From the DPI CRPD - Accessibility (Article 9)   

Endeavour Safaris excels in outdoor travel for people of all abilities. Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique is a Cinderella story of green, culturally-appropriate conservation and reclamation. 

This video comes your way thanks to research from Bill Forrester of TravAbility.

As the Rick Hansen Foundation prepares the Interdependence 2012 conference for Vancouver it is timely to review what Canada has contributed to the global development of Inclusive 

Tourism and Inclusive Destinations Development.

A presentation by Chris Patton of South Africa National Parks.

On MSNBC you have probably already read about Tom Sawyer: 

A retired special education teacher on his way to a wedding in Orlando, Fla., said he was left humiliated, crying and covered with his own urine after an enhanced pat-down by TSA officers recently at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. "I was absolutely humiliated, I couldn't even speak," said Thomas D. "Tom" Sawyer, 61, of Lansing, Mich.

James Hoyne, 14, has a feeding tube in his stomach and carries a back-up in a sealed clear plastic bag. Hoyne said two weeks ago a TSA officer insisted on opening the sterile equipment, contaminating his back-up feeding tube which he later needed.

"I said 'Please don't open it' and she said 'I have to open it whether you like it or not. If I can't open it, I can't let you on the plane,'" Hoyne said of his conversation with the TSA screener.

From Jollofnews:

A good number of organizations that took part at the just concluded 48th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul are warning that the entire issue could become meaningless unless all African nations put their hands on deck and agree to an inclusive Disability Protocol.

A three-page statement, signed by organizations such as the South African-based Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (SADPD), Sight Savers, Disabled Person's Organizations (DPOs) and other disability persons actors or disability partners calls for the process to engage all of the forces that have a say on the issue. In fact, the communiqué, which was sent to JollofNews, decries attempts to sideline main stakeholders in the process of drafting a Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa that was prepared during the Expert Seminar on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa, held in Accra, Ghana, during the course of August 2009.

Thursday January 20, 2011 at 5:00 PM 

to

Monday January 24, 2011 at 7:00 AM 

Our conference goal is to bring about industry integration and participation while enhancing the facilities for all people for their travel irrespective of their age or abilities.  Exceptional content and unparalleled networking opportunities are some of the trademarks of our congress. It is a place to see and be seen. We bring you opportunities to learn basic skills to excel in setting up trips and executing them with superb expertise. We pave the way for you to use social media to its full extend to reap in the profits in times like the one we are living now.  

Contact:

Susan Mydanick 

SATH 

sathwrld@bellsouth.net 

561-451-0052 

Sail aboard the Navigator of the Seas

Port Everglades Administration Bldg. - 1850 Eller

Ft.Lauderdale, FL

"Tent Pole Events" is the phrase we are using to identify the many conferences springing up around the world that address Inclusive Tourism either directly or to a significant and sustained degree indirectly. The metaphor is to a tent being raised with supports scattered around the world. The tent is a space of welcome where those who have long promoted opportunities for travelers with disabilities collaborate with those who are now signing on for the journey to inclusion:

Valladoilid Nov 2010, Spain

SATH January 2011, USA, (annual)

ICAT April 2011, Taiwan, (biennial)

REATECH April 2011, Brazil (annual)

i-CREATE July 2011, Thailand, (annual)

IIDI Oct 2011, Brazil, (follow-up to March 2010 in 

Mozambique)

TRANSED Sept 2012, India, (biennial)

Interdependence May 2012, Canada

ENAT various dates in various EU locations

El turismo accesible para discapacitados es "una gran oportunidad" para el sector, según Fundación ONCE

En la jornada sobre 'La accesibilidad Universal a los medios de transporte', Roser Romero, miembro del Comité Ejecutivo del CERMI, ha propuesto la creación de un observatorio sobre la accesibilidad al transporte. 

A este observatorio podrían acceder directamente las personas con discapacidad para exponer sus opiniones y necesidades en esta materia. La jornada se inició con una mesa redonda en la que distintos expertos han analizado las oportunidades y retos del transporte accesible.

Lorenzo Chacón, presidente del Comité Nacional del Transporte por Carretera (CNTC), ha sido uno de los ponentes y ha apuntado que en el transporte por carretera 'hay que avanzar mucho y muy rápido', para obtener una 'accesibilidad globalizada y sostenible'. En cuanto al entorno normativo, ha señalado que 'habría que avanzar en una armonización de todas las normativas' ya que éstas también deberían ser accesibles.

Romero intervino en la clausura de esta jornada que se ha celebró en el Congreso de los Diputados. En su opinión, es necesario tener presentes todos los principios del diseño universal en la accesibilidad al transporte antes de acometer proyectos y trabajar con el sector de la discapacidad, así como armonizar la legislación y que la movilidad sea 'accesible y asequible'.

Los Siete Principios de Diseno Universal

Very soon something I write will be the focus of controversy. (I'll give you a hint. It will appear in New Mobility magazine.) 

The main theme of the 3rd International Congress of Tourism for All is Cultural Tourism, and the Congress is therefore aimed at professionals in the cultural sector wishing to enhance their participation in the tourism sector, and has as its main goal that of establishing Universal Accessibility and Design for All, with which to promote inclusion of people with [sic] special needs.

Paulistanos e moradores do ABC e da Baixada Santista terão um dos mais inovadores espaços de educação ambiental e de ecoturismo; projeto arquitetônico dá acessibilidade a deficientes físicos e visuais

Just 7 days remain to submit your innovation to the Geotourism Challenge 2010!

Ashoka's Changemakers, National Geographic and the Inter-American Development Bank are looking for innovative tourism models that protect the environment, and enhance the character of waterways and the culture and heritage of local populations.

Submit your entry from ANY REGION of the world until December 1, 2010.

Visit http://www.changemakers.com/coasts to submit your initiative to the competition.

Applying to this competition also gives you access to other exciting opportunities for support and recognitionthat include: 

• MuchBetterAdventures.com - open to all regions
• MIF Opportunity 2010 - open to initiatives presented from Latin America and the Caribbean
• Fundación Plan21, CarbonoCero Program - open to initiatives from Latin America and the Caribbean

Learn more about these opportunities by visiting http://www.changemakers.com/coasts!

Geoff Holt tells the story of an thoroughly amazing week of accolades, public service, and, as so often is the case of our world-renowned colleagues with disabilities, ends it with this bone-jarring account of blatant discrimination:

A perfect day was marred on departure.  It was 4.00pm, raining and dark. A companion flagged a black London cab which was pulling in to the kerb 

until he saw the wheelchair and then he turned and accelerated away. He even tried turning his lights off so I wouldn't get his number but I did and 

have duly reported him to Transport For London. It's astonishing that people like that scumbag are allowed to drive London cabs isn't it? It's bad enough with disabled UK citizens being discriminated by our own cabbies, I wonder how our disabled guests will feel in 2012 when they visit for the Paralympics?

