Bristol Airport, UK, has launched a new solution to assist visually impaired passengers while at the airport. Working in partnership with OCS, the airport’s special assistance partner, Bristol has deployed ‘The Ramble Tag’, which has been specifically designed for visually impaired people to improve the experience of guided walking.
The Ramble Tag is a lightweight harness worn by a guide on their upper arm, offering a comfortable handle as an alternative to linking arms. According to Bristol Airport, the product is comfortable, weather proof and uses the latest design technology.
The Ramble Tag was created by Laura Maclean, and Tom Forsyth who himself is visually impaired. MacLean said, “We are over the moon to have our invention welcomed with open arms by Bristol Airport.
“It is so exciting to see passengers use it for the first time in a busy airport environment. We believe they [Ramble Tags] will make a positive difference and it’s great to feel that others see the potential with us. We are very grateful for the support we’ve been shown, and here’s hoping that it makes traveling easier and more consistent for visually impaired users.”
Phil Holder, operations manager at Bristol Airport, added, “We are delighted to introduce The Ramble Tag for passengers using Bristol Airport. We appreciate airports are busy and confusing places for visually impaired travelers.
“After a successful trial with OCS, our special assistance provider, we could see the benefit immediately for visually impaired passengers. The Ramble Tag is available for passengers who have requested visual impairment assistance on arrival at the airport, offering piece of mind each time they travel.”
Interested in how airports can better accommodate visually impaired passengers and those with restricted mobility? Check out the ‘Ageing Population & PRMs’ stream at the Passenger Terminal Conference, which takes place during Passenger Terminal Expo, on March 26, 27 and 28, 2019, in London.