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General Access Attributes

Do you provide general facilities and services that accommodate people with disabilities or specific access needs?

Updated over 4 months ago

What is General Access?

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.

Understanding General Access Attributes

Offer multiple options for booking - web, email, phone

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.

Offer a range of contact methods for receiving complaints

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.

Accept the Companion Card

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.

Employ people with disabilities

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.

Train your staff in disability awareness

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.

Have accessibility information and photos, including of a bathroom, room and/or floor plan on your website

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.

Ask all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met

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

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).

Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking

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

Provide assistance with booking arrangements

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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