Rolling Rains Report:

2005 Conference on Accessible Travel: Discussion Groups

Join the Discussion Sessions for the 2005 Conference on Accessible Travel .

Respond to the conference questions below and I will see to it that your ideas get a hearing as the Asia Pacific Accessible Travel League is launched at the Taipei Conference.

Before major international events such as the Taipei conference, postings at the Rolling Rains Report transition from news to travelogue to give you an insider's view of developments in the world of inclusive travel worldwide. It can be hard to regularly publish while I'm on the road but the blog provides a chance for you to participate without attending. Add your thoughts to the discussion below.

Discussion Topics

1. Accessibility and Transportation

(1) How tourism can bring about greater accessibility of buildings, places of interest and transportation: What models or case studies are available that illustrate a successful harnessing of tourism revenue toward local infrastructure development other than the Perth, Australia Convention Bureau's project, "Beyond Compliance?"

(2) Is there need for accessible tour buses and coaches to encourage families and friends to travel together? What are typical, or minimal, design criteria that could be circulated as guidelines?

2. Reform, Reconstruct and Build the Accessible Tourist Sites

(1) Inclusive Destination development is the systematic application of Universal Design in the planning and development of tourism sites in order to make them destinations of choice for the tourists o the broadest range of abilities. What exemplary destinations or projects are you currently aware of? What might a checklist of essential items to include in such a project look like?

(2) What new solutions have been developed recently to deal with difficult destinations such as steep/uneven terrain? Historical sites? Low-light or noisy environments?

3. Accessible Information

(1) Availability of accessible information in major tourism web sites, both governmental and private: What are the criteria for defining accessibility? What is the procedure for holding each site accoiuntable for accessibility? Who is the accountability contact for each site?

(2)Monitoring of accessible information in major tourism web sites Is this already being done? What agency would be appropriate to take responsibility for this task? What conditions are necessary to make this service economically sustainable?

(3) Networking of disability based accessible tourism information web sites: Which sites? How to organize the network?

4. Human Resources in Accessible Tourism

(1)Influencing Employers to hire People with Disabilities: Good straegies? Case studies?

(2)Lobbying designers, engineers, builders and policy makers to include People with Disability in Tourism Plans

(3)How to create seamlessly accessible environments for both employee and tourist?

5. Social Enterprises in Accessible Tourism

(1) What are the good practices of social enterprises in accessible tourism in participating countries/regions and the lessons learnt from their experiences.

(2) How to make social enterprises in accessible tourism economically viable business as well as to provide employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in cooperation with government sector and business sector in the tourism industry.

South Africa Freedom Day -- Or Not?

Looks like South Africa is learning about some of the gaps in their efforts toward Inclusive Destination Development.

'No freedom for disabled'

iafrica.com
JOHANNESBURG
Tue, 26 Apr 2005

Members of the QuadPara Association of South Africa would not celebrate
freedom on Freedom Day because government was not enforcing their equal
rights, they said on Tuesday.

National director Ari Seirlis said the disability sector made up at
least 10 percent of the population of South Africa, and enjoyed
democracy, but not the freedom that democracy entitled them to.
"There is no accessible public transport for persons with mobility
impairments, still no access to accessible sanitation, water and
housing," Seirlis said.

Paralysed by infrastructure

"We can't go to any Freedom Day events because we can't get there. We can't catch a bus. We can't even get there to boycott," he told Sapa.
"We are paralysed, but not by disability, by the infrastructure."
South Africa had "magnificent" legislation but "it is on paper" and the
Employment Equity Act had only created audits.

"There are no more people employed, no public transport, the government
has scrapped disability grants forcing people to reapply because there
were cheats," he added.

The R780 grant itself did not take into account the severity and the
different levels of disability.

When new housing developments were proposed nobody from the disabled
community was consulted.

A needs analysis was required as urban and rural people had different
obstacles.

Disabled people living in rural areas had no electricity for specialist
highcare medical equipment or even hot water for changing bandages.
There were no taps, toilets were inaccessible and there was no public
transport to ferry them for religious worship, socialising or
appointments.

"Although we feel democratised, our lot isn't any better. If you are
black, white or pink, if you use a wheelchair, you are no better off."
Freedom Day marks the 1994 ushering-in of South Africa's first
democratically elected government.

SAPA
E-mail: colinhastie@iafrica.com

Americans with Disabilities Act Impact Testimony

National Council on Disability Seeks
Americans with Disabilities Act Impact Testimony

WASHINGTONThe National Council on Disability (NCD) is collecting
written testimony from people with disabilities, their families,
and their advocates on the impact the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) of 1990 has had on their lives.

National Council on Disability Seeks
Americans with Disabilities Act Impact Testimony

WASHINGTONThe National Council on Disability (NCD) is collecting
written testimony from people with disabilities, their families,
and their advocates on the impact the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) of 1990 has had on their lives.

NCD is an independent federal agency charged with making
recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the
quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their
families. In 1986, NCD first proposed and then drafted the
original Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was hailed
as a major civil rights law guaranteeing equal opportunity
for Americans with disabilities to participate more fully in
their communities, to have greater access to goods and services,
and to enjoy more employment opportunities. Testimony is sought
regarding the extent to which the ADA has achieved its goals of
equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living,
and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.
The information received will be added to a body of data currently
being assembled from a variety of sources to be analyzed and
transmitted to the President and Congress in a report to be published in
fall 2005.

Testimony is sought regarding:

Telecommunications: Has the ADA had an impact on the ability
of people who have hearing and/or speech impairments to communicate by
telephone?

Employment: Has the ADA improved employment opportunities and job
retention for people with disabilities?

Public Services: Are goods and services provided by local and
state agencies more accessible to people with disabilities
because of the ADA?

Public Accommodations Operated by Private Entities: Are goods
and services provided by businesses more accessible to people
with disabilities because of the ADA?

General comments on the ADA

Please send written comments on or before May 15, 2005, to Julie
Carroll, National Council on Disability, 1331 F Street, NW,
Suite 850, Washington, DC 20004 or jcarroll@ncd.gov.

For more information, contact Mark Quigley or Julie Carroll at 202-272-2004.

# # #

Note: To subscribe to the National Council on Disabilitys new listserv,
go to http://listserv.access.gpo.gov/, click on Online mailing list
archives, select NCD-NEWS-L, and complete the short subscription form.
Mark S. Quigley
Director of Communications
National Council on Disability
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
202-272-2008
202-272-2074 TTY
202-272-2022 fax
mquigley@ncd.gov
www.ncd.gov

OSSATE

I am deeply indebted to Mr Richard Thompson, creator of the Good Access Guide for alerting me to the European Union's One-Stop Shop for Accessible Tourism in Europe (OSSATE). Note that OSSATE will hold its first international workshop 12-13 May 2005 in London.

Get in touch! Get involved!

During the course of the OSSATE project, interested parties and stakeholders will be contacted and invited to participate in national and international workshops, conferences and other activities. I

f you wish to get involved and are active in any sector of the tourism industry or any field related to this project, please get in touch with us. We will place you on our mailing list and keep you informed of developments, and opportunities to take part in project activities.

Contact Details

Mr. Ivor Ambrose, OSSATE Project Coordinator, EWORX S.A.
Rodou St., 22
GR-15122 Maroussi, Athens
Greece.
Tel.: 0030 210 614 8380
Fax.: 0030 210 614 8381
E-mail: ossate@eworx.gr
Web: http://www.eworx.gr

inclusive destination development

Tourism & Social Inclusion: An Online Community of Practice

I am pleased to make this preliminary announcement of a new multi lingual resource at www.eTur.com.br. The section, entitled "Turismo e Inclusão Social" (Tourism and Social Inclusion), will test your digital skills as you register. (Believe me, even my Portuguese-speaking colleagues tell me it's a challenge.). However, if you persevere, you will find documents and conversation from around the world.

Further details will appear in a future post but I wish to offer my profound gratitude to Valerie Fletcher and the crew at Adaptive Environments. Without their solid support of my workshop at Designing for the 21st Century III in Rio de Janeiro last December this project simply would not have evolved.

"Turismo e Inclusão Social at eTur: www.etur.com.br/menu/inclusaosocial

inclusive destination development

Bo Beolens' Style Accessible Birding

The article "Bo Beolens' Style Accessible Birding" (reprinted below) appeared on March 12, 2005 at the Travel & Disability section of Suite 101.com. For a complete list of articles see the column to the left or go to the welcome page at http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/travel_with_disabilities

Inclusive adventure travel opportunities are expanding in various directions. Pioneers like Dada Moreira of Aventura Especial in Brazil feature rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and various adrenaline-enhanced experiences. Meanwhile, Bo Beolens, in the UK, quietly opens the outdoors to a more sedentary crowd “birdwatchers” or preferably, birders. Here he speaks to Travel & Disability Editor, Scott Rains:

Question: The Disabled Birders Association (dba) is something unique. You rooted it firmly in the birding world but you lead it to speak articulately for disability culture. How did DBA come about?

Answer: I am a birder. I have a mobility problem (Ankylosing Spondylitis) which at times makes walking painful and certainly limits the distance I can walk. On a good day I can manage 300 yards, on a bad day I have trouble walking to the office – and I work from home!

I found myself getting frustrated with the way in which what we in the UK call “nature reserves” are designed for fit and able six-feet tall young men. It occurred to me this is because the majority of people who work as wardens of reserves are six-feet tall, fit and able young men! There were few concessions to the average person let alone those with any restrictions on their mobility. So my prime motivation was selfishness – I wanted nature to be more accessible for me. Don’t get me wrong, I never want any of the needs of wildlife compromised to meet my needs. I just wanted the designers to go back to the drawing board and make sure that the provisions they make for human access more friendly to all. The watchword is, of course, “barrier-free” access. Providers should be asking why a gate is needed and would a cattle grid be better, are steps the only way to enter a hide (blind) or could a ramp be used and so forth.

