Tasha Gurney

New BIAZA opportunity for small zoos and aquariums - Accessibility in Action Award

Posted: 1st April, 2026

BIAZA members, learn how to submit for a new award for best accessibility improvement:

BIAZA, in partnership with Agility Marketing, is inviting smaller zoos and aquariums (under 75,000 visitors a year) to share the practical steps they’ve taken to improve accessibility for their visitors. 

This Accessibility in Action Award is to recognise these steps for inclusivity zoos/aquariums have already taken - it doesn’t need to be big or expensive, what matters is the difference it has made.

Liz Dimes, MD at Agility Marketing, said; "With 1 in 4 of the UK population classified as disabled, accessibility matters.   All improvements, no matter how small can make a big difference.  Agility are thrilled to partner on BIAZA’s ‘Accessibility in Action’ award."

This is a chance to showcase your work, celebrate progress, and receive funding to take the next step. 

  • Winner: £500 to support further accessibility improvements  
  • Two Highly Commended: £150 each  

To enter, simply complete the short questionnaire and return it to [email protected] by 8 May 2026. 

About Your Organisation: 

Organisation name 

Number of visitors annually 

 

Contact name and email 

 

What was the accessibility issue or barrier you wanted to address? 

(Max 150 words) 
Briefly describe the challenge or need. 

 

 

 

What improvement did you make? 

(Max 150 words) 
Tell us what you did (keep it simple and practical) 

 

 

 

 

Who benefits and how? 

(Max 150 words) 
How has this improved the experience for disabled visitors? 

 

 

 

What difference has it made so far? 

(Max 150 words) 
Any feedback, observations, or impact (quotes welcome but not required). 

 

 

 

 

Supporting materials (optional but encouraged) 

Please indicate what you have attached. 

  • Photos (before/after if possible)  

  • Short video (if available) 

 

 

 

 

Terms of the Award 

The award recognises a completed accessibility improvement, but funding must be used to support future signage accessibility improvements at your organisation. 

Projects must be completed within 12 months of the award being confirmed.  

Payment will be made on completion of the project and receipt of agreed evidence. 

Evidence Requirements 

  • Recipients must provide:  
  • Photos of the completed improvement (before and after where possible)  
  • A short summary of what was delivered and the difference it has made  
  • By submitting this evidence, you agree that BIAZA and Agility Marketing may use this content for communications, including social media, case studies and reporting.  

Standards 

  • All improvements should align with BIAZA’s Accessible Signage Guidance.  

Additional Information 

  • BIAZA reserves the right to request further information or clarification where required.  
  • If the project is not completed within the agreed timeframe, the award may be withdrawn or reallocated.  
  • Awards are intended to support practical, deliverable improvements and should represent value for money.