Accessibility stories

In depth

Bringing families together at PortAventura Dreams

Category: Themed entertainment

In depth

Listen Technologies & the power of shared experiences

Category

Attractions technology
Opinion

Digital accessibility for visitor attraction websites: the state of the industry

Category

Visitor experience
In depth

Celebrating a rich heritage at the Indian Music Experience Museum

Category

Museum management
In depth

Providing inspiration at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

Category

Museum management

Accessibility

Ensuring that attractions and experiences are accessible is a key consideration for operators, and accessibility is enshrined in law in many countries. For instance, the UK covers this in the 2010 Equality Act, while in the US businesses must adhere to The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

However, many view these laws as a minimum. While some lag behind, there are several attractions that have gone above and beyond when it comes to making sure that everyone can enjoy their facilities, including visitors in wheelchairs, those with sight or hearing impairments, guests with learning difficulties, neurodivergent visitors, and more.

One example is Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, which offers 25 Ultra-Accessible attractions, from a wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel to catch-and-release fishing. It is the first theme park created for individuals with special needs and their families in the world.

Elsewhere, Florida’s new Peppa Pig Theme Park is a Certified Autism Center. It is also home to a newly designed ride vehicle, which allows for increased accessibility for children with wheelchairs.

When it comes to accessibility in museums, blind or visually impaired visitors are often offered braille interpretations, audio tours or other touch-based experiences. For example, the Prado museum has previously run an exhibition featuring detailed 3D replicas of works by significant artists.

There are ways of increasing accessibility for deaf guests as well. For instance, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Buckinghamshire, UK, partners with an app called Signly, which gives deaf museum visitors information in British Sign Language.

It’s also important for operators to consider their web and mobile app accessibility as well. A recent study found that the industry has some way to go in this area. Quick wins include ensuring that websites are free of contrast errors and that all images have alt tags added.