Hotels and their facilities are a haven of relaxation, but how do you make a disabled-friendly and accessible spa so that no one is excluded? The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was introduced in 1995 to enforce public-facing businesses and buildings to provide access for disabled people, so it is important your facilities cater to them as best as possible, as well as the growing range of demographics. Therefore, we have put together several considerations to make sure your spa opens its doors to all.
Create a menu of accessible spa treatments
Creating an accessible spa involves making it friendly to those facing physical, visual or hearing impairments, but also to those of other cultures, size, age and gender. Therefore, the first step is to create an accessible treatment menu within your budget and equipment. For example, you could put together a spa packages that includes a spa manicure or pedicure, rejuvenating facial, or relaxing spa massage that enables carers to participate at no extra cost.
Once you have your menu, make sure this can be easily read by speech software online, or in braille at your facilities.
Create an accessible spa entrance
Wheelchair-use can either be a temporary or life-long method of transport for many. With this in mind, it’s vital you create an accessible spa entrance to the building. Accessible ramps and automated doors are ideals for wheelchair users, whilst handrails make for a suitable alternative to those facing other physical disabilities. It’s also important to extend these elsewhere around your facilities.
Make accessible spa facilities for all
Beyond the entrance, handrails are crucial for stability around the hotel or spa, whilst lifts are vital to travel to multiple floors. Other areas should also include disabled toilets and changing facilities, complete with an emergency pull cords to signal any emergencies to staff. When it comes to the facilities themselves, such as the pool, you could include a hoist to help with entering and exiting, or incorporating wide steps by the water (instead of a ladder).
Train your team in diversity and inclusion
Beyond disabilities, your spa should be trying to be as inclusive to age, culture and gender. This could be as simple providing your staff with some form of equality and diversity training to make sure they’re as open and welcoming to your clients as much as possible, no matter their background and circumstances. This could include training such as simple sign language phrases to welcome clients and guide them.
When it comes to the spa, why not read our advice on how to make your spa more inclusive?
Make your spa accessible to those with cancer
Many spas in the UK are unable to offer treatment to those diagnosed with cancer due to issues with insurance. To combat this, companies such as Made for Life Organics have developed a training course to ensure spa staff can safely offer holistic therapies to clients facing cancer. This ensures your spa is accessible and inclusive to an ever larger audience in need of relaxation and recuperation.
Throughout 2023, we have partnered with Made For Life Organics to offer 20% off their course in Cancer Touch Therapy™. Head to our partner page to discover the full details.
Core by Premier Software® helps spa, wellness and leisure businesses implement new treatments, packages and assign appropriate staff to ensure your spa expands its inclusivity. To discover how Core can help your business, click the button below.