And who is this man? Suffice it to speak of only one week in his life:

To round off one of the most surreal weeks in a long time (more below), I received a letter on Friday informing me that I was one of three yachtsmen shortlisted for the prestigious Yachtsman of the Year trophy for 2010.  OMG, do you have any idea what an honour that is?  I think more people have walked on the moon than won this trophy - names like Sir

 Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dame Ellen Macarthur, Ben Ainslie.  I got an MBE from the Queen on Tuesday (crazy, but true), but to be nominated for the YOTY trophy equals an MBE any day in my book.  It is the ultimate accolade in yachting...

As mentioned above, yes, I was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty on Tuesday at Windsor Castle for "Services to sailing for the disabled". CLICK HERE for local press report and see previous Blog entry.  It was a wonderful honour, especially after nearly two decades of enjoying myself...

On Wednesday night I was invited to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on the occassion of the Council of the Overseas Territories with attendees including delegations from the British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Cayman Islands etc.  What a gathering - lots of business cards exchanged.  Interesting to talk to so many Premieres, ministers and UK appointed FCO Governors - including Boyd McClearly, the new Governor of the British Virgin Islands - what a nice guy.  CLICK HERE for more info on the UK Overseas Territories Association.

Thursday was a special day too - it was the RYA Community Awards at the Inst. of 

Engineers in London.  If you have not seen the video I made last year of their amazing wheelchair lift, CLICK HERE (sorry it is sideways).  I was there as an RYA Council member and as one of this year's judgning panel - difficult job with so many worthy applicants this year.

For the full story that includes much, much more:

http://geoffholt.com/2010/11/2010-yachtsman-of-the-year-it-could-be-me/

On the verge of taking of from New Zealand to present at the Fundacion ONCE/ENAT-sponsored Inclusive Tourism conference in Valladoiolid Tour Watch member Sandra Rhodda announces a first for her country -- and a great honor for herself:

In a first for New Zealand, The New Zealand Tourism Research Institute at Auckland University of Technology has created a Research Programme Area in Access Tourismheaded by Sandra Rhodda. 

 NZTRI's Access Tourism programme aims to research and develop Access Tourism in NZ.  Access Tourism is tourism, travel, and hospitality for people with permanent or temporary disabilities, seniors, parents with strollers, and any person with a need for improved access.  This is an interdisciplinary research area that addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by Access Tourism.

The Access Tourist already represents a sizeable proportion of our tourism markets.  Between 17 and 20% of the population in our main markets already report a disability, and this percentage is bound to grow because the large Baby Boomer cohort is ageing and disability increases with age.  Those aged 45 or older already comprise almost half of our domestic and international visitors (and over 70% of our cruise ship visitors).

Areas of interest include:

Full story here --  

http://www.accesstourismnz.org.nz/2010/11/new-research-programme-area-in-access-tourism-at-nztriaut-a-first-for-nz/

L'accessibilité c'est notre fardeau

From Rapliq:

Le 8 novembre dernier, j'ai assisté avec plusieurs membres du RAPLIQ à la conférence de M. Richard Bergeron (chef de Projet Montréal), portant sur sa vision de ce que devraient être les nouvelles orientations de la Ville de Montréal en matière d'urbanisme. En fait, cette conférence consistait en la reprise d'une conférence ayant déjà eue lieu le 5 octobre dernier, dans un pub inaccessible aux personnes ne pouvant pas gravir des marches d'escaliers (telles les personnes se déplaçant en fauteuil roulant), alors que M. Bergeron était responsable de l'urbanisme à la Ville de Montréal.  Le RAPLIQ avait alors demandé la relocalisation de cette conférence dans un lieu accessible. Cette demande avait été jugée comme étant irrecevable par Projet Montréal, sous prétexte qu'il est très difficile de trouver des pubs accessibles à Montréal et que de relocaliser l'évènement à quelques jours d'avis causerait du tort aux « autres » personnes!!! Bergeron et des militants de son parti nous avaient alors répété à plusieurs reprises que, d'habitude, toutes leurs réunions avaient lieu dans des endroits accessibles. Malgré les demandes répétées de l'attachée de Bergeron de ne pas rappliquer, plus d'une dizaine de militantEs du RAPLIQ avaient protesté pacifiquement sur le trottoir en face du pub inaccessible. M. Bergeron, plutôt surpris et mal à l'aise de nous laisser ainsi sur le trottoir (malgré nos demandes de tenir cette conférence dans un lieu accessible à toutes et tous), nous avait alors promis de tenir la même conférence dans un lieu accessible dans les plus brefs délais.

Cette promesse fut tenue et, c'est dans ce contexte que nous nous sommes retrouvéEs dans une salle du Centre Marcel-et-Gabrielle-Lapalme, pour participer à la conférence de celui qui avait fait les manchettes au cours des jours précédents. Nous avons été soulagéEs de constater que de nombreuses personnes s'étaient déplacées pour cette deuxième conférence malgré la pluie de novembre: nous redoutions d'assister à une conférence « spéciale » pour celles et ceux qui avaient été exclus de la première!

Bergeron a commencé sa présentation en faisant mention de l'action du RAPLIQ lors de sa conférence précédente : « Vous m'avez rappelé à l'ordre très durement », nous a-t-il lancé. Lors des jours qui ont suivi notre action, j'ai surtout eu l'impression que nous avions été trop gentils - Gandhi nous aurait trouvé trop pacifistes, j'en suis certaine. Comment des gens peuvent-ils refaire le monde en en laissant une partie sur le trottoir? Le 5 octobre dernier, Bergeron nous a rappeléEs à l'ordre très durement - notre exclusion n'est toujours pas perçue comme étant inacceptable.

Bergeron a continué en expliquant que sa présentation serait identique à celle du 5 octobre dernier, à l'exception de l'ajout d'une diapositive. Il a d'abord fait une présentation intéressante de l'histoire de l'urbanisme dans le Plateau Mont-Royal. Nous oublions souvent que plusieurs quartiers montréalais se sont développés avant l'arrivée de l'automobile et que la grande majorité des déplacements se faisait alors en tramways! C'est d'ailleurs ça le grand rêve de Bergeron: le retour des tramways à Montréal. Une grande partie de sa présentation était consacrée à un voyage à travers l'Europe, comptant quelques escales en Asie et aux États-Unis. C'est durant le récit de ce voyage que la nouvelle diapositive a été présentée (on remarque qu'elle est nouvelle car elle se distinguait nettement des autres en matière de design). Bergeron a lancé avec fierté que le tramway est le seul moyen de transport en commun universellement accessible, en nous rappelant que cela coûte très cher rendre notre métro accessible. J'ai été très surprise de le voir affirmer avec une conviction très profonde que le tramway était le seul moyen de transport universellement accessible. Je me souviens pourtant des obstacles rencontrés lorsque j'ai utilisé les tramways d'Amsterdam et de Berlin! Le tramway n'est pas un moyen de transport intrinsèquement accessible universellement. Il n'est un moyen de transport universellement accessible que si l'on le conçoit comme tel! Dans les villes mentionnées ci-haut, les tramways que j'ai utilisés étaient tous neufs. Toutefois, il était difficile d'y accéder car de nombreux arrêts n'avaient pas de trottoirs surélevés ou bien les rampes d'accès étaient brisées. Décidemment, Bergeron et moi n'avons pas fait les mêmes voyages en tramway! Le problème, ce n'est pas que Bergeron n'ait pas remarqué les problèmes d'accès que peuvent engendrer les tramways, au même titre que n'importe quel moyens de transport, s'ils ne sont pas correctement conçus. Le problème, c'est que Bergeron parle de l'accessibilité de ce moyen de transport comme s'il était dans mes souliers/mon fauteuil, alors que ce n'est pas du tout le cas!