I always liken such provision to the shoe trade. Its as if the only shoes made were size 10 all-weather boots – those wanting size five pink stilettos would be sadly disappointed and have to try and make do. Most of us are not fit and able six-footers so viewing slots need to be at variable heights; not everyone can walk a mile non-stop so we, just like the birds need a perch every 150 yards or so; most of us cannot hear clearly as we age so loop-systems are needed in interpretation centers and so forth.

I soon found that my selfishness would help out a lot of other people too so I used my website www.fatbirder.com and various mailing groups to invite others to join me to campaign for more sensitive provision.

Question: This genteel sport of birding has a profound economic impact. According to the 2001 US report, "Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis," birders account for $32 Billion dollars in annual retail spending items like field guides, binoculars, bird food, houses, boats, transportation, guide costs and other direct birding expenses. Has the Disabled Birders Association had any success convincing governments or industry to reinvest some of that income into site accessibility and appropriate products?

Answer: You will have to ask the dba-usa chapter about what’s happening in the US but I can report progress in the UK.

Birding here is still seen as a minority, not to say weirdo, pursuit. “Twitchers” as we all tend to get labeled, are on a par with train-spotters – sad, anorak-wearing, bespectacled, border-line Asperger’s, spotty youths without the physiques to be footballers nor the brains to be nerds. I don’t know why its still the butt of tabloid fun-poking but it is. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has over 1 million members – making it the biggest membership conservation body in Europe, 20 million households (out of 25, million) feed wild birds in their gardens yet birding still has this rather silly image.

Nevertheless, the dba has begun to have an impact on the direct service providers and is helped with its costs by commerce in the birding field. Our sponsors include birdfeed companies, optics retailers and bird book-sellers and in the UK virtually all companies that have interests in birding equipment or supplies do donate a percentage of their profits to conservation in general.

As to nature reserves, changes are happening. When I set up the dba in 2000 and went along to the British Bird Fair (BBF ; the biggest of its kind with around 20,000 participants) I spent half my time there badgering the RSPB to think about disabled access to its reserves. Last year at the BBF their Director of Operations came to me and asked what they could do to improve things - so changes are afoot.

In my local area there have been improvements at nearly all reserves, observatories and parks. This coincides with a recent bit of legislation making disability access a requirement of all premises and all types of provision. I feel most encouraged.

Question: At your web site, FatBirder.com, you wrote, “The Disabled Birders Association was set up to combat poor attitudes and provision across the board. It exists to encourage everyone to think about what can be achieved with sensitivity and good design.” What have you found to be the most effective strategies that birders can use to reach those goals and make birding more inclusive?

Answer: I think that the onus really does lie with those of us who have a disability. We should not wait for others to make provision for us but get off our proverbial backsides and make things happen. The first thing we need to do is admit to our disability. Daft as it may seem nearly everyone I have met who has a disability doesn’t want to be thought of as disabled. Someone might say “Yes, I only have one leg, am blind and have heart failure; bit I’m NOT disabled!” I have no idea why we are so unwilling to admit to our limitations, as if it is something to be ashamed of.

We need the equivalent of “Black is Beautiful” or “Glad to be Gay” to own our disabilities and flaunt them, not hide them away. Only this way will people see that they are actually in the majority. Most people are either young and small, elderly and frail, disabled and sick etc.

I like the “Crips with a Chip”s (cripples with a chip on their shoulder) movement. But most people will never be part of that radical wing, they still need to be part of a positive movement that rejoices in our diversity rather than trying to make do with “average” provision.

Question: In the October 2004 issue of Birdwatching Magazine you wrote, “Our trips overseas have taught me that simplicity of design is king – we had far fewer problems in Kenya or India than we did Canada and Australia because all facilities were more basic and simple and so much easier to use.” Can you elaborate, perhaps with a story?

Answer: In Kenya one of our party, Brian who is the dba treasurer, had a puncture in his wheelchair tire on the way into lunch. One of the waiters asked if he could transfer Brian into an ordinary seat whilst he sussed out a solution. He returned before the meal was over with the puncture repaired. As people cannot afford cars but lots have bikes, repairing punctures happens all the time. In the West such a problem might have taken days to fix.

At another lodge we arrived to find steps into Brian’s room. We pointed this out and, also whilst we were lunching, a wooden ramp had been built and put in place. In Africa people make do and mend because they do not live in our throw-away culture.

Another thing were shower rooms. The did not have fancy power showers in bathrooms with lips and sills around the shower unit - just a shower head in the middle of the room over a small drain with the floors sloping imperceptibly to the drain. So showers were accessible where they rarely are in Europe or North America.

Question: Accurate destination information that details features of interest and necessity to travellers with disabilities is a need that is often difficult, sometimes impossible, to fulfil. In a review of “Best Birdwatching Sites in Norfolk” by Neil Glenn you commented:

This book sets the standard and all other writers and publishers should follow it – there are no excuses now as the book does it and tells you how... The author not only includes notes on disability access for each site and uses an appropriate symbol for quick reference, he also has a couple of pages listing sites that are fully accessible and those that have some disability access.
Have you run across other books, web sites, or other resources that set a high standard worthy of imitation? How about travel agents, tour operators, or managers of birding sites that provide exemplary service?

Answer: One of our oldest Observatories, at Sandwich Bay, has really tried hard to make provision for disabled people. As the best birding site can never be made accessible because the land is privately owned where access trails run.

The “Obs” has created a new “scrape” (definition below*) put in a disabled accessible hide, and a special car park. What is more, the accommodation block for volunteers is fully accessible and they continue to look for ways to improve. The dba has run several overseas trips and some of these were organized by Sarus Bird Tours www.sarusbirdtours.com which has accumulated access knowledge and always given their help at cost.

Question: Birding is a set of skills that requires knowledge, persistence, and patience to acquire. Some describe birding as a lifestyle; a discipline. It occurs to me that the same can be said about learning how to provide quality service to those with abilities that differ from one’s own. Each type of disability is different. What advice do you have for those working in the fields that make birding possible – designing or managing parks, hotels, restaurants, transportation systems, or birding products? Regulating natural resources or access to them? Working in travel agencies or as tour guides?

Answer:

First- It really ain’t rocket science! Think outside of the box… make sure that, before any project is undertaken, you have asked local disabled organizations to discuss the plans… not just one group.
Second – Remember the dictum of “barrier-free” access… start by questioning ANYTHING that might cause someone a problem… is it really necessary?
Third – Remember – disability is NOT just about the use of wheelchairs.
Lastly – Remember that a very large percentage of the population has some sort of physical impairment – and that their dollars, pounds and euros are vital for your revenue!

Question: From your point of view what would be the top priority changes that the travel and hospitality industry could do to further open birding to people with disabilities?

In the UK commerce has cottoned on to the idea of the “grey pound” and the “pink pound” – that is the buying power of the elderly and the gay community… its time they realized that there is also a “disability dollar” that they can only get their share of if they offer accessible trips.

Question: Are there any final thoughts you would like to leave with our readers?

Answer: When I was a youngster an accident prevented me from walking for six months. My father, wanting me to have an interest started taking me to a local lake to fish which I could do without having to run around. Through this, with his shared knowledge, I started to take an interest in the natural world. Now it is my sanctuary and as close as I get to spirituality. Being in the wild yet tranquil world is necessary for my sanity. Just like me the vast majority of birders feel this way about wild places and free flying beauties.

Such beauty deserves its widest possible audience. I feel about birding the same way I do about a good film or a stand-up comic – half the pleasure comes from sharing it.

Its not just our duty to make sure that everyone can enjoy what we enjoy, it should be our pleasure too.

* Scrape: A very shallow lake - created by scraping topsoil away so that a wetfield/marsh becomes like a very large puddle - ideal for wading birds to feed on. Often these are enhanced with tiny islands that are great for roosting or ground nesting as they are not too easy for predators to get to.

Inclusive Travel: Hong Kong

Here is an example where public/private sector collaboration works to facilitate Inclusive Destination Development.

The Tourism Board of Hong Kong maintains a helpful site for tourists with disabilities and seniors at http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/travelneeds/disabled/index.jhtml

Notice how the links they include are provided by social service agencies.

Disability Access Symbols

There is a sub-group of researchers and practitioners on inclusive travel who I refer to, in my own private shorthand, as "The Iconographers." These are unusually motivated individuals who are tackling the nexus of problems associated with wayfinding, visual representation of information, databases of information on venue access, and a host of related issues.

They are behind-the-scenes and, at the same time, leading the rest of us through their diligence and innovation.

I received an inquiry this week about icons and signage representing disability,"Is there an international standard that is used in the iconography depicting people with disabilities."

Unfortunately, the answer is, "No."

Here is a link to one possible set of icons promulgated by the Graphic Artists Guild:
http://www.gag.org/resources/das.php

4/25/05

This related resource was just submitted by Katya Stokely, auther of Broken Clay Journal: http://www.joeclark.org/symbolizing.html.
Thanks, Katya!

Senior Travel in São Paulo , Brazil - “Viva Feliz”

The new guide for seniors in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Viva Feliz, also includes information of interest to travelers with disabilities. It is available around town. I have not heard whether or not an English language version is planned.

See the press release (Portuguese):

http://www.guarulhosweb.com.br/realtime/1632005110607.shtml

turismo

The Biwako Millenium Framework - Disability Rights in Asia

Documents such as the Biwako Millenium Framework below provide the rights-based approach which undergirds and stabilizes Inclusive Destination Development initiatives. The work leading up to such a document makes possible the current progress in Inclusive Destination Development in Asia.

In preparation for the 2005 Conference on Accessible Tourism in Taipei, Taiwan May 5-8, I have been reviewing abstracts of the presenters:

• Cheung Wai-leung, "Accessible Tourism in Hong Kong"
• Yutaka Takamine, "Accessible Tourism in the Asian and Pacific Region"
• Aqeel Mohammed, "Accessible Transportation in India"
• J. B. (John Baldwin) Munro, "New Zealand/Aotearoa Country Report"
• Makoto Yamamoto, "Town-Building in the Retirement and Tourism City of Takayama"
• Suporntum Mongkolsawadi, "2005 International Accessible Tourism Conference Country Report: Thailand"



This will be a watershed event.




