General Access refers to a tourism business's commitment to inclusivity by providing facilities and services that accommodate people with disabilities or specific access needs.

We understand that implementing all these features may not be immediately feasible for every business. However, we encourage you to explore which options you can adopt to better welcome and serve visitors with hearing impairments.

Providing various booking options, such as through a website, email, or phone, ensures that all visitors can choose the method that best suits their preferences and accessibility needs.

Offering multiple ways for guests to provide feedback or lodge complaints, such as via phone, email, live chat, or social media, makes it easier for all visitors to communicate their concerns and ensures their voices are heard.

The Companion Card is a government-issued card that allows a person with a disability to bring a companion with them to participating venues and events for free. It’s designed to ensure that people with disabilities have the support they need to participate fully in community activities without incurring extra costs for their companion.

Employing people with disabilities means actively hiring individuals who have disabilities and providing them with equal opportunities in the workplace. This involves creating an inclusive work environment that accommodates their specific needs, whether through accessible workspaces, flexible work arrangements, or specialised equipment. It also includes ensuring that recruitment, training, and career development processes are accessible and supportive, allowing employees with disabilities to fully contribute to and thrive within your business.

Disability awareness training for your staff involves educating them about different types of disabilities and how to interact with and support individuals with varying needs. The training typically covers topics such as effective communication strategies, understanding accessibility requirements, recognising and accommodating specific disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all customers. The goal is to equip your staff with the knowledge and skills to provide excellent service to all visitors, regardless of their abilities.

Providing accessibility information and photos on your website means clearly displaying details about the accessibility features your business offers, such as wheelchair access or assistive technologies. Including photos helps visitors with disabilities visualise your facilities, allowing them to make informed decisions about whether your business meets their needs.

Communication with guests about their access needs involves actively engaging with visitors to understand and accommodate their specific accessibility requirements. This can include asking about any special needs during booking, providing tailored support, and ensuring that guests feel comfortable and well-informed about the accessibility options available at your business. By asking all visitors if they have specific access needs, you ensure that everyone receives the necessary accommodations for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

WCAG 2.0 compliance ensures that your website meets global standards for accessibility, making digital content usable for people with disabilities. It focuses on four principles: Perceivable (content is easy to see and hear), Operable (users can navigate and interact with it), Understandable (content is clear and simple), and Robust (compatible across different devices and assistive technologies, such as screen readers).

Informing tour guides about guests' access requirements during the booking process ensures that appropriate arrangements are made, leading to a seamless and inclusive experience.

Assistance with booking arrangements means providing personalised support to help guests with specific needs or disabilities navigate the booking process. This could involve offering help with online reservations, guiding them through accessibility options, or ensuring that their particular requirements are met, making the booking experience smooth and inclusive for all customers.

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