Knowing Everything.

I can say hello in every language in the world (approximately 7000), Including sign language.. Ok, not fluently, and all I can say is “hello, my name is Gavin” but, its pretty impressive isn't it? Oh, I can also carry out basic car mechanics on every model of car, name every British monarch that's ever lived (in order), tell you what time the Edinburgh to London trains are on any given day, recite the Iliad in full, and also provide you with the exchange rate of the pound (or any other currency) against any other in the world at any given moment.

The only caveat I have is that I need approximately 30 minutes notice for any of the above.

The ability to know anything, at least in broad brushstrokes, is for the first time in human history possible.

I remember looking at a puddle form around the base of my washing machine as it went through a washing cycle. I covered the floor in towels and waited for it to finish. On opening the door I could see the seal had perished..

"Oh, jeez, this is going to cost”, I thought. “No, wait a second, I can deal with this, it’s just a seal!”

I took a note of the washing machine make and model, opened my laptop and clicked YouTube. There it was, “Fixing the seal on a Hotpoint”, I went on Amazon, put in the part number and waited.. I didnt wait long. The next day the seal arrived. Back on You Tube, and studying the clip in a little more detail, I took off the old seal and put on the new oone.. Job done.

Knowing everything, is possible. Ok, you aren't going to be an expert, but for so many things in life you don't have to be. You just need a little bit of information and importantly a little bit of time to find it out.

So, let’s talk staff training for disability. Oh, come on, you knew we were going there sooner or later. Using exactly the same technique as above I can find out pretty much anything I need to know within 30 minutes of knowing I need it. I can learn about how to give sighted guide to a blind or visually impaired person, say “hello” in sign language, and not just BSL but ASL and ISL as well, I can learn about the challenges someone living with Acquired Brain Injury might have, or I can watch a video about Autism. I can pretty much learn anything quickly and all I need is three things.

1. The Will to do it.
2. A little bit of notice
3. and yes, a tool like WelcoMe.

WelcoMe provides both the time and URL links to the information required. So much more than that it empowers the disabled visitor to be the one letting you know what you need to know. It provides and overview, top tips and even a message from the person if there is anything specific they wish to do or that they need you to take into account.

People ask me why I get excited about WelcoMe and then I show it to them. It is then their turn to get excited.

April from Levi’s store in Glasgow said to me after one of her customers used it..

“This is going to change everything for everyone!'.

I could not agree more.

Our work with Currys plc, Levi Strauss & Co., Westfield, Battersea Power Station, St James Quarter and others?is proving that its possible, with the key ingredient, time. With it we have access to knowledge and the ability to supercharge customer service in retail.

But, WelcoMe works everywhere. From Ferry ports to Libraries and from Restaurants to Football stadiums. The potential to up-skill our staff and open up the world for disabled people is truly mind boggling..