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Source:
http://www.worldenable.net/bangkok2003/biwako0.htm

Full text:

DRAFT BIWAKO MILLENNIUM FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE, BARRIER-FREE AND RIGHTS-BASED SOCIETY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

In May 2002, ESCAP adopted the resolution “Promoting an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region in the twenty-first century”. The resolution also proclaimed the extension of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002, for another decade, 2003-2012.

The “Draft Biwako Millennium Framework “outlines issues, action plans and strategies towards an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for persons with disabilities.

To achieve the goal, the framework identifies seven priority areas for action, in each of which critical issues and targets with specific time frames and actions follow. In all, 18 targets and 15 strategies supporting the achievement of all the targets are identified.

The next decade will ensure the paradigm shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach to protect the civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights of persons with disabilities.

To pursue the targets and strategies, consultations with and involvement of civil society, inter alia, self-help organizations and concerned NGOs are essential.

The following sections summarize the seven priority areas for action, the targets, strategies, time-frames, and the supporting/monitoring mechanisms.

(1) Self-help organizations of persons with disabilities

Persons with disabilities and their self-help organizations are the most equipped, best informed to speak on their behalf and can contribute to solutions on issues that concern them. Two targets are set to make the difference:

1) By 2004, Governments, international funding agencies and NGOs should establish policy to support and develop self-help organizations.

2) By 2005, Governments and civil society organizations should fully include self-help organizations in decision-making processes. Actions for the targets include the participation of persons with disabilities in policy-making, political representations and capacity building.

Self-help organizations should include marginalized persons with disabilities such as women and girls with disabilities, persons with intellectual disabilities, persons who are HIV-positive and affected by leprosy.

(2) Women with disabilities

Women with disabilities are multiply disadvantaged through their status as women, as persons with disabilities, and majority numbers as persons living in poverty. Three targets are set to solve these problems:

1) By 2005, Governments should ensure anti-discrimination measures to protect women with disabilities.

2) By 2005, self-help organizations adopt policies to promote full representation of women with disabilities,.

3) By 2005, women with disabilities should be included in the membership of national mainstream women’s associations.

(3) Early intervention and education

Less than 10 per cent of children and youth with disabilities have access to any form of education compared with an enrolment rate of over 70 per cent for non-disabled children and youth in primary education in the Asian and Pacific region. This exclusion from education for children and youth with disabilities results in exclusion from opportunity for further personal, social and vocational development. Three targets are set for these problems:

1) Children with disabilities will be an integral part of the population targeted by Millennium Development Goal Target 3, which is to ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.

2) By 2010, at least 75 per cent of children and youth with disabilities will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.

3) By 2012, all infants and young children (0 – 4 years) will have access to and receive community-based early intervention services.

Actions in this area include adequate legislation for inclusive education and national data collection on children with disabilities (0-16 years).

(4) Training and employment, including self-employment

Persons with disabilities remain disproportionately undereducated, untrained, unemployed, underemployed and poor. They have insufficient access to the mainstream labour market partially due to social exclusion, lack of trained and competent staff and adequate training for independent workers. Three targets follow:

1) By 2012, at least 30 per cent of the signatories (member states) will ratify ILO Convention 159 concerning Vocational Rehabilitation on Employment (Disabled Persons).

2) By 2012, at least 30 per cent of all vocational training programmes in signatory countries will include persons with disabilities.

3) By 2010, reliable data on the employment and self-employment rates of persons with disabilities will exist in all countries.

(5) Access to built environment and public transport

Inaccessibility to the built environment, including public transport systems, is still the major barrier for persons with disabilities. This problem will only exacerbate, as the number of older people with disabilities increase in the region. Universal design approaches benefit all people in society including older persons, pregnant women and parents with young children Its economic benefits have been legitimized, yet substantive initiatives at policy level have not been taken. Three targets are set to improve the situation:

1) Governments should adopt and enforce accessibility standards for planning of public facilities, infrastructure and transport, including those in rural/agricultural contexts.

2) By 2012, existing public transport systems and all new and renovated public transport systems should be accessible.

(6) Access to information and communication including ICT

In the last 10 years, there has been much progress in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development, and it opens up many opportunities for people with disabilities in networking, solidarity employment and independent living. But it has also widened the gap between persons with disabilities and the non-disabled. The Digital divide includes inaccessibility to infrastructure for ICT, Internet, and ICT skills. These problems are acute in rural areas. The multi-media environment is creating barriers for people with visual disabilities. Three targets are set to improve the situation:

1) By 2005, persons with disabilities should have at least the same rate of access to the Internet and related services as the rest of citizens in a country of the region.

2) By 2004, international organizations should incorporate accessibility standards for persons with disabilities in their international ICT standards.

3) Governments should adopt, by 2005, ICT accessibility guidelines for persons with disabilities in their national ICT policies.

(7) Poverty alleviation through social security and livelihood programmes

Persons with disabilities are the poorest of the poor. It is estimated that 160 million persons with disabilities, over 40 per cent of disabled persons are living in poverty, unable to benefit from their socio-economic rights. Poverty and disability worsens each other when persons with disabilities are socially excluded and adequate social services are not provided. Pursuant to the UN Millennium Development Goal target 1:

1) Governments should halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of persons with disabilities whose income/consumption is less than one dollar a day.

Actions call for Governments to integrate disability dimensions into MDG baseline data collection and analysis, to allocate a certain percentage of the total rural development / poverty alleviation funds towards persons with disabilities.

National plan of action (five-year) on disability

Strategy 1 calls for Governments to develop and adopt, by 2004, a five-year comprehensive national plan of action to implement the targets and strategies of the framework.

Promotion of rights-based approach to disability issues

Strategy 2 calls for Governments to adopt and implement non-discrimination policies. Strategy 3 draws attention to National Human Rights Institutions as agencies to protect disabled people’s rights. Strategy 4 calls for Governments to actively involve persons with disabilities in any policy development. Strategy 5 calls for Governments to ratify the core international human rights treaties. Strategy 6 calls for Governments to support the Ad Hoc Committee for the comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities

Disability statistics/common definition of disabilities for planning

A common system of definition and classification of disability is not uniformly applied in the region. Two strategies are set to solve the problem. Strategy 7 calls for Governments to develop, by 2005, their system in disability-related data collection and analysis. Strategy 8 calls for Governments to adopt, by 2005, definitions on disability based on the United Nations publication “Guidelines and Principles for the Development of Disability Statistics.

Strengthened community development approach to prevention, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities

Community-based approach is augmenting and replacing traditional institutional and centralized rehabilitation programmes for disabled people’s economic, social and other human rights enhancement. Strategy 9 calls for Governments to immediately develop national policies to promote community-based approaches.

Cooperation and support for action: subregional, regional and interregional

Special focus is on strengthening cooperation among governments at the subregional level. Strategy 10 and 11 call for formulating subregional priorities and plans of action, by 2004, to achieve the targets. At a regional level, strategy 12 calls for Governments, the United Nations system, civil society organizations and the private sector to collaborate, support and take advantage of the training and communication capability of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability. This center is to be opened in 2004 in Bangkok, as a legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons. It has the capacity of one of the most powerful focal points in the region. Strategy 13 and 14 call for Governments, civil society organizations and the private sector to establish a network of centres of excellence in focused areas to maximize cooperation and collaboration. ESCAP and other United Nations agencies should assist in the establishment of a network of centres of excellence. Strategy 15 emphasizes cooperation between ESCAP and other regional agencies for exchange of information, experiences and expertise.

Monitoring and review
ESCAP should convene biennial meetings to review achievements and to identify actions that may be required to implement the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action. At these meetings, the representatives of national coordination committees on disability matters comprising Government ministries/agencies, NGOs, self-help organizations and the media will be invited to present reports to review progress in the implementation of the framework.

The mid-point review of the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action should be conducted. Based on the review, the targets and strategic plans for the second half of the Decade may be modified and new targets and strategic plans formulated.

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inclusive destination development


Posted by rollingrains at 08:49 PM

2005 Conference on Accessible Travel

The 2005 Conference on Accessible Travel will be held May 5 -8 in Taipei, Taiwan.

I am honored to be have been invited. The item below in Chinese is the abstract of my first presentation on May 5.

Download file as .pdf

Design for Everybody

Universal design in the single family home market is not something limited to Canada, Japan, the EU, the US, or Australia as one might assume from the examples given at The Rolling Rains Report. The first model Universal Design home in Brazil is being showcased by Marcondes Perito and features design solutions from around the world.

Notice that their definition of Universal Design (Desenho Universal) includes Visitability:
"Freqüentável por visitantes - Todo ambiente construído é usado por dois grupos, os que o usam e os que o visitam."

It is also justified by the aging-in-place argument:

Também a população brasileira está envelhecendo e nossos idosos querem continuar vivendo em suas próprias casas, inseridos na comunidade à qual estão acostumados, o que é muito saudável, pois, essa permanência na casa, além de manter a integração social dos mais velhos, diminuindo a segregação e o preconceito, coloca no mercado consumidor essa crescente e importante parcela da população.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Design for Everybody

Universal design is an approach to making homes livable for anyone; aging baby boomers are expected to make such demands

by Leslie E. Stevens for The Tribune

Home accessibility improvements for the disabled may come from an unusual quarter in the future -- youth-oriented baby boomers who are starting to feel the physical aches and pains of aging.

The oldest boomers are approaching 60. If history is any guide, this generation isn't likely to tolerate many restrictions on their active lifestyles. They will demand and receive not only better drugs and medical care, but improved home designs and features to accommodate their bodies' changing needs, say San Luis Obispo County home builders and disability advocates.

Many of the changes will come under the guise of universal design, an approach to making homes livable for anyone -- not just for disabled residents. Some features, such as wider halls and doorways and no-step entries, will be largely unnoticeable. That's the point, say supporters of the concept.

"Successful universal design works for everybody," says Paul Wolff, a local architect and retired Cal Poly professor who championed universal design principles in his classes. "Rather than seeing it as something just for the very young or very old, it is simply good design."

