BRUNEL’S ss Great Britain is welcoming representatives of disability groups on Tuesday (September 15) as part of a campaign promoting the Bristol visitor attraction as one of the world’s most accessible historic ships.
Numbers of visitors with disabilities have been consistently on the increase since the attraction’s ‘re-launch’ in 2005. This year has seen an approximate 10% increase, in part due to the recession and the demand for good value entertainment, and as a result of a direct marketing campaign to disability groups within the south west region.
Guests on Tuesday include representatives from Cerebral Palsy Plus, WASPS, Hop, Skip & Jump, Shaw Trust Employment Opportunities, Bristol REMAP, Bristol Dial-a-Ride, Kodachi Special Needs Judo Club, Sense, and The West of England ME Centre.
Also in attendance is Bristol MP Dr Roger Berry, a campaigner for disabled people, carers and older people, and chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Disability Group.
Brunel’s ss Great Britain is providing a guided tour, refreshments and question and answer session. The event is divided into a morning and an afternoon session. Feedback from guests will help shape the Trust’s future plans.
On September 15 it is the 150th anniversary of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s death. In his lifetime he revolutionised Victorian society with his railways, bridges, and ships. The ss Great Britain is Brunel’s sole surviving ship, and the world’s first great ocean liner.
The museum attraction, has already received an ADAPT award, for its access. And next month (October) staff and volunteers will learn whether Brunel’s ss Great Britain has been shortlisted for its accessibility in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2009.
Visitors to Brunel’s ss Great Britain with disabilities can expect:
- Lifts which descend through the glass ‘sea’ and into the Dry Dock, in the Dockyard Museum and through the ship’s funnel;
- British Sign Language (BSL) video guide, for adults and for children;
- An audio guide for visually impaired visitors;
- An access leaflet and site map;
- A warm welcome for guide and assistance dogs;
- Free admission for assistants or carers.
The event follows a direct mail campaign to disability groups and extensive work by the Trust’s Formal Education and Access Officer Helen Horler with focus groups and special advisers.
Brunel’s ss Great Britain, which is an independent museum receiving no funds from government, is committed to providing access to all. Staff have worked closely with people with disabilities and disability groups to ensure the Victorian steam ship, the dry dock and museum is accessible.
The ss Great Britain Trust’s Director of Museum and Educational Services Rhian Tritton explained: “Access is central to the ethos and approach of the ss Great Britain Trust. We are delighted by the numbers of visitors with disabilities who choose to visit Brunel’s ss Great Britain. It is marvellous that 150 years after the great man’s death, his ship still provides enjoyment for so many people.”
Ms Tritton added: “Making historic ships accessible is notoriously difficult, but we are proud of what has been achieved with the guidance of our disability focus groups. We are also delighted that Dr Berry MP and so many representatives from local disability groups are able to attend our event.”
The Bristol MP last visited the ship in March to help clean the stunning glass ‘sea’ surrounding the ss Great Britain, as part of the British Tourism Week celebrations.
Dr Roger Berry, MP for Kingswood, commented: “The ss Great Britain Trust should be congratulated for doing a fantastic job in making Brunel's great ocean liner accessible for disabled people. They are setting an excellent example which other visitor attractions in Bristol, and throughout the country, should follow.”
- Brunel’s ss Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge will turn off their lights at 8pm to mark the 150th anniversary of the great engineer’s death.
- Channel Five is airing ‘Big, Bigger, Biggest’ on ocean liners, including the ss Great Britain, at 8pm on September 15.
For further information, pictures or interviews please call the ss Great Britain Trust’s Head of Marketing & Communications Dagmar Smeed on 0117 926 0680 ext 219. Journalists can receive up-to-date news alerts by registering on-line at www.ssgreatbritain.org.
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