Communicate Clearly
The information we give visitors is vital to the success of their trip or holiday. All visitors want easy-to-understand and up-to-date information that is quick to find.
Improvements needed
An access audit undertaken in North East England highlighted the need to provide better quality information for disabled visitors. It also showed up inconsistencies between different sources of information.
The 4As
A quick tip to check if websites, brochures and other information is accessible is to apply the 4As. Is information available, appropriate, accessible and accurate? Businesses need to check not only their own websites but descriptions held by third parties e.g. tourist boards, online booking sites.
Easy changes
Think beyond the stereotypes. Braille is essential for some blind people. But two out of three visually-impaired people can read clear or large print. Simple changes for clearer information:
- Use large text, 12 point minimum, large print should be at least 14, but 16 is best
- Use clear typefaces
- Avoid italics or capitals for large blocks of text
- Give good contrast between text and background
- Use pictograms and symbols
- Use plain English and avoid long sentences
Accessible websites
The Disability Discrimination Act requires businesses to make their websites accessible. Making websites accessible also makes information available to the widest audience. That’s not just those that are blind and partially sighted, but also customers with dyslexia, learning disabilities or whose first language is not English. Search engines also love accessible sites.
Access statement
All tourism business in North East England are encouraged to produce an access statement. Some businesses think they might be hard work, but they don’t have to be. Access statements simply give a clear and honest description of a business’ facilities and services. They are also an essential marketing tool.
RECOMMENDED READS
- See it Right, RNIB
RNIB’s practical and achievable guide to most of the official Web Content Accessibility Guidelines checkpoints
- How to be a web-savvy accommodation business
Includes a helpful chapter on making sites accessible.
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- See it Right accessible website audit
How to prepare for an RNIB website audit, including details of accessibility standards, how they should be applied when developing a website and the RNIB audit process
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Website Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
The definitive and internationally accepted guidelines for accessible websites
- A guide to commissioning accessible websites – PAS 78
Guidance on the steps that should be taken to commission accessible websites produced by the Disability Rights Commission (now the Equality and Human Rights Commission)
- RNIB’s clear print guidelines
RNIB guidelines on designing printed information that is accessible to people with sight impairments
- Good signs – improving signs for people with a learning disability
A Disability Rights Commission report (now the Equality and Human Rights Commission) focused on the impact of signage in the built environment for people with a learning disability
- National Trust Access guide 2009
Consumer guide showing how the National Trust presents access information for its attractions
- English Heritage access guide
Consumer guide showing how English Heritage presents access information for its attractions
- Scandic Access brochure
An example of how hotel chain – Scandic Hotels - is informing its customers about their approach to accessibility
- National Theatre website
An example of how a London theatre is presenting accessible information online including giving the user the ability to change the content to a hi-vis colour scheme
- How to produce information in an accessible way
Social Care Institute for Excellence guidelines about producing accessible information, including use of text, images, photographs, symbols, video, DVD and audio
- Example of step-free route information using pictures - Adelphi Theatre
Enabled London has produced access maps for a selection of London Theatre venues, showing journeys with step-free access and a time bar to indicate travelling times
- Enabled London
An example of an online accessible leisure guide for people with disabilities in London