Those ages 45 to 60 make up one of the largest and fastest-growing population segments in the county. They numbered more than 56,000 in 2004 -- an increase of 73 percent in the last decade, according to the 2005 UCSB Economic Outlook.

If the county follows national trends, the number of residents 65 and older will jump dramatically starting about 2010 when the first of the baby boomers nears retirement. Early indications are they won't want to be shunted off to assisted-living facilities.

Fully 85 percent of baby boomers and their parents say they will want to stay in their own homes, according to recent studies by AARP and the California Association of Realtors. To do that, many homeowners will have to undertake expensive remodels, especially if a family member has to use a wheelchair and can't access a bathroom -- the main reason a disabled person has to move out of his or her home.

The best time to start thinking about accessibility issues is when you are designing or purchasing a home or planning a remodel, not when you are facing a crisis, Wolff said.

"It is remarkably inexpensive if done in the initial planning stages," he said. "For an average home, it probably amounts to 0.5 percent of total construction costs to simply provide wider doors and hallways."

Retrofitting is an entirely different matter. If a two-story house needs an elevator installed, he said, "that can be very expensive."

Degrees of accessibility

Accessibility is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It can include something as simple as installing levered door handles to accommodate someone with arthritic hands who can no longer grasp and turn a doorknob. Or it can encompass a completely accessible living space such as Advanced Homes' new universal design manufactured home or the custom Arroyo Grande house Wolff designed for Beth Currier, a client who uses a wheelchair.

Every detail in these homes is designed to make it as easy as possible for homeowners with disabilities to live independently. Roll-in showers, lowered counters and wall switches and raised toilets with grab bars are just a few of the special features built into these homes.

"I can even roll up under my cook top," says Currier, 52, who was partially paralyzed by a childhood bout with polio. "I always had to sit sideways to cook at the stove and do dishes. Now, I can face my food for the first time in my life -- it makes a tremendous difference."

The single-level home, a gift from her father, also has concrete floors that are easy to clean and move on. But one of Currier's favorite features is the concrete walkway that completely surrounds the 2,300-square-foot house.

"It allows me a lot of freedom and the ability to garden around my house," Currier says. "It's just paradise for me."

Some accessibility advocates and home builders are taking a more modest approach known as "visitability." Rather than try to make a home completely accessible to everyone, the idea is to make it possible for family and friends who use wheelchairs to get around or "visit" a home. Visitability also makes it much easier to care for injured or sick family members who may be temporarily disabled.

Basic features include at least one level, no-step entrance; ground level doors and hallways, preferably 36 inches wide; lever door handles; and at least one first-floor bathroom accessible by wheelchair with reinforced walls for grab-bar installation.

Universal design "is an idea that finally seems to be soaking in," says Michael Shannon, owner of Universal Design Consultants in San Luis Obispo. "Why can't we design spaces so they work for everyone, not just people with disabilities? It's been a hard sell, but it's getting easier."

The Cal Poly architecture graduate, who wears leg braces and has used a wheelchair part time since he was hit by a drunken driver in 1987, evaluates living spaces and suggests changes to make them user-friendly.

Remodeling assistance

Seniors and those with disabilities can often get help with minor accessibility remodels through organizations like the Economic Opportunity Commission. Jim McNamara, the organization's director of energy and home repair, estimates the nonprofit agency assists about 400 seniors and people with disabilities each year in San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County.

The biggest demand is for installation of bathroom grab bars and exterior access ramps for mobile homes where many of the disabled live, he said. Those can run as much as $3,000, the agency's limit for a single project.

Planning early

Gary Rogers believes retrofitting homes to accommodate an aging population will drive home remodeling in the next 20 years. The San Luis Obispo consulting engineer -- who uses a wheelchair when outdoors -- does accessible-home design and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance evaluations for businesses through his company, Rogers Ltd.

"Everybody is going to be disabled if they live long enough," Rogers says. "Almost 80 percent of those over age 80 have some kind of mobility problem -- that's just a fact of life."

Planning for those changes early is key to staying in your own home later in life, say Rogers and others who work with disabled people.

Homebuilders also are starting to take notice as the huge and relatively affluent baby-boomer generation glimpses a more limited future on its horizon. Builders are ever so subtly starting to slip elements of universal design into their developments with more single-story floor plans and fewer steps, along with wider doors and hallways and lever door handles. [editor's note: Watch for this trend to surface in hotel, resort, and cruise ship design.]

Expect more such home designs to come. In addition to River Oaks in Paso Robles that includes a 55-plus community, Shea Homes is bringing its multi-generational design concept to the Woodlands development in Nipomo.

Rogers said he is not surprised to see these changes coming.

"When baby boomers want these kinds of things, that is when we will see it happen."

Source:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/business/11301459.htm

inclusive destination development

Disability in the Brazilian Context

As we launch the Forum on Inclusive Travel at eTur.com.br (in Portuguese), I find myself more frequently checking the site of Temple University student, Jared Goyette -- Disability in the Brazilian Context http://bahiadisabilitystudy.blogspot.com/ -- and appreciating his work and insights.

This Forum is going to fly -- thanks to the work of Brazilian Catharina de Medeiros Lacerda from the Sorbonne, Paris (the French version; undergoing translation to English), the backoffice IT work and tourism and disability writing of Hugo Côrtes de Paula, together with Cristiane Guimarães (vacationing somewhere in Aracaju and causing me to turn exquisite shades of chartruese-green with "ciumes"/envy!)

Here are some articles by this "Team Turismólgos Unidos" with an invitation to join in by registering at www.eTur.com.br and the sending me an email (srains@oco.net):

Articles by Hugo Côrtes de Paula for the Portuguese-reading:

http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?idconteudo=558
http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?idconteudo=559
http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?idconteudo=560

Catharina de Medeiros Lacerda at eTur.com.br on Inclusive Travel:

http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?idconteudo=6160

See also an article by prolific eTur.com.br contributor, Vera Rolim, on Hotel Accessibility:

http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?idconteudo=5290&ci=20050407

inclusive destination development

turismo

Brazilian Disability Law

Below, in Portuguese, is an excerpt from the charter of rights protecting persons with disabilities in Brazil and addressing squarely issues of inclusive tourism and Inclusive Destination Development. The URL for the complete t ext follows the selection.

Projeto de lei que institui o Estatuto do Portador de Deficiência

TÍTULO II
Dos Princípios, Objetivos e Diretrizes

CAPÍTULO I
Dos Princípios

Art. 5º. O Estatuto do Portador de Deficiência nortear-se-á pelos seguintes princípios:

I – desenvolvimento de ações conjuntas do Estado e da sociedade civil, de modo a assegurar a plena integração das pessoas portadoras de deficiência no contexto sócio-econômico e cultural;

II – estabelecimento de mecanismos e instrumentos legais e operacionais que assegurem às pessoas portadoras de deficiência o pleno exercício de seus direitos básicos que, decorrentes da Constituição Federal e das leis, propiciem o seu bem-estar pessoal, social e econômico;

III – respeito à pessoa portadora de deficiência, a quem deve ser assegurada igualdade de oportunidades na sociedade.

CAPÍTULO II
Dos Objetivos

Art. 6º. É objetivo do Estatuto do Portador de Deficiência assegurar:

I – acesso, ingresso e permanência da pessoa portadora de deficiência em todos os serviços públicos ou privados de que necessite, oferecidos à comunidade;

II – integração das ações dos órgãos públicos e entidades privadas nas áreas de saúde, educação, trabalho, transporte e assistência social, edificação pública, previdência social, habitação, cultura, desporto e lazer, visando à prevenção das deficiências, à eliminação de suas múltiplas causas, à inclusão social e à otimização da prestação dos serviços públicos;

III – apoio à formação de recursos humanos para atendimento da pessoa portadora de deficiência;

IV – garantia da efetividade dos programas de prevenção, de atendimento especializado e de inclusão social.

Source:http://www.cidadania.org.br/conteudo.asp?conteudo_id=1426&secao_id=106&pag=2

inclusive destination development

turismo

Dubai, the United Arab Emirates

The Rolling Rains Report has readers in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Over the years, the representatives of Air Emirates that I have met at travel expos as well as the airline's word-of-mouth reputation among travelers with disabilities has made a positive impression.

So, I was surprised to read this monring at Inclusion International that the UAR does not have much of a disability rights infrastructure. Could it be that the 1997 entry at Inclusion International needs updating? News from a redaer in the United Arab Emirates would apprectiated; srains@oco.net

From Inclusion International:

Accessibility

There are rules to ensure accessibility of the built environment which establish national design standards requiring that the outdoor environment is made accessible. Accessibility in the built environment is observed by municipalities. The following measures have been promoted by the government in order to facilitate accessibility in the built environment: levelling off pavements, marking parking areas, ensuring access to public places. There is no special transport arrangement for persons with disabilities. The most difficult obstacles, when planning to build accessible environments, are attitudinal factors, technical factors, lack of knowledge, research and information, lack of user participation, lack of co-operation from other organizations/institutions and lack of enforcement mechanism. There is no disability awareness component incorporated in the training of planners, architects and construction engineers.

Sign language has no officially recognized status. There are no government measures to encourage media and other forms of public information to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities. The following service is provided in order to facilitate information and communication between persons with disabilities and others: literature in Braille/tape.

Organizations of persons with disabilities

There is no national umbrella organization. There are no legal provisions mandating the representatives of persons with disabilities to participate in policy-making or to work with governmental institutions. Organizations of persons with disabilities are never consulted, when laws and regulations with a disability aspect are being prepared. The government gives financial support to existing or new organizations of persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities participate to a very limited extent in government, legislatures, judicial authorities and political parties, but to a great extent in NGOs. The role of organizations of persons with disabilities is to advocate rights and improved services, mobilize persons with disabilities, identify needs and priorities, contribute to public awareness, provide services and promote/organize income generating activities.

Co-ordination of work

There is no national co-ordinating committee or any similar body.

