• chair removal;
• counter height;
• menu format;
• allergen-information process;
• lighting and noise;
• toilet;
• accessible payment terminal;
• collection or delivery;
• quiet times; and
• staff contact.

A portable ramp stored somewhere on the property is only useful if staff know where it is and can deploy it safely.

Healthcare access

Healthcare access may be urgent and personal.

Confirm:

• parking and drop-off;
• step-free entrance;
• lift;
• wheelchair space;
• accessible toilet;
• examination or treatment equipment;
• transfer assistance;
• communication support;
• companion policy;
• booking method;
• waiting-room environment;
• emergency process; and
• whether the provider treats the person's specific need.

Do not assume a healthcare facility is physically or communicatively accessible because it provides healthcare.

Events and venues

Every event listing should include access information or a visible "not yet confirmed" label.

Ask the organiser about:

• accessible entrance;
• parking and drop-off;
• terrain;
• seating and sightlines;
• companion seating;
• accessible toilet;
• stage access;
• hearing loop or captioning;
• sign-language interpretation;
• sensory warnings;
• quiet space;
• assistance animals;
• food and medication rules;
• evacuation;
• transport;
• contact person; and
• booking process for access requirements.

Access information changes with the event

A venue may be accessible in its normal layout and inaccessible after temporary fencing, cables, stages, stalls or seating appear.

Review event access after setup where possible. Temporary infrastructure has a talent for inventing new thresholds.

Transport

MyPotch does not describe transport as accessible without vehicle-level and booking-level detail.

Ask providers:

• vehicle type;
• ramp or lift;
• wheelchair dimensions and weight limits;
• securement system;
• transfer requirement;
• space for a companion;
• service-animal policy;
• booking notice;
• pickup surface;
• driver assistance;
• luggage and mobility equipment;
• price;
• cancellation;
• backup vehicle; and
• contact method.

For ordinary route planning, include pavement condition, kerbs, crossings, lighting, distance, rest points and weather exposure where verified.

Public and municipal buildings

For a municipal office, clinic, school or public facility, useful access information includes:

• accessible entrance;
• office location;
• queue process;
• seating;
• lift;
• toilet;
• service counter;
• forms;
• communication methods;
• parking;
• assistance process; and
• complaint or accommodation route.

Link to the official organisation and show when the information was last checked.

Digital accessibility

MyPotch itself must be usable.

Minimum page behaviour

• Keyboard access
• Visible focus indicator
• Logical heading order
• Useful page title
• Descriptive links
• Text alternatives for informative images
• Captions or transcript for media
• Form labels and error messages
• Sufficient contrast
• Zoom support
• No information conveyed by colour alone
• No auto-playing sound
• Reduced-motion support
• Skip link
• Accessible menus and filters
• Screen-reader status messages
• Plain language
• Contact alternative to complex forms

Map alternatives

Maps must not be the only way to understand a location.

Provide:

• written address;
• area;
• directions;
• landmark;
• telephone or text contact;
• coordinate source;
• reviewed date; and
• a way to report a wrong pin.

Accessibility statement

MyPotch can publish:

• commitment;
• standard or target used;
• known limitations;
• contact route;
• response process;
• testing date;
• assistive technologies or methods tested;
• third-party limitations; and
• recent improvements.

Do not write "fully accessible". Websites change. Accessibility work is a practice, not a victory banner.

How businesses should submit access information

The form should ask for specific features and evidence.

Suggested evidence:

• current photographs;
• measurements;
• floor plan;
• access audit;
• official grading;
• staff confirmation;
• customer feedback; and
• date checked.

The organisation must confirm that it has authority to submit the information and that photographs do not expose private information.

Do not ask one giant yes-or-no question

Bad: "Is your business wheelchair friendly?"

Better:

• Is there a step-free entrance?
• What is the narrowest doorway?
• Is there an accessible toilet?
• Which side is the toilet transfer space?
• Is there accessible parking?
• Are there steps between the entrance and service?
• Is a lift required?
• Is the lift working today?

The truth usually lives in the follow-up question.

How visitors should report access information

Visitor reports can reveal barriers, but they should not become public attacks.

Ask for:

• place;
• visit date;
• feature observed;
• what worked;
• barrier;
• temporary or permanent;
• photograph;
• permission to share;
• preferred contact;
• whether the organisation was informed; and
• urgent safety concern.

Moderate reports for privacy, abuse and unsupported allegations. Give the organisation a route to correct or update factual details.

Review and verification cycle

Suggested review frequency:

• Emergency and healthcare access: every three months or after a change
• Event access: before each event
• Temporary features: on the day where possible
• Accommodation and attractions: every six months
• General listings: annually
• User-reported barrier: prompt review
• Lift or toilet outage: mark temporary immediately

Every listing needs a reviewed date.

Planning your own visit

Before leaving, contact the venue with the access requirements that matter most.

A useful message:

"Hello. I am planning to visit on [DATE] at [TIME]. I use [MOBILITY AID / COMMUNICATION METHOD / OTHER RELEVANT DETAIL]. Please confirm the step-free route from arrival to [SERVICE], the toilet access and whether [SPECIFIC FEATURE] will be available. A written reply or current photographs would help. Thank you."

Bring:

• confirmed booking;
• access contact;
• address;
• emergency contacts;
• medication;
• charging equipment;
• backup plan;
• weather protection;
• transport confirmation; and
• the confidence to ask a second question when the first answer is fog.

Frequently asked questions

Which Potchefstroom attractions are wheelchair accessible?

MyPotch can list specific verified features rather than provide one blanket answer. Use the attraction filters and confirm the route, surfaces, toilets and any inaccessible sections directly before visiting.

Does an accessibility icon mean a venue has been audited?

Not necessarily. Every icon should open or link to the feature details, source and review date. A business confirmation is not the same as an independent audit.

How can I find an accessible hotel room?

Ask about the exact room, doorway, bed space, bathroom, public areas, lift, parking and evacuation. Get the room allocation and features confirmed in writing.

Can I report a barrier to MyPotch?

Yes. MyPotch can provide a moderated access-information correction route. For an immediate danger, contact the venue or appropriate emergency service.

Does MyPotch guarantee access?

No. MyPotch records available information and review dates. Facilities can change or be temporarily unavailable, so confirm critical details directly.

Should I use the word wheelchair-friendly?

Feature-level language is better. Say "step-free entrance, 80 cm doorway and accessible toilet" when those details are verified.

What if a venue has one inaccessible section?

State it clearly and explain the accessible alternative, if one exists. Partial access is still useful information when it is described honestly.

Does accessibility include sensory and communication needs?

Yes. Useful access information covers mobility, vision, hearing, communication, sensory, cognitive and other requirements.

How should an event list accessibility?

Show arrival, terrain, seating, toilets, communication support, sensory conditions, companion arrangements, evacuation and the organiser's access contact.

Is MyPotch's website accessible?

MyPotch can maintain a current accessibility statement, test core journeys and provide a contact route for barriers. Avoid claiming perfect accessibility.

Plan with useful access details