Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve
“We are so excited to be the first site in Dorset to receive all of the products produced by the Accessibility Matters Team at Living Options Devon. Accessibility is so important to us, as we really want disabled visitors to get the most from their visit and really enjoy the park with their families and friends.”
Ali Tuckey, Countryside Ranger from Durlston Country Park.
Example of the accessible products available at Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park was the first heritage attraction in Dorset to introduce a full set of accessibility products. These products help improve access to the park for disabled visitors and members of the Deaf Community (British Sign Language users).
The staff at Durslton Country Park worked closely with the accessibility matters team at charity Living Options Devon to develop products specifically for the park. These products included four accessible guides, an all-terrain mobility scooter (Tramper) and the delivery of Disability Awareness training.
“We are so excited to be the first site in Dorset to receive all of the products produced by the Accessibility Matters Team at Living Options Devon. Accessibility is so important to us, as we really want disabled visitors to get the most from their visit and really enjoy the park with their families and friends.”
Ali Tuckey, Countryside Ranger from Durlston Country Park
The four guides now available include:
- Easy Read Guide – created to help people with learning disabilities understand more complex information presented at the park. The guide is written using a simple ‘Easy Read’ format and supported with images to help clarify understanding. The guides also include activities and points of interest.
- Online Visual Guide – developed to enable autistic people and those with complex needs, plan their trip in advance, helping to reduce stress and anxiety on the day. This guide is available on Durlston’s website
- British Sign Language (BSL) Tours – specifically for Deaf BSL users, consisting of a number of short film clips, created and presented by a volunteer BSL signer. These clips are then transferred onto a tablet, so Deaf visitors can walk around the park and use them at their own pace. They are also uploaded to the Heritage Ability YouTube channel for viewing on personal devices. Deaf BSL users can borrow the tablet from the Visitor Reception at Durlston.
- Large Print Guides – created for people with visual impairments, including conditions such as Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma. Large Print Guides use several techniques aimed at increasing the visibility of the information. The guide may also be of use for visitors who have dyslexia or where English is their second language.
Park staff and volunteers were also given Disability Awareness Training, to help them be more aware of the needs of disabled and Deaf BSL users visiting the park. The training included building awareness of the accessible products available on-site that can be offered to assist disabled visitors further.
Get in touch
For all inquiries including more information on our training, products, and service and to book an accessible meeting room please contact our HUB hosts. Alternatively, complete the contact form and one of our friendly HUB hosts will be in touch with you.
We offer bespoke quotes for individual pieces of work, products, and training. Please get in touch to discuss this with a member of the team.
Telephone: 01392 459 222
Email: info@livingoptions.org
Contact Us
Did you know Living Options Devon is a charity? We offer a range of support services for disabled people and members of the Deaf community where British Sign Language is their first language. In booking a meeting room, training session or product with us you are supporting our charity. All profits go directly to supporting our beneficiaries across the southwest of England. More about us.