Catharina de Medeiros Lacerda @ IREST – Université Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne

It is with gratitude that I publish for you, below, the work of Brazilian tourism student, Catharina de Medeiros Lacerda.

Catharina is a student of the prestigious Sorbonne (IREST – Université Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne). Her generosity reaches beyond sharing this work with readers of the Rolling Rains Report. She, together with Hugo Côrtes de Paula and Cristiane Guimarães, are the intellectual muscle behind a Forum on inclusive travel to be launched next week at eTur.com.br. Catharina's post on disability and travel (in Portuguese; http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?IDConteudo=6160) has brought to light an desire for professional development on the topic among the Brazilian tourism students using eTur.com.br.

We wish you success in your career. A career launched with this spirit of professional service is a bright spot on the horizon.

IREST – Université Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne
Etudiante : Catharina de Medeiros Lacerda

TOURISME ET HANDICAP EN ILE – DE -FRANCE

Mars 2005
Paris
INTRODUCTION

La région Ile de France est considérée la première en terme d’accueil et d’accessibilité aux loisirs pour les personnes en situation de handicap. Selon le Comité Régional du Tourisme d’Ïle de France, la région avait jusqu’à juillet de l’année dernier, 120 sites labellisés Tourisme et Handicap.
Actuellement, les organismes institutionnels liés à l’activité touristique, les associations représentantes des personnes handicapés et les professionnels du tourisme sont de plus en plus engagés dans une démarche que vise l’insertion des personnes à besoins spécifiques dans le secteur du loisir et du tourisme.
Pourtant, avant de fournir une vision plus complète de la relation entre tourisme et handicape dans la région Ile –de France, il semble nécessaire de mieux comprendre certaines démarches effectuées par le Comité National du Tourisme ( CNT) dans les années 1999 et 2003, à travers de deux rapports qui avaient comme objectif commun, l’insertion et l’accessibilité des personnes handicapées dans les activités touristiques et de loisirs.

A. LE RAPPORT TOURISME & HANDICAP : L’OFFRE TOURISTIQUE

Le CNT a présenté et adopté en 1999, le rapport « Tourisme et Handicap – L’Offre Touristique », ce qui a marqué une amorce importante en matière de prise en compte des nécessités et des attentes des personnes et des touristes en situation de handicap.
Jusqu’à cette époque, aucune politique n’avait été ni impulsée ni concrétisée pour le développement du tourisme et des loisirs pour les personnes en situation de handicap. Cela témoignait la méconnaissance des problématiques et des carences liées à ce domaine.
Les seules initiatives existantes ont été menées d’une part, par les associations représentatives des personnes handicapées et d’autre part, par quelques expériences relevées par des professionnels et institutionnels du tourisme. Pourtant, aujourd’hui cette situation n’a changé que partiellement.
C’est extrêmement important de déduire que les touristes handicapés sont, avant tout, des personnes handicapées. Par rapport au tourisme, jusqu’à cette époque, les revendications des personnes en situation de handicap et de leurs associations représentatives étaient transmises quasi automatiquement vers les Affaires Sociales. Successifs textes réglementaires, en matière d’accessibilité des établissements recevant du public, ont été appliqués vis à vis les efforts des professionnels du tourisme. Mais, ces obligations réglementaires ont eu des efforts contrastés, surtout à trois niveaux :

· Au niveau de l’acceptation de ces obligations ;
· Au niveau de la qualité effective des réalisations ;
· Et, au niveau des adaptations qui étaient souvent liées à la seule déficience motrice.

On peut constater donc que le rapport de 1999 méritait une politique animée par la concertation et le rapprochement entre les professionnels du tourisme, associations, institutionnels et les propres personnes en situation de handicap.
Donc, l’ensemble des problématiques abordées dans ce premier rapport peut être considéré comme un début concernant l’accès au tourisme et aux loisirs des personnes handicapées. Il y en a toujours de freins qui ont besoin d’être levés par rapport à la réalité de nécessités des personnes handicapées.
Le rapport « Tourisme et Handicap - L’offre Touristique » contenait dix recommandations majeures, qui seront ici présentées et analysées synthétiquement.

1. Réaliser une étude de marché

Cette recommandation visait sensibiliser les professionnels et les institutionnels du tourisme. Elle suggérait aussi la réalisation d’une étude de marché que puisse regrouper de façon qualitative et quantitative, les attentes et les besoins des touristes en situation de handicap.
L’AFIT, l’Agence Française d’Ingénierie Touristique a publié un cahier sur ce thème en 2001, ce qui a permis que les organismes touristiques ( publics et privés) puissent avoir conscience que cette clientèle est loin d’être marginal. Sur le plan quantitatif. De plus, cette étude a aborde de façon intéressante, les attentes et les aspirations des personnes handicapées en matière d’intégration.

2. Doter le Ministère dédié au Tourisme d’un outil statistique et d’évaluation durable

Avec l’intention de faire de l’accueil des touristes handicapés une préoccupation de la politique de développement touristique, cette recommandation induisait :

· La prise en compte des certains aspects concernant l’accès au tourisme et aux loisirs des personnes handicapées dans tous les systèmes d’enquêtes et des recueils statistiques existants ;
· La mise sur pied d’un système de suivi statistique de mise aux normes d’accessibilité des sites, établissements et installations touristiques par grande catégorie d’activité.

Par rapport à la deuxième recommandation, on constate que les grandes enquêtes statistiques nationales sont en train d’intégrer la prise en compte des aspects concernant l’accès au tourisme et aux loisirs des personnes en situation de handicap. Par contre, cette prise en compte ne peut être appréciée que par des cycles d’évolution longues. Le label « Tourisme et Handicap » contribue énormément à cette recommandation, en tant qu’outil statistique au regard de la mise aux normes d’accessibilité des installations et équipements à vocation touristique.

3 . Constituer un pôle d’information, de conseil, de recherche et de documentation destiné à favoriser la diffusion et la maîtrise de bonnes pratiques en matière d’accessibilité

Cette recommandation impliquait la mise en place d’un pôle qui pourrait soutenir la recherche, l’expérimentation, le conseil et la diffusion des bonnes pratiques en matière d’accessibilité des équipements touristiques.
L’installation du Bureau des Politiques Sociales, au sein de la Direction du Tourisme, favorise la cohérence dans les actions entreprises. Et la publication, par l’AFIT, d’un cahier du savoir-faire sur le thème tourisme et handicaps contribue aussi à apporter des éléments de réponses et de conseil.

4. Mieux prendre en compte les handicaps auditifs et visuels

L’absence de réglementation et des obligations concernant la prise en compte des éléments architecturaux, de sécurité et d’adaptation spécifique touche le cadre de vie des personnes souffrant d’un handicap auditif au visuel. Ceux ci ont été intégrés dans l’étude de marché, dans le cahier du savoir-faire, dans le label et dans l’ensemble des réflexions et des concertations engagées.

5. Procéder à l’inventaire de l’offre accessible

Cette recommandation sert à introduire la suivante.

6. Créer un label national d’accessibilité ayant vocation à s’appliquer à l’ensemble des sites et équipements touristiques

Celle ci a été peut être la plus important recommandation. Elle visait sécuriser la fiabilité es informations relatives aux sites et hébergements touristiques et des loisirs.
Elle induisait une information descriptive et objective fondée sur le cadre réglementaire de l’accessibilité. Aussi à élaborer un cahier des charges sur les déficiences mentales, auditifs, visuelles et motrices.
Le label « Tourisme et Handicap » a été mis en œuvre en 2001 et sa gestion a été confiée à l’Association Tourisme et Handicap.

7. Encourager les collectivités territoriales à améliorer l’accès des touristes handicapés aux sites et équipements touristiques

Une ligne budgétaire a été consacrée au « Droit aux Vacances pour tous », ce qu’a beaucoup aidé à concrétiser cette recommandation. Pourtant, il semble être important de connaître l’emploi fait ou à venir de cette ligne budgétaire sur le plan des équipements touristiques, de loisir et de la culture. Pour accroître cette recommandation, il faut conditionner l’octroi des subventions pour la rénovation du patrimoine par une prise en compte des critères d’accessibilité.

8. Accroître l’effort de formation des personnels à l’accueil des touristes à besoins spécifiques

Comme la méconnaissance génère des peurs, des maladresses ou des impairs, un enseignement basique englobant la notion de « besoins spécifiques » a été la principale raison de cette recommandation puisque la capacité d’accueil des professionnels du tourisme et de l’ensemble des personnels en contact avec les personnes handicapées doit être développé.
Sa concrétisation se voit vraiment au niveaux des BTS Tourisme, avec l’instauration du module « accueil des personnes à besoins spécifiques » sous forme d’enseignement optionnel, dans un premier temps, et après obligatoire dans les deux filières de BTS Tourisme.

9. S’engager plus résolument dans la voie de la coopération internationale afin de favoriser, grâce à une harmonisation des pratiques et des normes, les courants touristiques internationaux

Cette recommandation n’a pas suscité des mesures significatives et concrètes. Mais, il y existe une démarche attentive de certains Etats européens vis à vis la politique mise en place dans le cadre du label national « Tourisme et Handicap ».

10. Mettre à l’étude les voies ouvrant la possibilité de modifier le régime juridique de l’accessibilité aux établissements et installations de tourisme pour introduire des mécanismes contractuels et d’incitation

Cette recommandation avait comme logique à faire évaluer certains points réglementaires en faveur d’une meilleure rationalisation des efforts réalisés. Elle n’a pas suscité la réflexion attendue. Par exemple, les associations des personnes handicapées n’ont pas manqué de souligner une restriction de l’offre accessible et, surtout, des risques de « ghettoïsation » sur certaines structures.

