Fact Sheet: Why do Some People Need a Virtual Tour of a New or Unfamiliar Location?
For many disabled people, visiting a new or unfamiliar location can present significant challenges, both physically and mentally. Why is this?
Physical barriers such as lack of accessible infrastructure, stairs, narrow doorways, and uneven terrain can make navigating unfamiliar environments difficult or even impossible for those with mobility impairments. Arriving at a location that turns out not to have suitable disability provision can be at best annoying and, at worst, potentially dangerous.
The ability to check a location in advance using an interactive tour gives the disabled person the ability to ensure that the facility is suitable and, or, how to navigate to find the facilities they need without having to ask for assistance. This is not only helpful for the disabled person but has obvious benefits for the location too.
Additionally, sensory sensitivities and cognitive differences can exacerbate the difficulties faced by neurodiverse people, such as those with autism or anxiety. Loud noises, bright lights, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar social cues can trigger sensory overload or heightened anxiety, making it overwhelming to engage with new surroundings.
What is a sensory overload?* Sensory overload is a term used to describe when someone experiences too much sensory stimulation, making them feel overwhelmed or distressed.
These barriers can create immense stress and discomfort, leading many to avoid or feel discouraged from venturing into unfamiliar locations without suitable ancillary aids.
A digital tour of a new or unfamiliar location that can be accessed by the user in a location and at a time they feel comfortable with (such as at home), for as long as the user needs to spend looking around the virtual tour (perhaps with a family member, friend or carer) has been shown to help overcome this problem. The tours can also include interactive multimedia elements about a location. For example, where a reception area might be noisy or require intercom access, this can be highlighted and an audio recording of a typical noise level can be included.
Ancillary aids and reasonable adjustments play a crucial role in mitigating the challenges faced by disabled people when navigating new environments. These aids can include assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, as well as digitally supportive resources like interactive tours, hearing loops and screen readers etc. By providing accessible alternatives and accommodations, ancillary aids enable disabled people to journey and destination plan in a safe environment at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
This empowerment allows people to explore new locations with confidence, independence, and a sense of inclusion; ultimately breaking down barriers and promoting equal access to the world around them. The additional benefit to locations that invest in these solutions is that they are likely to empower more people to visit who, knowing what to expect, are more likely to have a positive experience.
*According to the National Autistic Society, sensory overload can occur when individuals are unable to filter out the unnecessary information they receive from their senses. This can lead to difficulties in processing and responding to sensory input, resulting in feelings of anxiety, discomfort, or agitation.
The NHS also defines sensory overload as a condition where the brain receives too much information from the senses, such as sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste. This excessive sensory input can overwhelm the individual’s ability to cope, leading to feelings of stress, fatigue, or even meltdowns.
For more information, you can visit the following URLs:
National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/sensory-issues/