It will host a live workshop on Saturday 29 November featuring a panel of advisors with accessibility needs who will share their personal challenges and debate the difficulties finding suitable products. Partners involved include Tui, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ocean Florida and Abta.
Following the workshop, the ITFA programme will deliver dedicated newsletter content, webinars, quarterly workshops and sessions at the InteleTravel annual conference. It will also offer optional taster sessions for those interested in learning British Sign Language and International Sign Language.
Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel managing director UK and Ireland, said the agency's IFTA programme was timely. "Homeworking provides a lifeline for those with a disability preventing them from performing an office-based role," she said.
"InteleTravel includes many such advisors who have proved through their sales revenues that disability is not an obstacle to earning a good income.
"In addition, we have seen a big increase in the number of customers requesting accessible holidays and an ageing population who want to continue enjoying travelling. As an industry we need to modernise our approach to how we satisfy those needs.”
Feedback from a recent InteleTravel Facebook poll found only 7% of advisors thought the industry supported the accessible travel sector, while 33% reported enquiries from customers requiring accessible travel and 46% confirmed they would support suppliers who offered appropriate products.
InteleTravel will be working with the British Deaf Association to educate advisors on dealing with the hidden disability.
Another partner is Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a global programme that provides support for individuals with non-visible disabilities including autism and ADHD, dementia, epilepsy and aphasia.
The programme, recognised for its Sunflower lanyards, provides support for customers who require assistance or support when travelling.