Les recommandations du rapport « Tourisme et handicap – La chaîne de L’Offre Touristique » ont été véritablement marquants parce qu’elles on suscité la sensibilisation des professionnels, institutionnels et associations liées au secteur de tourisme et aux personnes en situation de handicap.
Pourtant, ces recommandations ont été prises en compte sur un nouvel angle dans le rapport « Tourisme et Handicap : La Chaîne de l’Offre Touristique pour le Droit aux Vacances ». Certains réflexions qui auraient pu être associés dans le premier rapport appairassent dans le deuxième comme des points d’amélioration souhaitables. C’est à dire :

· Mener des études quantitatives et qualitatives sur les habitudes, attentes et souhaits des touristes handicapés au regard précise des types de déficience, catégorie d’hébergement, zones touristiques fréquentés, secteurs d’activité recherchés ;
· Mieux cerner la problématique de l’intégration et de l’accueil ;
· Assurer les professionnels du tourisme par rapport à l’aide et au soutien direct lors qu’ils envisagent améliorer les conditions d’accès d’une structure touristique ou de loisirs ( avec la création d’un site Internet par exemple) ;
· Stimuler la création des espaces de conseils et de soutien à l’échelon local ( des pôles des ressources à la proximité), pour faire évoluer l’accueil des touristes handicapés et les adaptations des infrastructures touristiques ;
· Introduire les atteintes des personnes souffrant d’une déficience mentale dans les démarches, vu qu’il y existe toujours des peurs dans la société et dans le domaine du tourisme par rapport à ce sujet ;
· Mesurer l’évolution de prégnance du label en nombre des départements impliqués en mettant en place des missions en direction de ces départements et régions « retardataires » ;
· Développer la notion de fiche descriptive à côté du processus du label pour donner des informations supplémentaires que peuvent être transmises sur demande, par téléphone e par Internet ;
· Clarifier la responsabilité au regard de la délivrance du label en cas de litige, d’incident au même d’accident ;
· Explorer encore plus la formation et la formation continue des professionnels du tourisme et de l’accueil ;
· Et finalement, crédibiliser l’information en favorisant des réflexions qui pourraient concerner les régions européennes.

B. LE RAPPORT TOURISME & HANDICAP : LA CHAINE DE L’OFFRE TOURISTIQUE POUR LE DROIT AUX VACANCES

Ce nouveau rapport se voit aujourd’hui comme une complémentation du rapport initial. Il stimule la réflexion et l’investigation nécessaires pour que les personnes en situation de handicap puissent s’intégrer pleinement dans le tourisme et le loisir.
Donc, pour que leur l’accès soit plein, il est essentiel de considérer les conditions de transports, financières, d’accessibilité, d’accompagnent et d’information. Ceux ci sont complémentaires et indissociables.
Ce rapport concentre, dans 16 recommandations majeures, cinq grands thèmes de réflexion : l’information, les financements des vacances, les vacances spécialisées et l’accompagnent individuel, les transports et finalement, le confort d’usage pour tous.
L’adoption de ces recommandations implique des concertations interministérielles en même temps qu’elles peuvent conforter les actions politiques en direction des personnes handicapées. L’objectif principal étant de favoriser l’égalité des chances et d’améliorer les conditions d’accès aux vacances, au tourisme et aux loisirs.

B.1. L’INFORMATION

Améliorer l’information est une grande préoccupation de ce rapport. Dans ce cas, la création d’un site Internet peut être un véritable outil de facilitation des échanges d’information et de communication au niveau professionnel et des utilisateurs.
L’idée d’un site Internet comporte trois réflexions basiques : pour qui ? quoi ? et , comment ? Il doit être destiné aux personnes et touristes en situation de handicap, aux professionnels et institutionnels du tourisme, aux animateurs et accompagnateurs, aux étudiantes et chercheurs…Le but est de donner une information de qualité et d’accroître la sensibilisation des personnes concernées.
Le site doit contenir toutes sortes des informations liées aux transports, à la documentation, à l’actualité, aux équipements touristiques labellisés ou en cours de labellisation ( aussi ces références par d’autres labels), les équipements et services adaptés…Enfin, des informations pratiques que puissent être accédés librement et gratuitement, en ayant des liens avec des sites utiles pour les utilisateurs et en étant facilement reconnaissable par les moteurs de recherche. L’utilisation des nouvelles technologies est fortement souhaitable, ainsi que la traduction au moins en langue anglaise pour les touristes étrangers dans un premier temps.
Un deuxième point c’est la création d’un document descriptif standardisé pour être désigné et annexé au contrat de voyage, ce que rassure les professionnels du secteur mais aussi les voyageurs. Aujourd’hui, les professionnels sont en mesure de répondre de façon satisfaisant aux interrogations posées par les contraintes d’accessibilité, d’adaptation, d’accueil et d’intégration induites par le handicap ? Ces réflexions donnent lieu à deux recommandations liées à l’information :

1. Regrouper, au sein d’un site Internet, toutes informations relatives à la problématique « tourisme et handicap » afin de donner une information de qualité aux utilisateurs et d’accroître la sensibilisation des professionnels du tourisme par le partage d’expérience et par l’accès à l’information et à la connaissance des attentes et des besoins des personnes en situation de handicap

2. Engager une réflexion à caractère réglementaire sur une nécessité descriptive du dégrée d’adaptation des prestations dans le cadre des conditions générales des ventes fixées par le décret 94-490 de 15 juin 1994 pris en application de la loi du 13 juillet 1992 fixant les conditions d’exercice des activités relatives à l’organisation et à la vente des voyages

B.2. LE FIINANCEMENT DES VACANCES

Le développement du financement des vacances constitue un des principaux éléments pour favoriser le départ en vacances des personnes en situation de handicap. Souvent, les besoins qui correspondent aux vacances sont considérés superflus. Pourtant, le départ en vacances des personnes handicapées est aussi un besoin légitime de rupture avec le quotidien.
Les adultes, mais aussi les enfants et les jeunes en situation de handicap qui partent en vacances non spécialisées, génèrent des surcoûts supplémentaires, supportés dans la majorité des cas, par leurs familles et les structures accueillantes, ce qui freine leur accès aux loisirs.
En sachant que les vacances sont l’un des maillons essentiels de la chaîne de l’intégration, le groupe de travail qui a animé ce rapport a développé 4 recommandations concernant le développement du financement des vacances. Ces recommandations ont été basées sur les nécessités des personnes handicapées ( adultes, jeunes et enfants) ainsi bien que leurs familles.
Des mesures comme l’emploi des cheques vacances, le doublement d’allocation compensatrice pour tierce personne, l’institution des cheques vacances pour les travailleurs handicapés et l’harmonisation du statut des adultes handicapés vivant en établissement peuvent permettre de répondre les besoins légitimes de personnes que souffrent d’un certain type de déficience. Les 4 recommandations liées au financement des vacances sont les suivantes :

1. Instituer le principe d’une aide financière légale, sous forme de cheques vacances, afin de favoriser le départ en vacances des personnes en situation de handicap qui ne peuvent travailler et qui bénéficient de l’allocation aux adultes handicapés ou d’une pension d’invalidité

2. Instituer le principe d’une compensation financière légale, sous forme de doublement d’allocation compensatrice pour tierce personne( ou de la majoration pour tierce personne) afin de favoriser le départ en vacances des personnes en situation de handicap

3. Instituer l’accès aux cheques vacances pour les travailleurs handicapés des Centres d’Aide par le Travail afin de favoriser leurs accès et leur droit aux vacances et aux loisirs

4. Harmoniser le statut des adultes handicapés vivant en établissement afin de permettre une restitution suffisante et équitable des ressources financières pour favoriser l’accès aux vacances et aux loisirs

B.3. LES VACANCES SPECIALISEES ET L’ACCOMPAGNEMENT INDIVIDUEL

Soutenir les vacances spécialisées et l’accompagnement individuel évoquent des notions distinctes mais très complémentaires. Elles sont l’un des maillons essentiels de la chaîne de l’intégration parce qu’elles doivent relever le libre choix des voyageurs handicapés sur leur mode des vacances.
La nécessité que les personnes handicapées ont de partir en vacances, en groupe ou même « seules », évoque la nécessité d’avoir un bénéfice d’accompagnement pendant leurs séjours. Un soutien avec lequel ces personnes puissent palier les actes de la vie quotidienne.
Certaines difficultés sont rencontrées aujourd’hui par le secteur touristique et aussi par les personnes handicapées lors qu’elles décident partir en vacances, comme par exemple, un encadrement difficile à recruter, un manque des moyens de formation des équipes d’encadrement, la difficulté de recruter des professionnels diplômés, des carences dans les profils recherchés pour les équipes d’encadrement et l’assimilation d’une activité liée plutôt au domaine médico-social qu’à celui du tourisme.
Pour le soutien aux vacances spécialisées et pour l’accompagnement individuel, le groupe de travail a formulé deux recommandations que, si adoptées, peuvent minimiser les difficultés rencontrées par les personnes handicapées mais aussi par les professionnels du secteur touristique :

1. Soutenir, encourager, valoriser et défendre l’activité des organismes des vacances spécialisés tout en veillant la qualité des prestations qu’y sont proposés

2. Engager une étude de faisabilité que pourrait permettre la mise en œuvre d’une expérience en matière d’accompagnent individuel des personnes en situation de handicap dans le cadre des vacances, en définir les modalités mais également la qualification et le statut des accompagnants

B.4. LES TRANSPORTS

La question des transports est un véritable obstacle pour la vie des personnes handicapées. Malgré l’amélioration de l’accessibilité des transports publics pendant ces dernières années, sous l’aspect précis du tourisme, il y en a des manques et des points de discontinuité dans la chaîne des transports.
Combler l’insuffisance des cars de tourisme, des véhicules de location adaptés, ouvrir les services de transports spécialisés au tourisme, améliorer l’accès au transport ferré et poursuivre l’accueil des passagers dans les transports aériens sont les grands axes de réflexion qui ont stimulé les recommandations suivantes :

1. Combler, par des actions de sensibilisation mais également par des voies réglementaires, le manque de cars de tourisme accessible en France
2. Combler, par des actions de sensibilisation et de mesures incitatives, la manque de véhicules de location adaptés en France tout en favorisant une promotion de l’offre
3. Dans le cadre du tourisme urbain notamment, inciter les services de transports spécialisés à ouvrir leurs prestations en direction des touristes en situation de handicap
4. Suggérer un meilleur accès au transport ferré et une meilleure adaptation des prestations sur le plan humain que matériel
5. Poursuivre les efforts réalisés dans l’accueil des passagers handicapés dans les transports aériens et améliorer le niveau d’accessibilité des avions

Ces recommandations impliquent une concertation entre le Ministère délégué au Tourisme et les organismes, publics et privés, liées au secteur des transports en France. Cette indispensable concertation peut favoriser le développement du tourisme en direction des personnes en situation de handicap.

