What's Happening?
Envoyage, a travel company, has launched its first Auslan-led group tour, aimed at providing deaf and hard of hearing travelers with accessible travel experiences. The initiative was spearheaded by Tonya Kelly, who identified a gap in the travel industry for deaf travelers who often rely on written fact sheets instead of real-time guided experiences. Kelly, after years of Auslan training, established 'Hands of the World' to offer tours that cater specifically to the needs of deaf travelers. The inaugural tour to Japan included culturally immersive experiences, such as visiting a Japanese deaf café, and was supported by qualified interpreters and support workers. Envoyage provided marketing and business development support to raise awareness
and build trust within the Deaf community.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it addresses the accessibility challenges faced by deaf travelers, offering them equal opportunities to engage in travel experiences in their first language. By providing real-time access to information and cultural experiences, the tours enhance the travel experience for deaf individuals, who often find traditional tours inaccessible. This move by Envoyage not only fills a niche in the travel market but also promotes inclusivity and diversity within the industry. It highlights the importance of specialized travel services that cater to specific demographics, potentially setting a precedent for other travel companies to follow.
What's Next?
Following the success of the inaugural tour, further Auslan-led group tours are planned, with a trip to Sri Lanka scheduled for March 2026, and additional tours to Vietnam and Cambodia later in the year. These upcoming tours will continue to focus on providing accessible and immersive travel experiences for deaf travelers. The initiative may encourage other travel companies to develop similar programs, potentially leading to a broader range of accessible travel options for individuals with disabilities.