La présentation de Bergeron s'est conclue peu après l'intervention de Linda, qui commençait à s'inquiéter de l'arrivée prochaine du transport adapté de plusieurs personnes : « C'est parce que nous avons des questions à vous poser M. Bergeron », lui a-t-elle dit, un peu gênée mais pas trop. Linda a été la première à intervenir. Avec un petit sourire en coin et une voix ferme, elle a demandé à Bergeron s'il comptait rendre le nouveau quartier général de son parti accessible. Linda lui a alors présenté une photo de l'entrée du quartier général, sur laquelle on peut voir qu'il y a une belle marche à l'extérieur. Quelques jours après le 5 octobre, alors que nous nous étions fait dire et redire que Projet Montréal tenait habituellement ses activités dans des lieux accessibles et que nous l'avions cru, nous avons été consternés de voir que le parti dévoilait fièrement la fringante enseigne de son nouveau quartier général sur la rue Notre-Dame. Ce que nos yeux ont remarqué, ce n'était pas la nouvelle enseigne mais plutôt la marche à l'entrée - oui, la marche qui fait en sorte que le nouveau quartier général de Projet Montréal ne soit pas accessible!

Bergeron, visiblement embarrassé, s'est alors empressé de s'engager à rendre le local accessible d'ici un mois. « Vous ne pouvez pas nous reprocher le fait que ça ne soit pas accessible. Toutefois, une fois que nous sommes au courant, si cela n'est pas fait d'ici un mois, là vous aurez quelque chose à nous reprocher », a-t-il répondu à Linda. Il a continué en affirmant: « L'accessibilité c'est votre bataille. Ça vous appartient. C'est votre fardeau. » Nous sommes plusieurs paires d'oreilles à avoir été abasourdies par ces derniers mots. L'accessibilité c'est notre fardeau? Et vous dites que vous voulez nous proposer une autre façon de vivre en ville?

Aujourd'hui, je me console en me disant que des hommes ont un jour réagi de la même façon face aux femmes qui ont commencé à lutter pour la reconnaissance de leurs droits, qu'il y a à peine quelques décennies des Blancs n'avaient pas trouvé de meilleures réponses à donner face à leurs concitoyens Noirs qui ne pouvaient pas s'asseoir à leurs côtés dans les autobus publics, qu'encore aujourd'hui des hétérosexuels n'ont pas compris l'importance de soutenir des évènements comme la fierté gaie.

J'imagine que je suis chanceuse. Un jour, je pourrai dire à mes petits-enfants qu'à mon époque, il y a des gens qui osaient inaugurer des endroits dits publics qui étaient inaccessibles, en se disant que l'accessibilité était notre fardeau. J'aurai l'air d'avoir vécu dans une époque très lointaine avec mes milles et une histoires incroyables.

*Le RAPLIQ collabore présentement avec Projet Montréal afin de les aider à respecter la promesse de Bergeron de rendre leur quartier général accessible avant le 8 décembre.

Source:

http://www.rapliq.org/2010/11/20/laccessibilite-cest-notre-fardeau

Journeys without Borders offers the responsible tourism package Himalayas on Wheels. travel to Ladakh. 

"No Means Try Harder": Blogging from Italy
www.miusa.org/ncde/stories/reuss

Anne Reuss made international exchange work for her even though she
initially was not sure it was possible. "Studying abroad was just a small
thought that would surface once in a while. I saw charming pictures of the
green rolling hills of Ireland and the leaning tower of Pisa in Rome. I
repressed the thought of myself in another country because I assumed it
wouldn't be plausible for me to get an English/American Sign Language
interpreter in a different country....I had a revelation: I wanted to go to
Europe. Simple as that. One of my personal mantras is: 'No means try
harder'."

Reuss ended up studying Italian and Italian Sign Language in Verona, Italy.
Her imagery-filled blog recounts some of her highest and lowest moments. To
discover what it's like to think in four languages and learn helpful tips
for navigating the classroom and country, visit Verona Visivamente:

http://areuss11.wordpress.com/.

Inclusion International is a global federation of family-based organizations advocating for the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.  If you would like to take action against the airline and show your support for the work of Inclusion International in fighting against human rights violations against people with disabilities please sign the attached petition and send it to your networks.

Queridos amigos,

 

Durante el encuentro regional de Inclusion International e Inclusion Interamericana que tuvo lugar en Bogotá, Colombia recientemente sobre la implementación de la Convención de los Derechos de las personas con discapacidad, Juan Cobeñas de Argentina tuvo que cancelar su participación porque la compañía aérea con la que viajaban él y su familia le perdió una parte de su silla de ruedas. 

Juan tiene una discapacidad y necesita varios tipos de apoyo, entre ellos una silla de ruedas especialmente adaptada para sus necesidades. Cuando Juan y su familia llegaron a Lima haciendo escala para r el vuelo de conexión a Bogotá se les informó que sólo una parte de la silla de ruedas había aparecido.  Mientras la compañía investigaba donde podía estar la otra parte de la silla Juan se vio forzado a utilizar la parte básica de la silla, la cual es de poco uso en ese estado..." Quedaba como tirado ahí, en una posición imposible para él, con el agravante que sin sus partes la silla se cerraba, y los pies de él se torcían contra el suelo, por lo que para trasladarlo había que hacerlo en las dos ruedas de atrás..... era indigno y doloroso verlo ahí" dijo Elena, la madre de Juan. Finalmente el supervisor de la compañía les confirmó que no pudieron localizar la parte que faltaba. 

Mostrando muy poca comprensión por la situación les aconsejó que pusieran una queja y continuaran su viaja a Bogotá. La compañía aérea pareció no entender que la perdida de una silla de ruedas no se puede comparar a la perdida de una maleta y que sin su silla Juan no podría continuar su viaje por lo que se vio obligado a regresar a casa. Los componentes perdidos de la silla de ruedas han aparecido finalmente pero los autogestores y familias que atendieron la Conferencia exigen una disculpa y compensación por la violación de los derechos humanos de Juan.

 

Los autogestores presentes en la Conferencia a la que Juan no pudo asistir, mostraron su solidaridad escribiendo la carta adjunta. En esta se exige:

 

·         Que la compañía aérea TACA cubra los gastos necesarios de reparación de la silla

·         Que  la aerolínea TACA regrese  el costo del boleto de Juan y de sus acompañantes.

