Warner Bros. Studio Tour Sponsors Guide Dogs In Training to Improve Accessibility

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter has partnered with the charity Guide Dogs to improve accessibility for visitors who are blind or visually impaired. The Studio Tour, which has welcomed guide dogs since it first opened in 2012, has sponsored three adorable guide dogs in training – a black Labrador, a yellow Labrador, and a golden retriever. Progress reports on the puppies, named after our favorite Harry Potter trio – Harry, Ron, and Hermione – will be given to the studio to follow their developmental journey. 

 

Guide dogs being shown around Diagon Alley at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour/Guide Dogs

 

Kerry Kernan, head of children, young people and families at Guide Dogs, commented to BBC:

Through our consultation, advice, and training, we hope to encourage change across the UK attractions industry to become more accessible for people with sight loss. 

Guide Dogs plans to use the sponsored funds from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter to cover guide dog training, food, and veterinarian expenses.  

 

Guide dog eating from a 'Reserved for Ron' dog bowl

Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour/Guide Dogs

 

Through working with Guide Dogs, the Studio Tour has added a designated toilet space for guide dogs to use outside and is working on offering signage iPads to magnify signs and descriptions. Guide Dogs will provide Studio Tour staff with online training resources on best practices for guiding visitors with sight loss around the experience. These resources are just the first step in the training program, followed by in-person training sessions for team members. Over the next 12 months, further implementations will be added to improve accessibility. 

 

Guide dog exploring the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour/Guide Dogs

 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers a close look into the sets, props, and costumes used to create the movies we know and love today. The Studio Tour’s partnership with Guide Dogs will give visitors who are blind or visually impaired a more accessible experience exploring the Great Hall, traveling through Diagon Alley, and more!

Alyssa McHugh

Harry Potter has been a big part of my life since the age of nine. The stories and characters have helped me fight my own personal dementors. In my Muggle time, I enjoy blogging, reading fantasy novels, attending festivals, listening to music, and hanging out with my two cats!