NIgel tHOMpSOn Access apps MaRJORIe yUe Help on the go for disabled travellers
Travelling can be stressful enough for the able-bodied, but for people with disabilities it can be challenging or nigh-on impossible.
Research by luxury villa holiday specialist Oliver’s Travels found key issues for them are feeling uncomfortable around other holidaymakers, the likes of airports, airlines and other modets of transport not being suitably adapted and a lack of booking options.
Now the firm is improving its accessible travel provisions and has created a list of digital tools and resources to help support travellers with disabilities when they are on holiday. Here, we pick eight of the most useful:
Be my eyes An app (iOS/ Android) for people with low vision/blindness which provides an assisted-sight volunteer via a direct video link to provide a commentary on notable sights along the way. bemyeyes.com
Autism Speaks Social Story An online resource which helps children with autism understand in advance what to expect from the airport experience, which can be a challenge. autismspeaks.org
KNFB reader App (iOS/Android/ Windows) for people with low vision/blindness which takes a photo of text and reads it aloud. Handy for signs at attractions and for menus and bills. knfbreader.com
Tap Tap App (iOS) for people who are hard of hearing/deaf which alerts them to sounds such as smoke alarms, people shouting and doorbells. taptap.biz
Looktel Money Reader App (iOS) for people with low vision/blindness which recognises numerous currencies and will speak aloud the denomination. looktel.com/moneyreader
Jaccede An open-access interactive platform (iOS/Android) where the public can provide info about attractions, restaurants and shops etc that are accessible. jaccede.com Navability App (iOS/Android) coming soon for people with physical conditions, it’s effectively Google Maps for people in wheelchairs, taking into account factors such as gradient, surface and obstacles. briometrix.com/ navability
Wheelmate App (iOS/ Android) for people with physical conditions which finds wheelchair-friendly toilets and parking spaces. coloplast.co.uk
TUI is introducing feng shui beach clubs and signature dining at its elite Sensatori resorts to celebrate their 10th anniversary. IVÓ Beach will be a luxury area designed around the senses, and Restaurant 10 will offer menus built on flavour pairing and multisensory seasoning. tui.co.uk
Canvas Holidays has added seven new four and five-star French campsites to its portfolio for 2019, including LanguedocRoussillon, Dordogne, Alpes-deHaute-Provence and Brittany. canvasholidays.co.uk
Norwegian is introducing domestic flights in Argentina. Passengers on its Dreamliners from Gatwick to Buenos Aires can connect to Córdoba, Mendoza, Iguazú, Bariloche, Neuquén and Salta from £49.70 one-way. norwegian.com
Women’s Moab FST 2 GTX trail boots, RRP £135, blacks.co.uk
A new lightweight version of the Moab series for the more fleet of foot, with a Gore-Tex waterproof/ breathable membrane, anti-microbial agents, shock-absorbing heels and a Megagrip sole.