Creating accessibility means removing all physical & digital barriers with features like wide doorways, smooth and level floors, ramps/lifts, accessible toilet areas and wet rooms, lever handles and clear signage. All of these features will be built into our boat right from the start, making it genuinely accessible for all.
Key Features of Good Physical Accessibility
Good accessibility requires thought and planning in all projects. It means considering issues like:
- Clear paths: all access areas should have a minimum of 32-36 inch width with extra space for turns (at least 60-inch turning radius). All areas of our boat will meet at least these criteria, making the whole boat accessible to all visitors.
- Ramps & lifts: there should be gentle slopes for ramps and lifts for multiple levels. Once again, the Voyager Trust yacht will have this with wheelchair lifts to the saloon and deck area and lifts to access the accommodation in the two hulls.
- Doorways should be wide enough (32-39 inches) with lever handles where required and ample space for opening.
- Flooring should be level, smooth surfaces without thresholds or bumps. All areas in our yacht will meet these requirements.
- Toilet areas should be accessible stalls with grab bars, appropriate heights, and specialized changing places and facilities for complex needs. Once again, the Voyager Trust yacht will meet all these requirements.
- Kitchens/counters should all have lowered sections for easier reach. Counter areas, tables and cooking facilities on the Voyager Trust boat will all meet these requirements.
Making the world disability-friendly requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on physical accessibility, attitudinal shifts, inclusive policies, and equal opportunities, achieved by designing accessible environments (buildings, transport, digital spaces), educating the public to challenge ableism, ensuring disabled voices are heard in decision-making, promoting inclusive language, and guaranteeing access to education, jobs, and services. The work of the Voyager Trust aims to support this transition.