·         Que la aerolínea  TACA ofrezca disculpa pública por este hecho

 

Inclusion International es una federación global de organizaciones de familias que abogan por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad intelectual a nivel mundial. Si deseas apoyar la carta contra la compañía aérea y mostrar tu apoyo por el trabajo que Inclusion International realiza en la lucha contra la violación de los derechos humanos de las personas con discapacidad firma la petición en la carta adjunta y circúlala a tus contactos.

Gracias

 

Raquel Gonzalez

Coordinator

Inclusion International

KD.2.03

4-6 University Way; Docklands Campus

E16 2RD- London-UK

Tel +44 2082237709

Fax +44 2082236081

www.inclusion-international.org

http://www.facebook.com/inclusioninternational  

http://www.inclusion-international.org/feed

 

How astounding it was that after writing in this column on October 25 about Dr Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, regarded as the 'missile man of India,' who strongly advocates an action plan to develop his Motherland into a knowledge super power and to a developed nation, I had the rare opportunity of listening to one of our own 'Action Men', Dr Ajith C S Perera, giving a live discourse with equal vim and vigour about our own Motherland focusing on the subject, 'not to miss opportunities in our hands in promoting a sustainable national economy'.

The 90 minute oration was organized at Subud House, Bambalapitiya by a dynamic group of business and professional women who are renowned for their out-and-out dedication on social welfare activities through two tiers of their organization - mature and experienced and the young professional women.

The altruistic projects carried out by this Association over a long period of time by the founder and a long time President of Mrs Bandaranaike ilk are on record to justify any comments.

The 'Action man'

The 'Action man' on the oration, Dr Ajith C S Perera is a Chartered Chemist by profession who became a victim of paraplegia in 1992 consequent to a natural accident by a tree crashing on to his car during stormy weather.

From 1997 he has been a channel campaigning in Sri Lanka as an 'accessibility mentor' on disability issues pioneering and advising how to facilitate environments for everyone.

For the full article:

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/11/08/fea03.asp

For previous RollingRains.com articles on Dr Perera and his organization Idiraya:

http://tinyurl.com/29s2dtq

The following editorial is reprinted from ENAT on the occasion of Scott Rains' recognition at WTM London 2010. Rains was a honoree in the 2010 Virgin Holiday Responsible Tourism Awards:

Have your say on international disabilities report

GAATES is co-sponsoring  A conference on The Right to Access for Persons with Disabilities  to the Built Environment and Transportation: Design for All  being held in Benghazi, Libya on December 13-14, 2010.
 
Below is the conference agenda detailing the list of speakers and topics being covered; which include the built environment, transportation and tourism.
 
Please share this information with your organization, colleagues and associates. We look forward to seeing you if you are able to attend.
 
Betty Dion
President - GAATES

National Conference
 The Right to Access for Persons with Disabilities
 to the Built Environment and Transportation
Design for all ...

Tripoli, Libya

13 to 14 December 2010

Monday, December 13, 2010:


9:00 - 9:30                         Registration
09:30 - 10:30             Opening Remarks

Bachir Achour Fitouri: Secretary-General of the General Association of Persons with Disabilities in Libya.

Betty Dion: President, Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)

Dr. Aisha Muammar Gaddafi: Conference sponsor


10:30 - 11:00             Break

11:00 - 1:30                         SESSION I: Lectures
 
Speaker:             Bassam Eisha  (international consultant Libya)
Topic:                        Right to Accessibility - the International Convention on the Rights of   Persons with Disabilities.

Speaker:             Betty Dion, President of GAATES (Canada)
Topic:             Global Perspectives on Accessibility

Speaker:             Mukhtar Al Shibani, Vice-president of GAATES (Saudi Arabia).
Topic:             Universal Access in the Arab Urban Environments
    

      
1:30 - 4:00 Lunch Break:

الاستماع

قراءة صوتية للكلمات

القاموس -

4:00 - 5:30                         SESSION II: Lectures

Speaker:             Mr. Soren Ginnerup

(Member of the Board of Directors of the GAATES (Denmark)

Topic:             Accessibility of the Built Environment
 

Speaker:             Mr. Joseph Kwan  (Organization expert GAATES (China)
Topic:             Accessible transportation

Speaker:             Ivor Ambrose  (Executive Director of the European Network on Accessible tourism (UK))

Topic:            Accessible Tourism
 
                    

Tuesday, December 14, 2010:

09:00 - 10:30                         SESSION III: Lectures

Speaker:             Mr. Joseph Kwan  (GAATES expert  (China))

Topic:             Universal Design and an Accessible Built Environment
   

Speaker:             Ahmed El Rida  (Consultant and Member of the Board of Directors of the GAATES(Libya)

Topic:             Universal Design and Implementation in Libya

Speaker:             Soren Ginnerup  (GAATES President and Board Member)

Topic:             Accessibility in Residential Buildings

Speaker:             Monika Klenovec (President of the Austrian Centre for Inclusive Environments (Austria))

Topic:             Implementing Education in Accessibility and Design for All

    
10:30 - 11:00 Break:

11:00 - 1:30                         WORKSHOPS:

Speakers:            Joseph Kwan and Mukhtar Al Shibani
Topic:                        Universal Design and Accessibility
         

Speakers:             Monica Klenovec and Soren Ginnerup

Topic:             International Standardization of Accessibility of the Built Environment

Speakers:             Betty Dion and Ivor Ambrose

Topic:             Accessible Tourism
             

1:30 - 4:00 Lunch Break:

4:00 5:00 Closing Session:

Sessions summarized by
Mukhtar Al Shibani and Betty Dion

Closing the Conference

الاستماع

قراءة صوتية للكلمات

القاموس -

Contact information:  

Conference Sponsors:

The Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments

The General Association of Persons with Disabilities in Libya

The University of Garyounis

For further information in English Contact:  President@GAATES.org or visit www.gaates.org

For further information in Arabic, visit, http://www.disable.ly/

From the UNWTO:

Press release from Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe, 01/11/2010

QUEENSLAND TASKFORCE TO PROMOTE LIVEABLE HOUSING BY DESIGN

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe today announced the State Government would appoint an advisory group to monitor progress on the National Dialogue on Universal Housing Design

Mr Hinchliffe said the group would provide regular reports to the State Government throughout these discussions, as the construction industry works towards the Federal Government's target of incorporating universal design features in all new homes by 2020.

"We are inviting the relevant stakeholders, organisations and agencies to participate in this new advisory group," he said.

"I look forward to receiving the feedback of the advisory group as we work on the development of universal housing design plans and features in buildings, without the need for specialised, costly design."

A universal design feature is a component of a house or property that can be used by everyone, regardless of a person's level of ability or disability.

"The concept simply means easy living features that make homes more accessible and safer for everyone to use, including seniors, people living with a disability, people with temporary injuries or even families with young children," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The intent behind it is to make new housing more usable, by more people and comes at little or no extra costif incorporated at the initial design and construction stage."

