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I promised I would write more about our time at @HeronIsle from a #disability access perspective. It won't be professional, it wont cover all. It will be an insight into how it worked for us. I will unroll it at the end with Thread Reader App for those who find it easier.
#inclusion starts the second you meet the 1st staff member and we certainly started off well. The first check in member took one look at my chair and said 'you will do ok on the island'. I was unsure. When you are nervous positivity makes a difference. Positivity breeds culture. – bei Heron Island
The experience of getting on the boat was seamless. No insisting on help not wanted. No 'oh gee not sure about this'. Just a simple 'you know what you are doing, tell us how to help' from the deckhand. Qualifying the disabled person as the expert. Love it. – bei Heron Island
They spoke with confidence, like they had seen it all before. Like even if you didn't know how they would find a way. Sure enough we now found out why. Turns out that first check in staff has a family connection to disability. Got to think experience had permeated through. – bei Heron Island
The ramp's steep. Not all could get on the way I did. But they could find a way. The outcome of getting on the boat was never in doubt. I'm far from the typical disabled traveller if there even is any. But what all successful disabled travellers have is a sense of adventure. – bei Heron Island
As we arrive, its to no fanfare. Just a watchful eye. Knowing support would be there if needed. No one yelling 'let the wheelchair off first' or similar, the group set off to our island induction. We got there at our pace, in our way with a staff member close but not too close. – bei Heron Island
The island is well, a coral island. It has some soft sand as to be expected. The paths are compacted so a @GoFreeWheel is hardly needed by me but would be by many. Choosing the right wheels was stressful. But ultimately got it 99% right. Off road 2 inch wheels suited me. – bei Heron Island
I could get around everywhere except the softest of sand. Even that could be done but slowly. Slow enough for the dreaded 'can I help you' from a well meaning stranger. My preference is to get it done before this happens. I made an exception though for turtle porn and got a push. – bei Heron Island
For anyone with a disability on #holiday I suggest a good explore first up. To set expectations of whats achievable. Find easy ways around. For me this was knowing where you needed the Freewheel. Knowing where you would be covered in sand. NOTE: a room with a hose is a godsend. – bei Heron Island
I missed a set of stairs down to the water (I can use them plenty couldnt, know your limits) in my explore meaning getting covered in sand the first time snorkelling without any need. Finding these ways makes the difference between fun activities and them feeling like a chore. – bei Heron Island
The staff on the island were amazing. I pull the chair away once from our table and not only were we asked if that table was OK for us but EVERYTIME we then went to breakfast lunch and dinner the chair was gone. Small unmentioned things matter in customer service. – bei Heron Island
Not once did any staff ever ask me a question in the negative. Instead of the all too often 'did you manage ok?' It was a simple 'bloody awesome water condition today hey, here for anything if you need'. Disabled people are reminded of their disability and limitations enough. – bei Heron Island
Was there places I couldn't go? Sure. Are the places others couldn't go? Of course. But there is somewhere everyone could go on the island that would still allow you to experience that island adventure. The experience might be different. But we are all unique everyones will be. – bei Heron Island
I am sure there is more and will no doubt add to this when I think of something but moral of the story is 1 thing makes a holiday. An adventurous spirit. Both of behalf of the customer and the staff. It will be an adventure for you all. So enjoy the ride. – bei Heron Island
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