B.5. LE CONFORT D’USAGE POUR TOUS

Pour le groupe de travail, toute notion d’accessibilité et d’adaptation constitue des éléments que favorise le confort d’usage pour tous.
L’affirmation de la valeur du confort d’usage pour tous, la mise en accessibilité des sites et monuments et aussi le référencement de cette notion à travers d’une documentation écrite et des modèles concrètes, donnent une nouvelle approche qui aidera à renforcer la qualité des équipements.
Aujourd’hui, en France, plusieurs sites et monuments ne bénéficient pas d’accessibilité pour la seule raison que ces adaptations pourraient entraver la valeur historique des sites ou même dénaturer son purisme d’origine. Pourtant, ces sites ont déjà eu d’aménagements qui visaient améliorer les conditions de visite : dispositifs de sécurité, installation des guichets, de sanitaires et des boutiques spécialisées voire même la requalification des sites pour des autres usages. Le groupe de travail croit qu’une adaptation réalisée pour les personnes handicapées profite –elles à des personnes valides.
Donc, l’affirmation de la valeur du confort d’usage pour tous, la mise en accessibilité des sites et monuments et aussi le référencement de cette notion à travers d’une documentation écrite et des modèles concrètes, donnent une nouvelle approche qui aidera à renforcer la qualité des équipements. Cette nouvelle approche s’exprime bien par les trois recommandations suivantes :

1. Engager une concertation interministérielle pour que la mise en accessibilité des monuments historiques et sites classés puisse être réalisée à chaque fois qu’elle est techniquement possible
2. Affirmer et reconnaître la valeur prépondérante de la notion de confort d’usage pour tous en accordant à l’accessibilité une valeur universelle. Mettre en œuvre la création d’un groupe de travail afin de définir, réfléchir et donner une traduction très concrète de cette notion dans le domaine du tourisme et des loisirs
3. Editer et diffuser une documentation à la fois pratique, fonctionnelle, référencée et argumentée portant sur cette notion de confort d’usage pour tous à l’intention des professionnels du tourisme.

C. TOURISME &HANDICAP EN ILE-DE-FRANCE

L’accès aux loisirs et aux vacances constituent un droit fondamental aux personnes handicapées. Ce droit doit être conditionné par une bonne accessibilité aux équipements touristiques et par des informations fiables.
L’ensemble des acteurs qui participent de la démarche pour l’insertion des personnes handicapées dans les loisirs et le tourisme permet de développer l’offre touristique adaptée avec une meilleure autonomie des personnes handicapées.
Face au constat que les personnes handicapées ont difficilement la possibilité de partir en vacances, notamment à cause du manque d’accessibilité des hébergements touristiques, un certain nombre d’associations, d’institutions et de professionnels de la région Ile-de-France sont engagés pour développer l’adaptation du tourisme et des loisirs pour les personnes à besoins spécifiques.
L’Ile- de- France est considérée la première région en matière d ‘accessibilité aux sites de loisirs pour les personnes handicapées. Jusqu’à juin 2004, 120 sites touristiques ont été labellisés « Tourisme et handicap », et plus de 100 dossiers sont en cours de labellisation 1.
Le label, lancé en 2001 par le Secrétariat d’Etat au Tourisme, apporte une information fiable sur les sites et les équipements touristiques prenant en compte les quatre types de handicap ( moteur, visuel, auditif et mentale. Il est très important pour la clientèle à besoins spécifiques mais aussi pour leur proches et pour les professionnels du tourisme, qui vont être plus engagés dans une démarche d’accueil, d’accessibilité et d’information.

__________________________________________
1- Agence Française de Presse, 01/07/2004

La région Ile-de-France possède un territoire de 12000km², repartis entre 8 départements, avec une population estimée en 10 933 000 franciliens. Elle est la première destination touristique au monde avec 36 millions de touristes par an, dont 60% d’étrangers 2. C’est une région au patrimoine historique. Cela signifie souvent une accessibilité limitée ou compliquée pour les personnes handicapées. Les efforts d’adaptation de la région peuvent être notés dans des différentes installations accueillant le public. Plusieurs acteurs et professionnels du tourisme ont été sensibilisés et mobilisés pour une meilleure intégration de personnes handicapées dans le monde du tourisme. Hébergements, restaurants, transports, musées et autres sites de loisirs ont été déjà adaptés à cause de la démarche volontaire de labellisation, engagé au niveau national.
Du côté associatif, l’UNAT Ile-de-France ( Union des Associations de Tourisme de la Région Ile-de-France), joue un rôle marquant dans ce domaine parce qu’elle a comme mission, d’entre autres, de favoriser le départ en vacances des personnes handicapées. L’UNAT Ile-de-France participe aussi à la mise en place du label Tourisme & Handicap, en relation avec le CRT Ile-de-France. Avec la réalisation du « Guide des Vacances Adaptées », elle recense l’offre des vacances spécialement conçue pour les personnes qui souffrent d’un handicap, généralement proposés par associations.
Dans ce guide, l’on trouve des propositions des vacances des dix associations. Les propositions sont faites selon les types de handicaps ( moteur, mental léger, mental lourd, visuel et difficulté d’insertion sociale), l’âge, la destination et la durée des séjours, la période d’activité, le mode des vacances ( individuel en intégration, individuel en séjour adapté, groupes en séjours adaptés, séjours fixes, séjours itinérants), leurs besoins ( niveau d’autonomie, destination, vacances en individuel ou en groupe), des conseils de financement et les cordonnées pour contacter les associations 3.
Encore dans le guide, les lecteurs peuvent trouver des informations pratiques sur des associations pouvant accueillir les personnes handicapées dans la région, sur les aides financières, sur la vie quotidienne et les sorties et sur les transports.

_____________________________________
2 – www.unat-idf.asso.fr
3- Le guide des vacances et de loisirs adaptés, UNAT IDF
D. CONCLUSION

L’on constate que la région Ile-de-France possède une importante représentativité concernant le tourisme et les personnes handicapées. Malgré les efforts des acteurs concernés et les avances dans ce domaine, surtout au niveau de l’information, il y en reste encore beaucoup à faire.
Par exemple aujourd’hui, la région compte 2 cars de Tourisme adaptés ( il en existent 38 en France contre 250 véhicules adaptés en Belgique !). A titre d’exemple, aucune navette Air France n’est accessible aux personnes en situation de handicap. Le même problème est rencontré dans la location des véhicules adaptés…D’une part, les loueurs estiment que leur offre est sous-utilisé et d’autre part, les utilisateurs estiment que leur offre est insuffisante 4 .
En réponse à cette constatation, certains questionnements peuvent servir de réflexion et aussi être posées pour mieux comprendre la complexité liée à ce sujet :
· Est-ce que les transports en Ile-de-France ( publiques ou privés) sont vraiment adaptés à l’accès et l’accueil des touristes et des personnes handicapées ?
· Est-ce que la région Ile-de-France est prête à accueillir des touristes étrangers en situation de handicap ?
· Combien des offices de tourisme en Ile-de-France sont en mesure de donner des informations adaptées à toutes les déficiences ?
· Est-ce qu’il y a un système de suivi que puisse analyser le niveau de satisfaction des personnes handicapées concernant aux équipements et sites touristiques ?

Les freins et les obstacles majeurs liés au thème tourisme et handicap concernent probablement l’accessibilité. L’accessibilité à l’information, aux transports, aux équipements, à l’accueil, aux financements de vacances… Le thème est vaste, complexe. Ce n’est pas facile d’effectuer toutes les démarches, ainsi que d’engager et de concerter tous les acteurs concernés.
Le chemin vers la vraie intégration des personnes en situation de handicap dans le tourisme et les loisirs est long. L’implication de tous les acteurs et les actions menés visant le progrès de cette intégration sont fondamentales, mais le plus important c’est de réfléchir et de dialoguer pour maintenir cette coordination et brièvement, faire du droit aux vacances une réalité.
_____________________________
4. Rapport Tourisme et Handicap- la chaîne de l’offre touristique pour le droit aux vacances
BIBLIOGRAPHIE

· Tourisme & handicap : La chaîne de l’offre touristique pour le droit aux vacances
· Tourisme & handicap : étude de marché de la population handicapée face à l’offre touristique française
· Le guide des vacances et des loisirs adaptés
· http://www.pidf.com
· http://www.paris-touristoffice.com
· http://www.unat-idf.asso.fr
· http://www.handica.com

Research on Place and Space

This far-ranging site is very useful for those with an academic bent. It serves as a portal to resources offering a theoretical examination of travel, migration, and tourism -- movement studies. The Rolling Rains Report is the only resource listed that takes a Universal Design and/or Disability Studies approach. Nevertheless, Research on Place and Space remains a rich source for the researcher.

Research on Place and Space
http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~janzb/place/travel.htm

Arab Parliamentary Symposium on Disability Legislation

Will Jordan adopt Inclusive Destination Development? With King Abdullah the Second behind the concept, perhaps.

King Abdullah received the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award in New York, on March , 2005.

Abdullah, noting that the 60th anniversary of Roosevelt's death was only a few weeks away, called him "a man who - from the prison [sic] of his own leg-braces - championed global freedom."

"In the largest sense, Roosevelt understood that if this earth is to prosper and thrive, all people must have access to the promise. He worked to create a better life, not for himself alone, or his country alone, but for the people of the world," the king said.

He said Roosevelt's philosophy was the centerpiece of Jordan's commitment to the disabled.

