By Isle of Wight Observer
Hovertravel’s Hovercare initiative has expanded to include autism training for all its staff. The aim is to ensure that even employees working behind the scenes understand the spectrum of autistic disorders, and how they can affect people in a variety of ways.
David Boxall provided the training for staff to help with the impact of anxiety and pressure. Hovertravel has already taken huge steps to help customers on the autistic spectrum with safe spaces and ear defenders, and just as importantly making sure that the cashiers, crew and pilots understand that these customers might require alternative assistance.
Autism covers a wide spectrum of disorders and can vary from mild to severe.
Hovertravel’s Hovercare Ambassadors have already hosted several focussed school trips and organised a Try Before You Fly event, themed to provide advice and assistance to people on the autistic spectrum, which attracted families, carers, friends and local support groups. Loretta Lale, Head of Commercial at Hovertravel, added: “We wanted to build on our current work which has been so well-received and develop a deeper understanding of autism and the principles of supporting individuals to offer best possible experience with Hovertravel.”
A Hovertravel staff member has produced an online guide entitled “Hovercraft Travel & Autism: A customer’s guide to flying to the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel,” It can be found on the Hovertravel website.
