Disabled Access and Special Needs
The Centre is committed to the community and does not restrict access to any individual or group. We offer a range of initiatives and services to members of the public with special needs including.
- Disabled Access - The DDC was one of the first buildings in Bunbury constructed to conform with wheelchair access regulations including a ramp access to the beach.
- The centre offers free provision of beach-access wheelchairs for people with disabilities.
- Provision on the Dolphin Watch Tour for wheelchair access.
- Hydraulic ramps on the swim tour boat to enable participation (in-water) by people with disabilities.
- Communication with groups - Management personnel visit local groups with disabilities to talk discuss our facility and dolphin conservation issues.
- Verbal Translation - Multilingual volunteers at the beach and Discovery Room assist non-English speaking visitors;
- Community Encouragement - BDD encourages parents to bring intellectually handicapped children, hoping that some Dolphin interaction will stimulate them. Whilst we cannot endorse this scientifically, many children have experienced significant physical and/or mental progress from the interaction;
- Participation - Participants on the Swim Tour are asked to complete a Swimmer Agreement Form which contains questions about any medical conditions. This enables the staff to determine the level of assistance required. This can range from medication; secured access for wheelchairs, hydraulic ramps to assist in entering the water, flotation devices and the provision of boat ramps.
|
