QHA-Review_July_digital

LATEST & GREATEST
Bernie Hogan, chief executive of the QHA with Richard Barker, general manager of Braille House
FEEL THE LOVE
FOR 126 YEARS THE BRAILLE HOUSE HAS HELD TRUE TO ITS MISSION OF EMPOWERING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WHO
ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION. NOW, THE ASSOCIATION IS WORKING WITH THE QHA TO HELP MAKE THE HOTEL
INDUSTRY A MORE INCLUSIVE PLACE.
QHA REVIEW | 20
Braille House has a long and positive history with the
Queensland community, and first worked with the QHA
through a joint initiative during that memorable time
when everyone had to scan QR codes before entering
a venue.
The project aimed to improve inclusivity for blind and
low vision patrons in member venues throughout
Queensland, and made QR codes more accessible
for disadvantaged people who could scan them
independently due to the simple addition of a raised,
clear sticker.
Richard Barker, general manager of Braille House,
said approximately 900 QHA hospitality and tourism
accommodation venues across Queensland had taken
advantage of this initiative, however there are many
ways that the association can help the hotel industry.
“A significant way is by producing menus in large print
and braille. People who are blind or have low vision go
out for a drink and a meal the same as everyone else,
so it makes sense to have a menu on hand that they
can read independently. This is also a great way for
hotels to demonstrate to their patrons that they value
accessibility and inclusion.
“We know that QHA and its members are committed
to providing exceptional experiences for their patrons,
and we also recognise that good intentions need the
support of organisations like Braille House. We will
always be here to assist QHA members,” he said.
Of course, Braille House’s amazing work goes beyond
the hotel industry. In Australia, less than 5% of reading
material is produced in alternate format such as braille,
meaning for every 100 books a sighted person has
access to, a blind person has access to less than five.