A new home with universal design features should:

Practical examples include a continuous path of travel from the street entrance and/or parking area to a dwelling entrance that is level, at least one level entrance into the dwelling, a toilet on the entry level that provides easy access and shower and bath grabrails.

"The Federal Government has committed to adopting voluntary guidelines to promote universal housing design principles, with the headline goal being for all new homes to incorporate these design features by 2020," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The new taskforce I have established today will report to the existing Building Industry Consultative Group on industry's progress on meeting its voluntary goals."

As it progresses creatively towards its 50th year, the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, has its eyes on new streams such as universal, sustainable and services design. The institute is not only set to introduce a two-year certificate programme in photography, it is looking at other challenging and emerging fields such as universal design (designing for the benefit of the old and the physically challenged) and sustainable design. "We plan to set up a universal design research chair. Services design (design for hotels, railways etc) is another area we are investigating through the research activities route," reveals Pradyumna Vyas, director, NID, Ahmedabad.

The Jamsetji Tata-NID Universal Design Research Chair is already in place for research in the areas of design for the elderly, for rural health and digital inclusion, for children with learning disabilities, barrier free access and environmental design. Abir Mullick, an NID alumnus and faculty at the School of Industrial Design, Georgia Institute of Technology, US, has already joined as a Fulbright scholar under the chair.

For students at NID, the institute offers a cross-disciplinary approach to learning. "There's a lot of room to experiment with other disciplines. There's something to be learnt from everybody. Everybody's work inspires you and helps you come out with more ideas," points out Raj Sekaran, a final year student of apparel design and merchandising. Sekaran took up the course on the advice of an NID alumnus, an industrial designer working with Hero cycles."The course allows me to experiment with other disciplines such as graphics, visuals, product design and even art," says Sekaran.

Programmes: NID offers professional education programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels with five faculty streams and 17 diverse design domains. The four-year graduate diploma programme in design (GDPD) is open to students after Class 12 or equivalent such as AISSCE/IB/ICSE. 

The programme is offered in the following areas: Industrial design (product design, furniture and interior design, ceramic and glass design), communication design (graphic design, animation film design, film and video communication, exhibition design), textile, apparel and lifestyle design. The two- to two-and-a-half year postgraduate diploma programme in design (PGDPD) is for graduates from the fields of architecture, technology, engineering, fine and applied arts, information technology and computer sciences. The yearly expenses for the GDPD work out to R2,10,800 and for the PGDPD course it is R2,55,800.

Extracurricular: The institute organises a 'culture day' once a year wherein students from across India showcase the culture of their states. RGB is the design festival that brings together over 1400 creative young minds of the country. Students from India's foremost institutes come together for a three-and-a-half day exchange of ideas and experiences. RGB  provides a platform for inter-college networking through exhibitions and competitive events. In addition to this it hosts a unique series of workshops and interactive sessions with professionals and experts in the fields of design and design education.

Infrastructure: The main campus is located in Ahmedabad. The postgraduate campus in Gandhinagar offers courses in transportation and automobile design, toy and game design etc. The R & D campus is located at Bengaluru. It offers courses in information and interface design, design for digital experience etc.

Factfile
In the early 50s, the Government of India invited the renowned American design team that included the late Charles and Ray Eames to recommend a programme of design training to serve as an aid to the Indian industry. The Eames' travelled around the country, studied and analysed local traditions and culture and submitted their report in 1958. Based on their document 'The India Report', the Indian government under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry set up the National Institute of Design in 1961 as an autono- mous national institution for undergraduate and postgraduate education, training and consultancy services in industrial design and visual communication. The institute has also entered into collaborations with more than 39 international design institutions

Examalert
Design aptitude test for PGDPD: Jan 8, 2011
National entrance exam for design for GDPD: Jan 9, 2011

The need
India has two designers per million people vis-à-vis 125 in Finland and 90 in Japan
India needs 10,000 more design professionals in a year instead of the 1000 being churned out now

This first ever WFD Congress in Africa will held in Durban, South Africa 18 - 24 July 2011. 

To register contact Nancy Gagnon: ngagnon@accessibletrav.com 

 

Sochi 2014 to Implement Awareness Programme

Moscow, Russia, hosted the first conference for the implementation of an awareness programme for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

The theme of the conference, organized by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee and the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU), was "National Programme to raise awareness of the Russian Federation citizens on the Paralympic Games and Paralympic values 2011 - 2014: Issues and Challenges".

The President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, Dmitry Chernyshenko and the vice president of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RCC), Anatoly Tsarik attended the conference as speakers.

Furthermore, representatives from Russian state authorities and associations for people with a 

The participants shared their views on what is needed to raise awareness within the Russian society of the Paralympic Games and Paralympic values, to create a barrier-free environment in the city of Sochi and then to transfer the knowledge and experience to other regions of Russia.

The results of video-interviews with the residents of Sochi were also presented at the conference. The interviews were conducted by Sochi 2014 volunteers and by participants of the multimedia project, "Sochi Reporter" within the framework of the "Sochi without barriers" plan.

Amongst others, owners of city restaurants, cafes, museums and other public facilities took part in the survey. The results showed that the participants had a limited level of awareness of the Paralympic themes and ethics of communication with people with a disability. However, the majority of respondents admitted the need for a barrier-free environment to be created in Sochi through the introduction of special equipment for people with a disability in public areas around the city.

President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, Dmitry Chernyshenko said:

"What we do to raise social awareness of this issue and to encourage young people to promote Paralympic values is being one of the most important elements within this program.

"During the preparation for the 2014 Games in Sochi, we are not only drawing attention to the Paralympic theme, but also attempting to shift society's perceptions of people living with disabilities in our country as a whole. Our main task is to change the attitude of Russian society to the group of more than 13 million Russians who currently live with disabilities.

"The Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi will provide a unique opportunity to learn lessons from the world experience to achieve the further integration of people with disabilities into Russian society."

The conference in Moscow was the first in a series of similar events scheduled to be held by the end of 2010. It is anticipated that their outcomes will lead to a detailed plan being formulated for a comprehensive programme to increase public awareness of the Russian Federation on the Paralympic Games and Paralympic values, scheduled to start in February 2011.

For more information on the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, please visit www.sochi2014.com.

This whole trip strengthened me in so many ways. Over the past few months, I really felt like I had reached the end of the line, an unemployable, physically defunct, onlooker of life. It has done me the world of good, to know that I can still do trips like this. All is not lost!

OK, so I followed instructions and kept this quiet until now. We are still compiling data for the "third half" of this resource - Northern California.

Exploring California's spectacular 1,100-mile-long coast can be a challenge for people who need a fairly level and firm path of travel--be they wheelchair riders, parents pushing strollers, or people who use canes or walkers. That's why we created this thoroughly researched online travel guide, with detailed information about a wide variety of sites, to help you make informed choices that suit your particular needs. (For more about our process and criteria, see How To Use This Site.

