A SPELL AT DOGWARTS FOR HARRY POTTER GUIDE DOGS
Source: BBC (Extract)
Posted: June 05, 2024
The Harry Potter tour studio has collaborated with a charity to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
Warner Bros Studio Tour, situated in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, has provided sponsorship for three guide dogs in training, named after JK Rowling’s characters Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
The charity Guide Dogs will allocate the funds towards training, food, and veterinary expenses.
Over the next 12 months, new initiatives will be implemented at the tour to assist both staff and visitors. This includes the introduction of iPads that can magnify signs and descriptions for enhanced accessibility.
Guide dogs have been warmly received at the Warner Bros Studio Tour since its inauguration in March 2012.
Visitors have the opportunity to delve into sets from the Harry Potter film series, including iconic locations like the Great Hall, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and the Forbidden Forest.
Additionally, the charity Guide Dogs will furnish tour staff with training materials on assisting visitors with visual impairments. This includes instruction on safely guiding individuals with sight loss throughout the site.
Kerry Kernan, who leads the children, young people, and families division at Guide Dogs, expressed, “Our aim is to foster a culture of accessibility within the UK attractions industry through consultation, guidance, and training. We aspire to inspire widespread change that ensures greater inclusivity for individuals with sight loss.”
