July 25, 2007
Travel to Turkey: The Spinal Cord Paralytics Society of Turkey
The Spinal Cord Paralytics Society of Turkey held a unique travel opportunity for children with disabilities in Istanbul during April 2007. From their web site:
Our prior purpose of founding this organization is to help handicapped children to socialize with the other kids and to protect the future of our children in this changing world in the frame work 23 April National Children’s Day which the great leader Ataturk has given as a gift to the kids of the whole world. Our children are our future and to protect their rights is our duty.
The disabled children coming from various countries of the world to will be hosted for a whole week in Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities of the world, so that they will live unforgettable moments in Istanbul through experiencing the Turkish culture, Turkish hospitality, Istanbul’s natural and historical richness.From Istanbul to the whole world, all disabled and non disabled children will give the message of a world where all the obstacles to peace and brotherhood has been demolished.
http://www.gulencocuk.org/eng/index.htm
Initiatives such as this become fertile ground for growing a movement for Inclusive Tourism and Inclusive Destination Development. Note also the emergence of Access Centres Turkey as a hotelier determined to be world-class in service to people with disabilities.
I wonder. Have the seven principles of Universal Design been translated into Turkish yet? If so, they would be a great addition here - and a boon to the efforts underway in Turkey.
Posted by rollingrains at July 25, 2007 06:12 PM