Accessibility at Toffeemont Alpacas
At Toffeemont Alpacas, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors. We strive to ensure that everyone can enjoy our farm tours, alpaca encounters, Paca Picnics, fibre workshops and special events with confidence and comfort.
Our facilities and services have been designed to support guests with a range of access needs, including people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, visitors who are blind or have low vision, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with food allergies or intolerances, and guests with cognitive disabilities or Autism Spectrum conditions. Accessible parking, step-free access, accessible toilet facilities, clear signage, seating areas and accessible pathways are available throughout the visitor experience.
We proudly welcome accredited assistance dogs and provide water, shaded rest areas and support for handlers throughout their visit. Our staff have undertaken disability awareness training and are committed to providing respectful assistance where required.
Guests are encouraged to contact us prior to their visit to discuss any specific accessibility requirements so we can help ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.
View our Accessibility assessment here.
Toffeemont Alpacas
Emergency Management & Evacuation Plan for Guests with a Disability
Location: Toffeemont Alpacas
Activity: Farm Tours, Alpaca Encounters, Fibre Workshops and Events
Purpose: To ensure the safety, dignity and effective evacuation of all guests with disabilities during an emergency.
1. Policy Statement
Toffeemont Alpacas is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors. During an emergency, guests with disabilities may require additional assistance to evacuate safely. Staff and volunteers will provide support while respecting individual needs, abilities and preferences.
2. Types of Disabilities Considered
This plan applies to guests with:
• Mobility impairments (wheelchair users, walkers, limited mobility)
• Vision impairment or blindness
• Hearing impairment or deafness
• Cognitive, intellectual or neurological disabilities
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Medical conditions requiring assistance
• Temporary injuries affecting mobility
3. Before the Tour
Booking Process
Guests are encouraged to advise Toffeemont Alpacas of any access or support requirements when booking.
Information collected may include:
• Mobility assistance required
• Use of wheelchair or mobility aid
• Hearing or vision impairment
• Presence of support person
• Medical conditions affecting emergency response
Staff Briefing
Prior to the tour:
• Staff identify guests requiring assistance.
• Allocate a staff member to provide support if required.
• Confirm accessible evacuation routes are suitable and clear.
• Check emergency communication devices are operational.
4. Emergency Situations Covered
This plan applies to:
• Bushfire
• Grass fire
• Building fire
• Severe weather event
• Medical emergency
• Animal incident
• Hazardous material spill
• Missing person
• Any emergency requiring evacuation
5. Emergency Communication
Guests with Hearing Impairment
Staff will:
• Gain attention through visual signals.
• Use written instructions if required.
• Use clear hand gestures.
• Escort the guest to safety.
Guests with Vision Impairment
Staff will:
• Verbally explain the emergency.
• Offer an elbow for guided evacuation.
• Describe terrain and obstacles.
• Remain with the guest until safe.
Guests with Cognitive Disabilities
Staff will:
• Use calm, simple language.
• Give one instruction at a time.
• Avoid technical terms.
• Reassure throughout evacuation.
6. Accessible Evacuation Procedures
Mobility Impairments
Where possible:
• Use accessible pathways and vehicle access tracks.
• Evacuate using the safest route with the least incline.
• Allow extra evacuation time.
• Staff assist with opening gates and clearing obstacles.
If terrain prevents wheelchair access:
• Move guest to a safe refuge area.
• Contact emergency services immediately.
• Maintain continuous supervision.
Wheelchair Users
Staff will:
• Never move a wheelchair without permission unless life-threatening danger exists.
• Ask the guest how they prefer assistance.
• Keep mobility equipment with the guest whenever possible.
7. Designated Assembly Area
Primary Assembly Area:
• Main visitor car park adjacent to the entrance gate.
Alternative Assembly Area:
• Open paddock area adjacent to the main driveway (upwind from any fire or smoke hazard).
Assembly areas must:
• Be accessible to mobility aids.
• Allow vehicle access for emergency services.
• Be large enough for all guests and support persons.
8. Bushfire Emergency
As Toffeemont Alpacas operates in a rural environment, bushfire presents the highest risk.
If a Bushfire Threat Exists
• Tours are cancelled if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Monitor Tasmania Fire Service warnings.
• Evacuate early whenever possible.
During Evacuation
Staff will:
• Assist guests with disabilities first.
• Use farm vehicles if walking evacuation is unsuitable.
• Ensure support persons remain together.
• Conduct head counts before departure.
9. Medical Emergency
If a guest experiences:
• Fall
• Cardiac event
• Seizure
• Breathing difficulty
• Severe allergic reaction
Staff will:
1. Call 000 immediately.
2. Provide first aid within training limits.
3. Assign a staff member to meet emergency services.
4. Keep access routes clear.
5. Ensure support persons remain with the guest where possible.
10. Staff Responsibilities
Tour Guide
• Lead evacuation.
• Maintain communication.
• Account for all guests.
Assistant Staff
• Support guests with disabilities.
• Assist mobility-impaired guests.
• Conduct head count.
Event Coordinator / Farm Manager
• Contact emergency services.
• Liaise with emergency responders.
• Manage assembly area.
11. Visitor Accountability
During all tours:
• Visitor numbers are recorded.
• Support persons are recorded.
• Head counts conducted:
o Before tour commencement
o At evacuation point
o At assembly area
12. Training Requirements
All staff and volunteers involved in tours should receive training in:
• Disability awareness
• Emergency evacuation procedures
• Emergency communication techniques
• First aid
• Bushfire awareness
• Visitor accountability procedures
Training should be reviewed annually.
13. Post-Incident Review
Following any evacuation or emergency:
• Conduct debrief with staff.
• Document actions taken.
• Identify improvements.
• Update procedures if required.
• Record any accessibility issues encountered.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Emergency Services: 000
Tasmania Fire Service: 1800 000 699
State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500
Nearest Hospital: (Insert nearest hospital details)
Farm Emergency Contact: (Insert farm mobile number)
Document Owner: Toffeemont Alpacas
Review Date: Annually or following any emergency incident.
This plan has been developed to align with disability inclusion principles, Tasmania’s workplace safety requirements, and best-practice visitor management for agritourism businesses.