DFDS Prioritises Inclusive Travel

DFDS continues to raise the standard of ferry travel to and from Jersey following consultation with EYECAN, the island’s sight impairment charity. 

In celebration of Invisible Disabilities Week, DFDS is highlighting the valuable input received from EYECAN as to how the operator can make travel on its ferries easier for people living with sight impairment. The partnership is part of a longer-term exercise for DFDS under its ‘Sunflower’ umbrella, helping to identify and better support those with hidden disabilities. 

As part of the consultation, Mark Coxshall and Agnetta Nerac from EYECAN carried out an accessibility audit on the Jersey to St Malo passenger route, focusing on the overall experience for passengers travelling with sight impairment and how DFDS could implement improvements. This reviewed all elements of accessibility, including but not limited to boarding, disembarking and generally moving around the vessel. 

As a result, DFDS will be updating its accessibility information and guides for both staff and passengers as well as standardising processes across Jersey routes. They will also be looking to enhance training programmes to help staff confidently support passengers with disabilities.

Mark Coxshall, CEO of EYECAN, said: “EYECAN reached out to DFDS, recognising the significance of people living with sight loss needing to travel safely to and from the island. It was great to be invited onboard and having offered feedback, reassuring to see DFDS respond in such a positive way.”

Steve Garner, Head of Customer Experience, added: “DFDS is already a participant in the Sunflower scheme to support and welcome those with non-apparent disabilities, but we recognise there is further work to be done to make travel feel as accessible as we possibly can for all. We are extremely grateful for the work EYECAN carried out on board our vessel and we will be making changes in light of their recommendations to reinforce our commitment to inclusive travel.

“DFDS is very open to working with charities and community members to improve and enhance its connectivity services, ensuring we have a service built for the needs of all islanders.”