Hovertravel is the first cross-Solent ferry operator to recognise the Sunflower further supporting their commitment to accessible travel for people with visible and non-visible disabilities. Customers can choose to wear a Sunflower as an indication that they may require additional support, assistance, or simply a little more time while traveling.
Hovertravel’s employees have been trained using our bespoke Sunflower training and have already gained a better understanding of what an invisible disability is and how to become more confident to approach and support customers wearing a Sunflower.
This announcement further enhances Hovertravel’s award-winning accessibility initiative HoverCare. This is a free service for passengers requiring extra help on their journey with Hovertravel. They can book HoverCare assistance.
Hovertravel is at the heart of the community, they are committed to continual staff development and training to ensure that they are meeting the needs of their passengers which include commuters, holiday goers, and patients needing to travel to the mainland for medical appointments.
Neil Chapman, Managing Director, Hovertravel said:
“Our commitment to accessibility has been certified by the government and our HoverCare imitative has been commended by regional and national award schemes. By partnering with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower we are continuing on our journey to make hovercraft travel accessible to all and we want to become the cross-Solent ferry of choice for customers with visible and invisible disabilities.”
In 2020 Hovertravel was awarded ‘Leader’ level in the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme. The Leader level is the top level of accreditation in the scheme, with Hovertravel being one of two companies recognised at this level, alongside Brighton & Hove Buses.
Hovertravel is the only marine transport operator and only ferry operator to be accredited in the scheme. Having launched HoverCare in 2016, the Isle of Wight ferry company has developed the initiative from a series of comprehensive internal training procedures into a company-wide approach that regularly shares best practices with other businesses.
Learn more about Hovertravel