Among many adventures that await you are rolling across the sand in a beach wheelchair, fishing from an accessible pier, hiking an accessible trail along an urban waterfront or remote stretch of shoreline, viewing wildlife from a boardwalk, and picnicking among redwoods or on a blufftop, with waves crashing against rocks below. As you explore our beautiful coast, keep in mind that it is a priceless but fragile natural treasure in need of our protection. To learn more about the coast and how you can become involved in its future, see our Resources page.

 

Happy trails!

On October 8 joined by disability-rights advocates and tech industry representatives, President Obama signed into law the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.  The legislation requires smart phones, television programs and other modern communications technologies to be accessible to people with vision or hearing loss.

"This law is life-changing for the millions of us with disabilities who are too often unable to take advantage of new technologies," said Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Programs & Policy at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).  "It opens the door to the digital age, and gives Americans with visual or hearing impairments equal access to smart phones, emergency broadcast information, the menus and controls on televisions and cable TV guides, and much more."  

Signed into law during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this legislation is expected to create more opportunities in the work place, the classroom, and everyday life. "It will help Americans with disabilities work more productively, respond to emergencies more effectively, and participate even more in society and culture," said Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy at AFB and a principal negotiator with the communications and TV industries.

"This law builds on the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensures people with disabilities can fully participate in the 21st century," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB's President & CEO.  "We applaud the many advocates and lawmakers who fought tirelessly to make this law a reality."

The legislation gives individuals with vision or hearing loss improved access to television programming, smart phones, the Internet, menus on DVD players, program guides on cable TV, and more. Specifically, it:

• Mandates mobile phone companies to make web browsers, text messaging, and e-mail on smart phones fully accessible.
• Restores and expands requirements for video description of television programs, in addition to requiring cable companies to make their program guides and selection menus accessible to people with vision loss.
• Ensures people with vision loss have access to emergency broadcast information.
• Provides $10 million in funding each year for assistive technology for deaf-blind individuals.
• Ensures that Internet-enabled mobile phones are hearing aid compatible.

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act passed Congress with bipartisan support. A number of members played a key role in moving the legislation forward. In the U.S. Senate, the bill was championed by Senator Pryor (D-AR), with the support of Senator Kerry (D-MA), Senator Rockefeller (D-WV), Senator Hutchison (R-TX), and Senator Ensign (R-NV). In the U.S. House, it was championed by Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), with the support of Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL).

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at www.afb.org.

SOURCE:

 American Foundation for the Blind

The April 2011 issue of Design for All India will explore the issues covered in Article 30 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - leisure activities such as play, sports, and travel. Scott Rains will edit this issue.

RollingRains.com regularly covers Universal Design and travel. In the areas of play and sports innovative thinking around the broader contents of CRPD Article 30 is arising from events like Ingrid 

Kanic's Inclusive Play Symposium and works such as Simon Darcy's book Benchmark Games. In this issue we are looking to highlight new voices with new solutions.

Design for All India features articles that apply Universal Design to concrete design problems whether that is in relation to products, space, or policies. Successful submissions will be stories of projects or work-in-progress around the world, detailed descriptions of products designed to be usable by the broadest range of people under the widest circumstances, and case studies documenting the human impact of the adoption of Universal Design in leisure activities.

Examine the text of Article 30 below to develop an article idea to submit. Article proposals are due December 15, 2010. Send the to Scott Rains - srains@oco.net. Articles are due January 15, 2011. Photos and explanatory graphics are encouraged in this digital publication.

Possible questions to address consider when shaping your article:

• What is the role of play in human development? In leisure throughout the lifespan?
• What products, environments, or policies exist to enable play as a path in the development or post-disability rehabilitation of persons with disabilities?
• What can be learned from major sporting events about the inclusion of persons with disabilities both as athletes and spectators? 
• What have been the impacts of accessible infrastructure and inclusive business practice legacies in areas where major sporting events have taken place?
• Are there inclusive design practices used in museums, libraries or theaters that have applicability in other settings? In parks, botanical gardens, historical or environmental patrimony sites?
• Has the application of Universal Design by the travel and hospitality industry revealed new positive consequences to Universal Design? Shortcomings in its formulation, articulation, or practice?
• How applicable are these US Access Board's ADA Accessibility Guidelines standards in other countries?

• State and Local Government Facilities (1998)
• Building Elements Designed for Children's Use (1998)
• Play Areas (2000)
• Recreation Facilities (2002)

Article 30 
Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport

1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to take part on an equal basis with others in cultural life, and shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities:

(a) Enjoy access to cultural materials in accessible formats;

(b) Enjoy access to television programmes, films, theatre and other cultural activities, in accessible formats;

(c) Enjoy access to places for cultural performances or services, such as theatres, museums, cinemas, libraries and tourism services, and, as far as possible, enjoy access to monuments and sites of national cultural importance.

2. States Parties shall take appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to have the opportunity to develop and utilize their creative, artistic and intellectual potential, not only for their own benefit, but also for the enrichment of society.

3. States Parties shall take all appropriate steps, in accordance with international law, to ensure that laws protecting intellectual property rights do not constitute an unreasonable or discriminatory barrier to access by persons with disabilities to cultural materials.

4. Persons with disabilities shall be entitled, on an equal basis with others, to recognition and support of their specific cultural and linguistic identity, including sign languages and deaf culture.

5. With a view to enabling persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in recreational, leisure and sporting activities, States Parties shall take appropriate measures:

(a) To encourage and promote the participation, to the fullest extent possible, of persons with disabilities in mainstream sporting activities at all levels;

(b) To ensure that persons with disabilities have an opportunity to organize, develop and participate in disability-specific sporting and recreational activities and, to this end, encourage the provision, on an equal basis with others, of appropriate instruction, training and resources;

(c) To ensure that persons with disabilities have access to sporting, recreational and tourism venues;

(d) To ensure that children with disabilities have equal access with other children to participation in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system;

(e) To ensure that persons with disabilities have access to services from those involved in the organization of recreational, tourism, leisure and sporting activities.

What to do:

It is important to remember that there is so much to see in Paris, and unless you are there for weeks and weeks, you can't see everything. While the museums and landmarks are beautiful and important, I would also set aside time to see some of the individual neighborhoods in Paris - the real Paris. To start with museums and landmarks, here are some suggestions! Tip: being a tourist in Europe in a wheelchair can often serve to your advantage. In most museums you get in free along with a companion, so while going to the Louvre might be crowded and overwhelming, you can go as often as you want and skip the line, for free!

Louvre: the Louvre is a beautiful museum. It was the old residence of Louis XIV and it has been converted to hold one of the largest art collections in the world. Home of the Mona Lisa, among many other famous pieces of art, the Louvre seems to be a must see while in Paris. My advice would be that if you are a big museum person, take an afternoon and explore your favorite period. Like I mentioned above, the Louvre is very crowded and huge, so if you get impatient, maybe take an hour to check out the Mona Lisa or a special exhibit, but the museum can get overwhelming fast. In terms of accessibility, the Louvre gets an A+ in my opinion!

