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20 Easy ways to improve accessibility and quality.
Many businesses can easily increase accessibility through simple, low-cost additions or alterations. Some can be done whilst replacing equipment or refurbishing
Here are 20 top tips
| 01
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Check if public telephones are fitted with inductive couplers so that people who use hearing aids can use the handset. Most modern phones have this facility. |
| 02 | Ensure that at least some telephones are available with large buttons and a flashing light when the telephone rings. These telephones are easier for people with arthritis, dexterity problems, hearing and visual impairments. |
03 |
Have a portable ‘vibrating alarm’ available on request for guests with a hearing impairment who may have difficulty in responding to an audible fire alarm. |
04 |
Specialist equipment required by guests with a disability is often available locally for hire. Have this kind of information readily available in case of questions about them. This is good PR. |
05 |
Ensure that there is at least one copy of any menu available in large print and offer to read the menu if appropriate. |
06 |
At a reception/entrance desk, paper and pen should be available for guests with hearing difficulties to write on. |
07 |
Use large-print guest information and registration forms. |
08 |
You must accept working or service dogs in bedrooms and public areas and could have information on local vets, parks (with dog walking areas) available. |
09 |
Use coloured glassware, crockery, cutlery and jugs to make it easier for visually impaired people to reach to see what they are using. |
10 |
When there is no low reception desk, ensure that a low desk is made available, kept free from clutter, and that reception staff approach the guest rather than leaning over the desk. The use of a clipboard for registration purposes is another alternative. |
11 |
Avoid an all-white finish in bedrooms, bathrooms and public toilets. Provide coloured towels where there is white furniture so that visually impaired guests can find them more easily. |
12 |
Ensure that blocks are available for raising the height of beds |
13 |
Trim any overhanging plants or hedges along pathways. |
14 |
When talking to a person in a wheelchair, try to have your eyes at a similar height to theirs by crouching or sitting close by, do not lean on the wheelchair as this is part of the user’s personal space. |
15 |
If someone looks as if they need assistance, offer it, but wait for them to accept your offer before you help. |
16 |
Get involved in a disability-awareness training course. Greater awareness and sensitivity to the needs of visitors with a disability enhances the tourism experience for them. |
17 |
Guests with disabilities are individuals like everybody else. Do not make assumptions about their abilities or needs. |
18 |
Be available to take a person with a vision impairment around their room, pointing out where the various pieces of furniture are. This will help them to orientate themselves. |
19 |
When decorating, ensure that door surrounds/frames are in contrast with the wall and door and that there is contrasting door furniture. Ensure that all steps are distinguishable through contrasting edges. |
20 |
When changing signage, incorporate clear typeface, contrasting colours, non- reflective and well-lit information. Tactile and Braille information should be at a height that can be reached (ie 1250 - 1350mm). |
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