Blog 2
Why AVICs need to provide inclusive information
Accessibility 101
Everybody deserves an opportunity to travel irrespective of their access needs. However, for 1 in 5 Australians who live with a disability, this opportunity is often restricted by factors that can be easily overcome*.
A common restriction is inaccessible travel information and marketing that predominantly relies on visual cues. In addition, information that is accessible or promotes inclusive accommodation options/experiences is often hidden. So how can AVICs make a difference?
Below are a few tips and tricks from Vacayit’s Head of Content, Lisa McEwan. Lisa is an avid traveller living with a disability and has extensive experience working with AVICs through the app’s Sensory Audio Guides project.
Quick tips
Make accessibility information available: Highlight operators who offer inclusive facilities and experiences and make this information easy to find. For example, brochures about these operators could be sectioned off and categorized. Public transport information is often sort after for people with access needs, so having this information readily available can help.
Mud Maps: Drawing a little mud map can help when giving directions, i.e. to the bathrooms, to people with hearing impairments or with auditory processing disorders.
Grant applications: Be on the lookout for available grants to help with
· Improving your AVIC/region’s website accessibility
· Inclusive signage
· Upgrading maps to display accessibility information
· Create a sensory audio guide for your AVIC
· Accessible infrastructure for your AVIC – e.g. braille, ramps etc.
Training: Learn how to best assist visitors with access needs to ensure your AVIC remains a warm and welcoming environment for all. Training sessions can be delivered by a professional in-person or online via micro-credentialing courses.
Attitude: We often form unconscious biases and stereotypes when thinking about what people with access needs are capable of, and the types of experiences they may enjoy. It’s valuable to challenge these assumptions and always direct the answer back to the person who asked the questions. In addition, rather than assuming someone does or doesn’t need help, it is best to first ask.
Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland
Image courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland
AVICs are perceived as trusted information hubs that offer an inclusive environment for all visitors, irrespective of their background. For this reason alone, it is important AVICs continue to deliver their helpful services, keeping travellers with access needs at the forefront, especially when designing brochure racks, advertising certain operators, and considering where future training, development and infrastructure budgets are attributed to.