Musee d'Orsay: This has to be one of my favorite museums, and honestly I prefer it over the Louvre. Renovated from an old train station, the museum is home to one of the largest impressionist galleries, and if you have a limited time, take the elevator straight to the 5th floor to immerse yourself in Degas, Manet, and Toulouse-Leutrec. They also receive an A+ for their accessibility. 

Père la Chaise Cemetery: Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde all call this home, and while the disorganization and the fame is attractive, the cemetery really can't be done without a significant amount of help. The path is all cobblestones, there are often dead ends with stairs, and the graves are all on top of each other so you might want to see one, but it is in the middle of hundreds of other graves. I've been, so it can be done, but if I were to officially rate it, it would get some sort of extreme warning.

Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris. The Eiffel Tower has a beautiful view and there is an accessible elevator that takes you to the first and second levels, but the third level is not open to tourists in wheelchairs. When you go, take note of this so you aren't surprised when you get there. Also be prepared to wait, for a long time.

Champs Élysées: This stretch from Place de Concord to Arc de Triomphe contains some of the best shopping in Paris. It's a beautiful walk in the Spring, but there isn't anything you absolutely have to see. Because this is only a huge road, there are sidewalks and curb cutouts.

Notre Dame: This beautiful church is located on a small island in the middle of the city. It is very accessible, and free. If you are in Paris around Christmas, or soon after, the tree outside of the church is decorated and it feels very much like the holidays!

Montmartre/Sacre Coeur: Hmm this one is tricky. Seeing the church from any point in Paris is beautiful, especially at night when the Sacre Coeur is all lit up. Going inside the church can definitely be a hassle. To get up to the church there is an accessible tram that will take you to the top of the hill. Once you get to the top of the hill, there is a huge set of stairs that can only be avoided by going all the way around the hill up a cobblestone street. There is a small lift in the back entrance, and there is a side door that will bring you to the main part of the church. As you can see, it's not easy. My recommendation would be to just explore the Montmartre area, and go up the tram to take a few photos of the church. If you really want to see inside the church, I would call ahead, or if you are with others, to either bump up as many stairs as you can, or have someone call ahead, or go into the church to explain your situation.

Oh, but you have to see ...

Seeing the sites is a must in Paris, but the beauty of going to a huge city, is finding the unique neighborhoods that give the city its character. One of my favorite places in Paris is the Marias district and the Jewish Quarter. Located in the 3rd arrondissement, Rue to Rosiers is most definitely one of the most interesting neighborhoods, filled with character, not to mention incredible food. While most places are not accessible, there are a couple places you can order falafel from the window, without even needing to go inside. If you don't mind a couple stairs, l'As du Falafel is worth the wait, and while the atmosphere is crowded, the bathroom is accessible! The streets in these areas are cobblestone, and the deli's have stairs, but even just taking a short stroll down the street is a nice detour as you wander around the area. There is a small grocery store that is accessible there and full of different kinds of desserts, wine's and goods - check out Chez Marianne. 

Not too far from Rue de Rosiers, is Place des Vosges. Place des Vosges is the first place I fell in love with Paris the first time I traveled there when I was 14. It is a very small square surrounded by art galleries and small cafes. In the middle is a small park and garden, and on the corner is the former home of writer and famous Parisian Victor Hugo. Place des Vosges is a beautiful place to sit for a while and take a break while grabbing a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in one of the outdoor cafes. 

Who's hungry?

One of the reasons you should go to Paris is to eat. The French know food. In addition to a pastry a day, here are some wonderful (accessible!) suggestions for food ...
Tip: the nice thing about Paris is that there is a ton of outdoor dining, so even if the restaurant or café isn't accessible, there is the option to sit outside. Too cold? These cafes are almost always surrounded by outdoor heaters for people to enjoy the view and more importantly, les cigarettes.

Chartier: (7 Rue faubourg Montmartre) located in the 9^th, by the Grands Boulevards metro station, Chartier is truly French. The table cloths are paper, and the waiters write your order on the edge, the fast paced restaurant is located in an old library and has dozens of tables. Be prepared to wait in line! If you decide to go on the earlier side, around 6 or so, it might be shorter. For those of you who like late dinners, the restaurant closes at 10, beware. This is also a vegetarian's nightmare, but if you are looking for a classic steak frites, this is your place. Not to mention, a very nice staff to help you open the side door for a stair-free entrance!

L'Ecurie: (58 Rue de la Montagne Ste-Genèvive). Founded in the 16^th or 17^th century, this old restaurant is tucked away in the Latin Quarter, at the end of Rue de Moufftard. Inside there is one step, but you can eat outside with a lovely view of the Sorbonne and the neighboring restaurants.

César: (81, Boulevard Saint Marcel). Italian in France? Paris is a great place to discover not only French food, but international food as well. If you are craving pizza or pasta, my recommendation would be to eat outside at César for both incredible Italian food and wonderful service.

Something sweet ...

In the mood for some dessert? Something to go with your afternoon tea?

Pierre Hermé: If you can find an accessible Pierre Hermé I would highly recommend it for some macaroons. Last time I was there I tried olive oil and vanilla - very creative and delicious 

(http://www.pierreherme.com/index.cgi?&cwsid=9065ph0A000108ph6627772)

Angelina: (226 Rue de Rivoli ) It's time to channel Chanel. This tearoom across the street from the Tuleries Gardens is the perfect place for afternoon tea or a morning hot chocolate. Their hot chocolate is said to be one of the best in the world - don't forget to ask for the whipped cream! The tables are a bit awkward, but there is only a tiny lip to get into the street-level restaurant so it is very easy to get in and out of.

Berthillon:  (31, Rue St. Louis en l'Ile) Incredible homemade French ice cream? Yes please. Open year round, this ice cream shop is definitely not to miss. Located behind the Notre Dame it is a perfect excuse to stop and take in the views of the bridge. (http://www.berthillon.fr/). If the line is too long, check out Rue de Deux Points, there are many other small shops and restaurants that are accessible and sell the ice cream.

That is a lot to do in one weekend, but it should keep you busy! For additional information, David Leobitz's blog about Paris has an extremely helpful link http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2008/02/accessible-trav/  and for French speakers, be sure to visit www.jaccede.com.

Who wouldn't want to visit Paris? Regardless of the weather, Paris seems to maintain its magnificence and certain je ne sais quoi throughout each season. When traveling in a

 wheelchair it is often easier to seek out a company that can plan a trip for you, but for young adults and students, travel companies and four star hotels are not necessarily in your budget. I'm here to tell you that DYI Paris is possible! Here are some (affordable) tips, suggestions, and recommendations for those who want to bravely explore Paris and soak in all it has to offer.[*]

Before you start:

Before you go, you might want to visit some websites regarding French accessibility. Much like the United States, France has a long way to go, but their commitment to tourists with disabilities is improving slowly but surely.

http://www.handicap-international.fr/

How to get there and where to crash:

Even though when I first think of traveling to Paris, I immediately think of food, but in case you want to start with where to stay and how to get there, here are some suggestions.

