Tuesday 20 October 2015

TheBlindJournalist: Seable Disabled Holidays - Active Accessible Holidays

Seable Disabled Holidays – Accessible Active Holidays.

TheBlindJournalist reports from Sicily.

In 2011 an Italian man set up an organisation which would go on to change the lives of all its users.
Damiano La Rocca, 29, from Catanya, Italy came up with the idea to provide accessible active holidays, to those with physical or sensorial disabilities, because he wanted to fulfil a life-long dream.

Damiano said:
“My Dad is a scuba-diving instructor. He taught me that in life, you have to accept the challenge. It was that sentiment that drove me to set up Seable Disabled Holidays. Seable is an award winning social enterprise organising accessible and active holidays for individuals, couples, families and small groups. We enable people with limited mobility, impaired vision or deafness to easily participate in life-changing experiences through sporting, cultural and gastronomic activities in new and interesting destinations.
Our holidays are tailored for each person and we guarantee a stress-free booking process while providing local knowledge that you need in order to enjoy the holiday to the fullest.”

Rosie Johnston, 27, a blind lady from Epson, London said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday in Sicily. It was a fantastic experience. The Seable staff were very helpful, friendly and informative. I will definitely go on a holiday with Seable again and highly recommend them.”

One of Damiano’s visions was to work with various organisations.
Damiano furthered:
“We collaborate with local and international charities to guarantee the maximum level of knowledge and experience. Our partners, aim to make a difference in the world by catering exclusively for people with disabilities. “

One charity that Seable work with on a regular base is VICTA, who are based in Milton Keens, England.
Mohammed Salim Patel, 21, a blind man From Blackburn, Lancashire said:
“I cannot put into words how good the service is provided by Seable Disabled Holidays. I went to Sicily with them, and VICTA, in October 2015 and I was extremely satisfied with the five star service that was provided. Damiano and his staff ensured I was completely comfortable at all times. Damiano went out of his way on many occasions to help me and meet my requirements. Seable Disabled Holidays are always prepared to Taylor your holiday to suit you and your needs. All the staff are very friendly and understanding. You do not feel as if you're disabled because they make sure you are treated as normal and that you get to do what you want. They will fulfil any dietary or religious requirements you have and do everything in their power to make sure you have the best time with no stress. I recommend Seable Disabled Holidays highly. Every excursion that is offered is worth every penny and provides the most authentic experience possible that you wouldn’t get through any other travel agency or tour operator.”

Although Seable has only been running for a few years, the organisation has achieved a lot. Seable has a portfolio of achievement that includes two Guinness World Records. Both were in deep-sea diving. The first was in 2007 when a Paraplegic man reached 59 metres underwater. The second was in 2009 when a blind girl reached 41 metres underwater.

On this topic, Damiano said:
“Our aim is to improve confidence and skills for life, challenging perceptions of disabilities and blindness. Our emphasis is always on high quality, multi-sensory experiences.”

Aside from scuba-diving, 4x4 off road driving, going to the top of Europe’s highest active volcano; Mount Etna, Mediterranean olive oil making  and tactile museum visits; Seable have a whole list of activities they offer, all of which are completely accessible and competitively priced.

To find out more about Seable Disabled Holidays, visit their website on:
http://seable.co.uk/

For more information about VICTA and what they provide, visit:
http://www.victa.org.uk/

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http://theblindjournalist.blogspot.co.uk/