Written by Sheree Strange, Travel Without Limits, May 22, 2024
This year marks the 40th anniversary of operation for The Crystal Caves and they’re celebrating in the style we like to see – by debuting a raft of accessibility upgrades for visitors who live with disabilities.
The award-winning attraction has spent the past twelve months upgrading their facilities, to ensure greater accessibility and inclusivity in line with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Accessible Tourism program. The new features include:
- A detailed guidebook for people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing
- An audio guide created by Vacayit (with support from the Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund) for visitors who are blind or who have low vision
- A social script, including a detailed map of The Crystal Caves, and the option for early access to a self-guided tour
- Upgrades to the layout of the museum to create smooth navigation for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
- Introduction of an accessibility page on The Crystal Caves website, with an accessibility widget
The upgrades to the museum’s layouts were planned and executed in consultation with wheelchair users, who helped museum staff identify ‘tight’ spots that needed widening for easier manoeuvrability. Consulting multiple people allowed them insight into the range of specific needs that an accessible space should accommodate.
“From learning that every person’s wheelchair and ability is different to navigating the tight spots within the Caves, the practical advice we received was invaluable, and we are so grateful to every one of them for helping us achieve our goal of a more user-friendly and inclusive experience,” says The Crystal Caves Manager Ghis Callo.
The Crystal Caves is an ATEC-accredited Inclusive and Accessible Host, and QTIC Accessible Tourism Destination. They are open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm, and tour prices start from $12.50. For more information, visit their website.