People standing in the shape of an eye with the state of queensland as the pupil

Accessible Tourism Enabler

An initiative of Braille House supported by the Queensland State Government's Accessible Tourism Enabler Grant.

Braille House has engaged in a collaborative process amongst stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive package of resources, ultimately to enable people who are blind or have low vision to function more independently and with equity and dignity in the tourism and visitor setting. 

Assess your Organisation's Performance

Case Study 2 - Murrumba Downs Tavern

Murrumba Downs Tavern logo

Murrumba Downs Tavern, a recent addition to Brisbane’s north side, is independently owned and operated by a family group. Located at the corner of Dohles Rocks and Ogg Roads, Murrumba Downs, the tavern offers a welcoming atmosphere.

Summary

The Tavern engaged with the following self-assessment audits:

  1. Whole of Venue Self-Assessment Audit Checklist
  2. Hospitality Venue Self-Assessment Audit Checklist

Findings

Staff reported the checklists were comprehensive and helpful.

Meeting the Standard

No adjustments were required in the following areas:

  1. Ramps
  2. Stairs
  3. Entrance / approach
Photograph of
Elevator buttons with braille embossing
Photograph of large handles and door
Large handles and door
Photograph of toilet signage with Braille embossing
Toilet signage with braille embossing
Photograph of a large area in the restaraunt amongst tables which is easy to move through
Large area in the restaraunt amongst tables which is easy to move through
Photograph of curbs and ramp entrance with tactile indicators
Curbs and ramp entrance with tactile indicators

Opportunities for Improvement

Planned Amendments (Pending):

  1. Menu print
  2. Directional signage
  3. Emergency exit (electronic)

Medium-Term Adjustments (No renovations needed):

  1. Customer service
  2. Entrances

Long-Term Adjustments (renovations required):

  1. Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs)

Ongoing Adjustments

Adjustments are ongoing in their nature

  1. Staff training
  2. Braille-enhanced menus
  3. Braille-enhanced advertising materials

Photos below depict areas of improvement:

Photograph of a tavern menu with out Braille embossing for accessibility
A tavern menu without braille embossing for accessibility
Photograph of the limited signage in Braille for the toilets
Limited signage in braille, only for the toilets
Photograph of eftpos machine with limited tactile indicators
EFTPOS machine that has limited assistive aids for a sight impaired user
Photograph of tavern entrance with no braille signage and no station for assistance
Tavern entrance with no braille signage and no station for assistance
Photograph of bar that requires better signage
Bar in need of better signage

Outcomes

Management is considering the following steps to enhance accessibility:

  • Menu in braille and large print
  • Website updates
  • Venue signage in braille
  • Enhanced staff training

Murrumba Downs Tavern utilised Braille House to produce large print/braille “twin vision” restaurant menus and Human Guide Training for staff.

Key Learnings

  • Awareness: Simple changes can significantly enhance accessibility.
  • Impact: Small adjustments, like braille menus, can make a huge difference.
  • Improvement: There are always opportunities to better utilise valuable resources.

Conclusion

The Tavern team sees the following benefits from engaging with the self-assessment audits:

  • Inclusion and diversity
  • Expanded market opportunities
  • Staff education

Thank you to the Murrumba Downs Tavern team for this participation, feedback and valuable insights, and CONGRATULATIONS on your commitment to cater for accessibility and inclusion for guests who are blind or have low vision.

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