TALKING POINT
How can attractions be more inclusive?
Does the industry need separate attractions for disabled people, or can all attractions effectively cater for those with disabilities? What can attractions do to make sure everyone feels included?
Kath Hudson, journalist, Attractions Management K C 28
atie Price, the former glamour model Jordan, who's mum to a 12-year-old son with disabilities, has said that she'd like to create a theme park where both disabled and able-bodied
children are able to have fun. Speaking on her internet radio show
earlier this year, Price claimed there’s a need for visitor attractions that are aimed at disabled children, but which able- bodied children can enjoy as well. “When you’ve got kids who are able- bodied and can do things, there are loads of choices,” she said. “But where are the facilities for disabled kids and adults? There are no rides for wheelchairs. Sometimes there's disabled access but I wish they'd add a theme park on the side that stimulates their brain too.” There are many reasons for improving
disability access. The most important is moral – everyone with a disability has a right to quality of life and equality.
Responding to the disabled market also makes sense commercially – it's a sizeable and growing sector which has considerable potential to scale up if accessibility is improved. If you can offer a good experience,
you'll discover this is also a loyal market: disabled people tend to revisit places where they know they'll have a positive experience. In many countries, legislation makes
it illegal to discriminate against disabled people – which also means they're entitled to sue if they're not treated equally – so it's vital to offer experiences which everyone can participate in and enjoy across all disabilities. So how difficult is it for visitor
Model Katie Price has always been frank about life with her son Harvey, who has a number of disabilities
attractions to make sure they're universally accessible? What changes need to be made to both operations and facilities? What are the specific needs of disabled people and what are the main steps to take to be inclusive? We ask the experts for their advice.
COVER STORY
TRACEY PROUDLOCK
Founder, Proudlock Associates, Disability and Inclusive Design Consultants
hildren need to share experiences and have fun together and I
think it’s more important for existing attractions to focus on being more inclusive, rather than focusing on building new attractions aimed exclusively at disabled people. Being able to go on rides
and play with other children is an essential part of growing up.
feel when you take part, rather than on what you do. These are all important to enable and allow social interaction and to foster play relationships. Site layout is important
Visitor attractions should aim to include rides which offer lift access, equipment which gives space for wheelchair users and stimulating activities which are based on what you
too. Visitor attractions need to have appropriate seating, waiting areas and queue systems. Allowing seats to be removed to provide access for a wheelchair – or space for an assistance dog – could greatly improve things for everyone involved: carers, support workers and the child's family and friends. In order to become more inclusive, I suggest visitor
Read Attractions Management online
attractionsmanagement.com/digital
attractions carry out an access audit and perhaps engage an access consultant to help inform a plan to remove barriers. In the UK, for example, the National Register of Access Consultants can help. Staff should be trained
in disability awareness and be confident to offer help to those who need it. Attractions should also get feedback from disabled customers about their experiences and talk to suppliers about new inclusive play equipment options.
n
proudlockassociates.com @TraceyProudlock
AM 4 2014 ©Cybertrek 2014
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