Why Disabled Access is so Important to a Family Attraction Venue
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In the UK, 14.1 million people have a disability, representing 22% of the population (Tourism Teacher). Creating an accessible environment at your family attraction venue is not only a legal obligation, it also helps your business to be inclusive.
Ensuring your venue is accessible not only enhances the experience for all visitors, it reflects your commitment to equality and respect.
Martin Austin from Nimbus Disability said, “Family Attractions are where memories are made. Creating an accessible and welcoming environment for your guests, at the same time as managing expectations - is the difference between a great memory and a bad one. Accessibility isn't just about ramps. It ensures families with all abilities can create happy memories together. Inclusion builds a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.”
As well as legal and moral motivations, economic incentives also support the case for accessibility. A study by VisitBritain highlighted that disabled visitors and their companions spend over £12 billion annually on day trips and overnight stays (Scope). This spending potential underscores the economic benefits of creating inclusive environments.
Enhancing Visitor Experience
Accessibility for All: Ensuring that family attractions such as amusement parks, zoos, and museums give everyone the chance to enjoy their experience. Providing ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and sensory-friendly spaces allows visitors to navigate venues comfortably and safely.
Inclusive Activities: It’s important to offer activities and exhibits that cater to a range of abilities. For example, interactive displays at museums can include audio descriptions and tactile elements for visitors with visual impairments. Amusement parks can provide rides and attractions designed for individuals with mobility challenges. By considering the needs of all visitors, venues create memorable experiences for every family member.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Compliance with Laws: Non-compliance with disability laws can result in legal repercussions and damage to a venue’s reputation. Ensuring accessibility demonstrates a commitment to following the law and respecting the rights of all individuals.
Ethical Considerations: Beyond legal obligations, there is an ethical responsibility to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Promoting inclusivity and accessibility reflects core values of fairness and respect. It shows that the venue values every visitor and strives to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
Economic Benefits
Broadening the Customer Base: Making a family attraction venue accessible can significantly broaden your customer base. Families with members who have disabilities are more likely to visit venues that accommodate their needs. By expanding accessibility, venues can attract more visitors, increase ticket sales, and boost overall revenue.
Positive Public Image: Positive word-of-mouth and reviews from satisfied visitors are vital for tourism businesses. Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity can also attract partnerships with organisations that advocate for disability rights, further enhancing a venue's reputation.
Creating an Inclusive Culture
Staff Training: When creating an inclusive culture, employees should be trained to understand and accommodate the needs of visitors with disabilities. Employees who are appropriately trained and empathetic can provide better assistance and create a welcoming atmosphere. This includes understanding how to use accessibility features, communicating effectively with visitors who have different needs, and responding to emergencies appropriately.
Community Engagement: By working with disability advocacy groups and individuals with disabilities, venues can identify areas for improvement and ensure that accessibility measures meet real needs. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusivity.
The Next Steps
Ensuring accessibility enhances the visitor experience, fulfils legal and ethical responsibilities, and offers significant economic benefits. By prioritising inclusivity, family attraction venues can build a positive public image, attract a diverse customer base, and create a culture of respect and equality.
Join us at the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show, 6-7 November, to learn how to make every visit memorable and enjoyable for everyone.
