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Business FAQ's

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Q. Have you heard of a guide called 'Easy does it'?

  • A. VisitBritain have produced a guide called 'Easy does it’. It is packed full of ideas that are simple and low-cost, including the provision of easy to find information such as contact details for the local Shopmobility scheme or accessible taxi firm. Improved accessibility benefits a wide range of the population from dad with a bad back, to gran with a hearing aid, a new mum with a pram or a teenager with a broken leg!  Implementing just a few of the ideas suggested in the brochure will help to enhance the quality of experience for many and in turn not only meet, but exceed guest expectations. Click here to view and download Easy Does It. Alternatively you can request a free copy by emailing qad@visitbritain.org

Q. I have heard of a document called PAS88, regarding larger hotels - do you have some information about this? 

  • A. We have some information on our website, please click here to take you to that page.

Q. Where can I find some useful information about becoming accessible?

  • A. There is a wide range of specific building regulations, British Standards, criteria, and advice available on the internet or alternatively in hard copy. Some of these useful links can be found in the Other Information Sources on our website, and these should enable you to gather useful information fairly quickly.

    Tourism for All also produces a Self-Audit Manual and Toolkit (£45, or free to Members)
    click here for details.

Q. I need a letter of support for my accessible project, who can help me?

  • A. We would be happy to write a letter of support towards your accessible project. Please contact Brian Seaman at the address below. You should also get in touch with your regional tourism organisation or Business Link to see whether they would be prepared to help too.

Q. I need advice about producing an ‘Access Statement’ – are there some examples?

  • A. An Access Statement describes to customers what you have in terms of accessible facilities. An example from Sonachan House, Paignton in Devon can be seen if you click here. A further example can be seen at the London Canal Museum website if you click here.

       Alternatively there are further details and a template available on-line from VisitBritain.

Q. How can I obtain an advisory visit or an inspection?

  • A. Tourism for All is licensed by the national tourism agency VisitBritain to provide either an advisory visit or an inspection to award a rating under the NAS. Please contact Brian Seaman at the address below if you have a specific question about the National Accessible Scheme or if you would like us to undertake an inspection on your behalf. Quality in Tourism also provides inspections for VisitBritain in England.

Q. I am trying to find a specific piece of equipment for my accessible facilities, where can I find out more about this?

Q. I need some information about staff training in disability awareness and equality, where can I obtain this?

  • A. Please see the TFA Training section of this site, where a new e-learning platform for training staff in the hospitality sector in welcoming guests with disabilities is being set up. For in-house training, for putting together courses, or other questions, please contact Brian Seaman at the address below and he will discuss the options with you. The tourist boards can also offer training days through the Welcome All training. Please see the Other Information Sources on our website.

Q. What information should I include on my website about access?

  • A. You should include details about what you offer disabled people in an ‘Access Statement’ which accurately describes the facilities and services (see above).

    Information could include: parking for disabled people, whether there is level, ramped or stepped access, any designated accessible facilities such as bedrooms or accessible WCs, assistance or equipment for people with a hearing loss or reduced eyesight, emergency arrangements for people with disabilities, accessible public transport in your area, and other destination information.

    If you have had a National Accessible Scheme inspection then including your rating on your website and literature will give people a good idea of whether you can cater for their needs.

    We recommend showing photographs/images of your accessible facilities, especially entrance, accessible bedroom/s and bathroom/s, on your website as this will help people judge if they can manage, as well as those who do not use or comprehend English. (An advisory visit by Tourism for All will provide you with a report with photographs that can be used for this purpose)

    Also publish your ‘Access Policy’ - your statement of commitment to gradually improving access to your property - and, if you join, your membership of Tourism for All, by displaying the logo, to demonstrate that commitment click here for information on joining Tourism for All.

Q. How do I make my website or information more accessible?

  • A. There are a number of organisations that can help you, for example, both AbilityNet and the RNIB have websites where you can search for advice. A number of useful links can be found in the
    Other Information Sources on our website.

Q. What is Audio description and where is it used?

Q. Where can I obtain details about the National Accessible Scheme (NAS)?

  • A. The symbols and explanations of the logos can be seen if you click here. Full details of the individual criteria are available on-line from VisitBritain. If you are based in England and would prefer a hard copy of this information, contact Quality in Tourism on: 0845 300 6996 – they can also offer advice about quality, hygiene and other aspects of operating accommodation.

    In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland it would be best to contact your national tourism organisation initially

Q. I would like information about how to improve communication for disabled or older visitors, where can I find this?

  • A. BT has a long history of providing standard and more specialised products and services that support and advice for our customers who find communication slightly more difficult. We understand that everyone has different communication needs and, without making assumptions about capabilities and motivation to use new technology, we try to give as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision.

    More detailed information can be viewed at www.bt.com/inclusion. The websites are fully accessible and are compatible with Browsealoud (speech enabling electronic text). There is also a link to the BT Sign site where information is provided using BSL.

If you need information that is not covered by these FAQ’s please contact Brian Seaman on 0845 124 9974 or e-mail: brian@tourismforall.org.uk

(Last Updated: 16-07-2008)