To get to Paris I would recommend American Airlines, Air France, or British Airways. I have had the most experience with Air France and they are always very pleasant and helpful. I would stay away from SwissAir unless you have traveled with them before. I was denied boarding from them on a flight from Boston to Zurich to Istanbul about a year ago, and they were not helpful in the least. I would also fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which is the most common. If you are flying into Orly airport, there is an Air France bus that takes you to Gare Montparnasse (between the 14^th and 15^th) and has accessible buses. Beauvais Airport is really out of the way, so I would say try and avoid that airport when first arriving. There is a metro train that runs from CDG into Paris, but the metro is a nightmare for a wheelchair, so your best bet is to splurge for a cab to take you to wherever you are staying.

One of my first tips would be to always contact the hostel or hotel before you book. Hostels are usually extremely accommodating, especially if they know you are coming way in advance. I have great experience with and would recommend Oops! hostel in the Latin Quarter of Paris (www.oops-paris.com)   if you email them, they will give you instructions on how to book and note that you need accommodation. Any Hostelling International (HI) hostels are wonderful too.* MIJE is a great affordable hostel as well (www.mije.com/index_individuels_uk.asp). The one hesitancy is getting into the hostel, if you are by yourself. There are huge doors that take some effort and there is a slight cobblestone hill. That being said they have an accessible room on the first floor and are accommodating. You also aren't able to make a reservation until a little over a month before, so if this is a trip planned far in advance, they may not let you book until later. If you want to completely splurge, the hotels along the Rue de Rivoli (across the street from the Louvre) are wonderful, and the staffs are always extremely helpful, especially at the Westin. The marais district is also a very popular place to look for hotels. I don't have much experience with hotels because I'm always traveling on a budget, but again, I encourage you to talk to someone directly before you book your stay. Once you have arrived, settled in, and taken your post-flight mid morning nap (because let's face it, you didn't sleep on the plane ride), it is time to get out and start exploring.

How to get around:

Paris is an extremely walkable city - especially for those of us on wheels. While you might get a little tired, the sidewalks and curb cutouts are the norm, and it is rare you will run into trouble. If you do want to take public transportation, forget the metro. There are some accessible stations, but all in all the metro is the oldest in Europe and the least accessible. If you don't mind a little bit of a ride, and if you aren't in a hurry, the buses in Paris serve as an excellent alternative. I love the bus. I love being able to just hop on and stare out the window for a few minutes - it's almost like a free tour of the city! Most buses have ramps, and the bus drivers are usually very nice. Tip: most drivers do not speak English, so as long as you know your destination/stop you don't need to be fluent. In case you want to get somewhere quicker, hiring a taxi is the way to go. You can't hail a cab, so here is a phone number and link to an accessible taxi service that is very helpful: 01 47 39 00 91.Visit the website (http://www.taxisg7.fr/) to find out more information about how the accessible taxis work. If you are staying in a hotel, usually they will hail a cab for you - but if you are on a budget, buses are definitely the way to go!

Part 2

Richard Hoffman of Specialty Builders Remodeling recently was awarded a Universal Design Certified Remodeler designation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Hoffman is Atlanta's first Universal Design Certified Remodeler (UDCR) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist. He is also the only remodeler in the state of Georgia to have been awarded this designation.

As the adult population grows older, the housing industry is recognizing the importance of a "universal" approach to residential design that modifies standard building elements to improve a home's accessibility, usability, and value.

 My goal is to be a resource to the whole disability community in the Triangle and to develop a network of other specialized Realtors everywhere so I can refer you to someone who can help you find an accessible home in your area.

Universal Design is at its best when its concepts are incorporated as an essential part of good design, including creative, aesthetic, imaginative, functional, and compassionate solutions that respect the human condition throughout a life time and range of abilities, and in a way that encourages interaction among people of all ages and capabilities. The ability to design spaces that can be used by more types of people including adults and children with disabilities, those who are aging, is essential for success in today's marketplace.

MOSTRA INTERNACIONAL DE CINEMA TERÁ FILMES ACESSÍVEIS 
PARA PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA VISUAL
 
De 1º a 4 de novembro, quatro sessões no CineSesc contarão com o recurso da audiodescrição. Iniciativa é fruto de parceria entre os organizadores da Mostra e a Secretaria Municipal da Pessoa com Deficiência e Mobilidade Reduzida . 
  
Pela primeira vez, a Mostra Internacional de Cinema de São Paulo dará ao público com deficiência visual a oportunidade de ter acesso ao conteúdo dos filmes em exibição. Neste ano, quatro sessões do CineSesc serão apresentadas com audiodescrição. Um recurso que não costuma ser oferecido em grandes festivais de cinema do mundo. 
  
Os filmes serão exibidos em sessões regulares, com 50 pontos de audiodescrição disponíveis. 
  
Na audiodescrição, um profissional especializado descreve à pessoa cega, por meio de fones de ouvido, as principais informações visuais do filme, permitindo que este espectador participe da experiência cinematográfica da melhor maneira possível. No caso de filmes legendados, o audiodescritor também faz a leitura dos diálogos. 
  
Marcos Belizário, secretário Municipal da Pessoa com Deficiência e Mobilidade Reduzida, diz que o objetivo da parceria é popularizar a utilização de ferramentas de inclusão e acesso aos bens culturais, como a tradução em Libras (para surdos), livros em braile, softwares leitores de telas e a própria audiodescrição. "A Mostra Internacional de Cinema é um dos principais eventos culturais da cidade e para nós é muito importante que ela se preocupe em incluir o público com deficiência". 
  
Confira a programação: 
  
Dia 1º (segunda-feira) - 15h20 
ARCADIA LOST, de Phedon Papamichael (90'). GRÉCIA. Indicado para 14 anos. 
  
Dia 2 (terça-feira) - 16h 
PROGRAMA AXN (148'). Indicado para 18 anos. 
  
Dia 3 (quarta-feira) - 15h30 
O PARAÍSO ELÉTRICO, de Michael Busch (208'). ALEMANHA. Livre. 
  
Dia 4 (quinta-feira) - 16h 
UM HOMEM QUE GRITA, de Mahamat Saleh Haroun (92'). FRANÇA, BÉLGICA, CHADE. Indicado para: 12 anos. 
  

MOSTRA INCLUSIVA - 1º a 4 de novembro
CineSesc - Rua Augusta, 2.075 - Tel.: 3087-0500 
Ingressos: R$ 7,00 (meia entrada) e R$ 14,00 
Compra antecipada: www.ingresso.com 
Disponíveis 50 pontos de audiodescrição por sessão 
  

Secretaria Municipal da Pessoa com Deficiência e Mobilidade Reduzida (SMPED)
Assessoria de Comunicação e Imprensa 
Tel.: (011) 3113-8778 // 8767 // 8793 // 8794 // 8741 
Cel.: (011) 9951-4983 / 8875-9732 
lclopes@prefeitura.sp.gov.br