Education sector | virtual tour case study
The Deaf Academy
We pioneered this first-of-its-kind accessibility project to help Deaf and disabled people navigate the Deaf Academy and Exmouth with confidence. In collaboration with the Deaf academy and National Centre for Accessible Transport (NCAT), we combined a town-wide, immersive 360° virtual tour with British Sign Language (BSL) support, interactive mapping, and more.
The numbers that make us proud
95% of users report increased travel confidence using VTE virtual tours
97% of users say our virtual tours are an easy way to navigate transport hubs
1st fully integrated BSL-supported town-wide virtual tour in the UK
The Brief
Exmouth, like many UK towns, faces persistent accessibility barriers for Deaf and disabled individuals navigating transport hubs, public facilities and busy town areas. Existing wayfinding tools rely heavily on written English and audio announcements, both inaccessible to large parts of the Deaf community, where up to 80% of signing Deaf young people have low English literacy.
The NCAT programme required a scalable, real-world solution that could directly improve independent mobility for Deaf and disabled people and set a practical standard for accessible town-wide navigation.
We created an immersive, interactive virtual tour of Exmouth, incorporating transport hubs, key public spaces, facilities and common journeys, each enriched with British Sign Language narration, accessibility information and intuitive navigation features.
This is the first town-wide virtual tour in the UK designed from the ground up with Deaf and disabled users as lead co-design partners.
- Make the town centre, transport hubs and key facilities easier to navigate
- Offer BSL-accessible content throughout
- Support users with sensory, mobility or neurodiverse needs
- Be easy to update and scalable to other towns
What we achieved
These standout features combine to create a powerful, inclusive wayfinding experience.
Town-Wide BSL Navigation
The first UK system to offer full British Sign Language support across a whole town’s transport hubs and public spaces, setting a new benchmark for inclusive wayfinding.
High-Quality Ground & Aerial Imagery
Crystal-clear 360° images combined with aerial drone views give users a rich understanding of each location, offering context, clarity and an engaging visuals. We also used camera solutions with one shot cameras that would enable the client to update images themselves.
Filtered Accessibility Mapping
Interactive maps allow users to instantly find what matters most, including accessible toilets, sunflower-friendly locations, shops, step-free routes and other essential facilities, giving every visitor a clearer, more personalised way to navigate the town.
Accessibility Widget
The integrated accessibility widget allows users to adjust contrast, text size and visual preferences, making the tour more comfortable and usable for diverse needs.
Integrated Bus-Route Wayfinding
The tour links key destinations with accurate bus routes and stop information, helping users plan complete door-to-door journeys through Exmouth with confidence and ease.
Scalable, Future-Ready Platform
Built on VTE’s patent-pending accessibility engine, the system allows quick updates and effortless expansion, making it a long-term, cost-effective solution for towns and transport networks.View similar case studies
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Unique benefits that are perfect
for student-focused virtual tours
Impact / Results
This project has already demonstrated significant improvements in accessibility, confidence and independence for Deaf and disabled individuals in Exmouth.
Measurable Impact:
- Increased pre-journey confidence due to detailed, accessible familiarisation
- Reduced anxiety for neurodiverse travellers through sensory information and predictability
- Improved access to essential travel information for Deaf users through BSL support
- More efficient transport operations due to fewer wayfinding enquiries
- Better community inclusion and participation in local facilities
- Integral part of the Deaf Academy’s onboarding for students and parents
Strategic Impact:
- Sets a national precedent for accessible town-wide virtual navigation
- Creates a replicable model for other towns, operators and councils
Strengthens Exmouth’s position as a leader in accessible tourism and community design
Key Benefits / Why This Project Stands Out
- UK’s first integrated BSL-supported virtual tour for an entire town
- Designed in partnership with the Deaf Academy and multiple disability groups
- A scalable model that can support towns, airports, rail stations and tourism boards
- Delivers high-impact accessibility outcomes using proven technology
- Empowers users who are often overlooked by traditional digital mapping tools
- Combines accessibility, innovation and inclusivity in one unified experience
QUICK LINKS
The Deaf Academy Virtual Tour | by The Virtual Tour Experts