Lifeworks charity sponsor Devon Tourism Awards
We are delighted to announce our sponsorship and support for the Devon Tourism Awards 2022/23 for the accessibility and inclusivity category. Lifeworks Digital Marketing Officer, Stuart Devlin, said,” Our vision at Lifeworks work is to support young people with learning disabilities to have great lives and the same opportunities as others. By sponsoring the Devon Tourism Awards not only are we are able to raise awareness to a wider audience of the important work the charity is involved in, but importantly recognise those Devon tourism businesses who are providing truly memorable visitor experiences for everyone, particularly those with accessibility and learning disability requirements”
At Lifeworks we believe in the rights of all individuals with a learning disability, however complex, to receive the services and support they need to develop the skills and confidence to reach their full potential. Since our beginnings over 21 years ago we have seen a vast improvement in accessibility and inclusion across many services and sectors, but none more so with in the South West tourism industry.
With our Specialist Further Education College, Community Projects, child & adult residential care, short breaks and holiday projects that give young people with learning disbailities in Devon the chance to make and meet up with friends, improve their health, try new activities. We have seen at first-hand how so many tourism businesses in Devon have become more accessible and inclusive.
What is also noticeable is how awareness and provisions have grown around disabilities that have “invisible” impairments (such as cognitive, mental health, autism, and other learning disabilities) that may not be, unlike wheelchair users, immediately obvious just by looking at them.
Accessible tourism is worth an estimated £15 billion a year in the UK
A new campaign has been launched in April 2022 to boost awareness and registration of the ‘Access Card’, which translates disabilities or impairments into symbols, highlighting the reasonable adjustments individuals may need.
Dubbed a ‘Disability Passport’, the Access Card informs providers quickly and discreetly about the support the individual needs through a range of symbols, without having to explain personal health problems and other issues out loud. For more information visit: www.accessibletourism.org
Top ten accessibility and inclusion Devon tourism websites
- Devonwithkids.co.uk/accessible-places-to-visit-in-devon
- Englishriviera.co.uk/tourist-info-and-maps/accessibility/accessible-attractions
- Traveldevon.info/accessibility
- Southwestnews.co.uk/local-living/disability-friendly-days-activities-devon
- Visitdevon.co.uk/visitor-information
- Disabilityhorizons.com
- Calvertexmoor.org.uk
- Countrysidemobility.org
- Visitdartmoor.co.uk/things-to-do/accessibility-info
- Euansguide.com/reviews/england/devon