"We know that free and successful societies must open the doors to opportunity and hope for all, because every person has a right to make the most of their life. And every person has a contribution to make to their nation," he said.

Abdullah said a key milestone was Jordan's 1993 law affirming the rights of the disabled. The country also gives free health insurance cards to the disabled, pays 90 percent of university tuition for disabled students who pass the secondary school exam, has a special enforcement unit to oversee job opportunities, and uses sign language on national television and in mosques.

(source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1111634305447

Nane Annan, spouse of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, delivered the following address at the ceremony:

i-Newswire, 2005-03-24 - It is a pleasure and a privilege to be with you for the presentation of this award, which helps bring much-needed focus to disability issues worldwide. My husband regrets he could not be here, but has asked me to read to you the following message on his behalf:

I am delighted to convey my warmest greetings on the occasion of this year’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award. Since it was established in 1995, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, this award has highlighted the shared endeavour of governments, the United Nations, civil society and the private sector to improve the lives of disabled people everywhere.

Ten years on, as the UN turns 60, we welcome this opportunity to recall that the enjoyment by all people of all human rights lies at the heart of the work of the United Nations. Since the adoption of the World Programme of Action on Disabled Persons in 1982, the United Nations has promoted, as a priority in human rights and development, the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of the life of society. And since 2001, the United Nations has been elaborating an international convention on the protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities -- a process which has benefited from important contributions by Jordan, the recipient of this year’s award.

Jordan’s overall achievement in the field of disability provides a fine example of a human rights approach combined with leadership at the highest level. It draws inspiration from a rich variety of material -- ranging from Arab-Islamic tradition to the modern Jordanian constitution and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Jordanian law stresses the rights of persons with disabilities to have access to education commensurate with their abilities; to have work commensurate with their capabilities and qualifications; to live and work in an environment that allows them safe and secure freedom of movement; and to participate in any decision-making relevant to their lives.

Through media campaigns and school programmes, training facilities and public transport provisions, the Government of Jordan has made further efforts to build a more inclusive and accessible society. And it has undertaken a number of initiatives in the region and in the international arena. Just last week, under the patronage of King Abdullah the Second and Prince Raad bin Zeid, delegates successfully concluded in Amman the Arab Parliamentary Symposium on Disability Legislation, the first of its kind in the Arab region, in cooperation with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability.

In this way, Jordanian society is pursuing the universal goal of creating a just and equitable society for all persons -- regardless of disability. For these reasons and more, I am delighted to congratulate His Majesty King Abdullah the Second and His Royal Highness Prince Raad bin Zeid, as well as the Government and people of Jordan, on receiving the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award for 2005. It is richly deserved. I hope many more will follow your example.

Source: http://i-newswire.com/pr11847.html

---

First Arab Parliamentary Symposium on Disability Legislation
http://www.amanjordan.org/english/daily_news/wmview.php?ArtID=5531

Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
http://www.sdl-un.org/english/standardrule.php

UN Special Rapporteur on Disability
http://www.srdisability.org/

UN Enable
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rapporteur95-02.htm

Monitoring the implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/srreportdec04.htm

Technorati feeds on Inclusive Destination Development:
inclusive destination development

Posted by rollingrains at 09:28 PM

Karen Hanson @ Fresno, California

Karen Hanson is a volunteer who is redeveloping a playground in Fresno, California. Her story is told today at the Fresno's KFSN ABC web site

From Fresno, California, with Karen and Santa Cruz California with the Shared Adventures volunteers, it seems that grassroots Inclusive Destination Development is radiating out from this corner of the world.

Bibliografia Basica: Recursos para Projetar Inclusive Destination Development

Abaixo anexo uma bibliografia de publicações e sitios que ajudem no projeitação de Inclusive Destination Development (IDD). A definição do IDD esta a eTur.com.br - "Analise da Programa de Roteirização"
http://www.rollingrains.com/archives/000441.html

Below I have listed a basic bibliography of publications and web sites that may be of use when planning Incusive Destination Development (IDD). A definition of IDD can be found at - "Getting the Design Right - Inclusive Destination Development" http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18423/115176

Em Portugues:

Ir e Vir Direito de Todos
MONTRAN, Movimento Nacional de Educação no Tranalto, Maio 2004 (com Secretaria Especiall de Direitos Humanos da Presidencia da Republica)
montran@montran.org.br

Acessibilidade para Todos: Uma Cartilha de Orientação
Nucleo Pro-Acesso, UFRJ/FAU/R\PROARQ
ALERJ, Assemblia Legilativa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 2004
Contato - Regina Cohen: reginacohen@terra.com.br

Uma serie (Contato – Edison Luis Passafaro elp.66@uol.com.br ):

Guia de Acessibilidade em Edificaçoes
Comissao Permanente de Acessibilidada (CPA) da secretartia de Habitação e Desenvolvimento Urbano da Prefeitura do Municipio de Sao Paulo (SEHAB), 2002

Guia de Legislação para Pessoas Portadoras de Deficiencia ou com Mobilidade Reduzida
Comissão Permanente de Acessibilidada (CPA) da secretartia de Habitação e Desenvolvimento Urbano da Prefeitura do Municipio de Sao Paulo (SEHAB), 2003

Guia para Mobilidade Acessivel em Vias Publicas
Comissão Permanente de Acessibilidada (CPA) da secretartia de Habitação e Desenvolvimento Urbano da Prefeitura do Municipio de Sao Paulo (SEHAB), 2003

Acessibilidae de Pessoas Portadores de Deficiencia: Coletanea de Normas Técnicas Brasileiras (Edicao Especial)
ABNT , Assoicacao Brasileira de normas Tecnicas, Forum Nacional de Normalizacao, Certificadora de Produtos e Sistemas, Rio de Janeiro, 2001
Contato – tel: (21) 3974-2300 fax: (21) 2240-8249

Responsibilidade Social e Diversidade: Deficiencia, Exclusão e Trabalho
IBDD, Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa dos Direitos da Pessoa Portadora de Deficiencia (com BNDES, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social), Rio de Janeiro, 2004

Transitando em Seguranca
MONTRAN, Movimento Nacional de Educação no Tranalto, Maio 2004 (com Secretaria Especial de Direitos Humanos da Presidencia da Republica)
montran@montran.org.br

No Internet:

Analise da Programa de Roteirização
http://www.rollingrains.com/archives/000441.html

Em Espanhol:

Manual de Accesibilidade Turistica para Personas con Movilidad Reducida y Discapacidad (Chile: Naturaleza que Conmueve)
Projeitado por – ProyectoAccesible: Diseno para Todos para o Programa Turismop Municipal, Gobierno de Chile, Servico Nacional de Turismo
Contato: Andrea Boudeguer Simonetti – andrea@proyectoaccesible.cl

No Internet:

Diseño Universal
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dise%C3%B1o_para_todos

Em Frances:

Tourisme et Handicaps : Construire ou aménager des équipements touristiques pour les clientèles handicapées.
Editions de l’AFIT – Collection « Guide du savoir – faire ». (disponible à l’ATH – 280 bd Saint Germain – 75007 PARIS)

Tourisme et Handicaps : Etude de marché de la population handicapée face à l’offre touristique française.
Editions de l’AFIT – Collection « Guide du savoir – faire ». (disponible à l’ATH – 280 bd Saint Germain – 75007 PARIS)

No Internet:

Les pratiques d'excellence en matière d'accessibilité au tourisme pour les voyageurs à capacité physique restreinte, Kéroul, 2004
http://www.keroul.qc.ca/publications.html

Un marché en croissance, Comportements touristiques des personnes à capacité physique restreinte au Canada, Kéroul, 2001
http://www.keroul.qc.ca/publications.html

Accès sans obstacles, Kéroul, 2003
http://www.keroul.qc.ca/publications.html

Tourisme & handicap : La chaîne de l’offre touristique pour le droit aux vacances
http://www.tourisme.gouv.fr/fr/z3/conseil/publications/vient_de/att00001260/hand_cnt_04.pdf

Mission dans l’Association Tourisme et Handicaps
http://www.gihpnational.org/tourisme/ath.htm

Le guide des vacances et des loisirs adaptés
http://www.unat-idf.asso.fr

Em Ingles:

Building for Everyone: Understanding Universal Design of Buildings and Outdoor Spaces
National Office of Building Technology and Administration, Oslo, Norway
Contact – be@be.no

Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Candy Harrington, 2005
Contact – Candy Harrington horizons@EmergingHorizons.com

Easy Access Australia
Bruce Cameron
http://www.easyaccessaustralia.com.au/
Contato – Bruce Cameron bruce_eaa@bigpond.com

Tourism White Paper Implementation Plan: Achieving Platinum Australia
Australian Government, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, 2004

No Internet:

Best Practices in Tourism Accessibility for Travellers with Restricted Physical Ability, Kéroul, 2003
http://www.keroul.qc.ca/en/publications.html

A Growth Market : Behaviours of Tourists with Restricted Physical Abilities in Canada, Kéroul, 2001
http://www.keroul.qc.ca/en/publications.html

Americans with Disabilities Act
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

Access Board
http://www.access-board.gov/indexes/accessindex.htm

Designing for the 21st Century III
http://www.designfor21st.org/

National Organization on Disability
http://www.nod.org/

Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
http://www.pdcnsw.org.au/positions/built-environment.html

Australian Building Codes
www.abcb.gov.au
Vai ao "What We're Doing > Core Projects > Access. Os building codes and standards estao ahi.
(http://www.abcb.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=DocumentView&DocumentID=98)

Getting the Design Right - Inclusive Destination Development
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18423/115176

Inclusive Tourism: Some Definitions
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18423/114773

Waking Up to a Changed Travel Markethttp://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18423/110782

Defining the Market of Travelers with Disabilitieshttp://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18423/110781

From Anxiety to Accesshttp://www.rollingrains.com/archives/000055.html

Independent Living Institute - Sweden

Students with disabilities who wish to undertake study travel abroad will find useful information in the current issue of the newsletter circulated by Dr. Adolf Ratzka, Director of the Swedish Independent Living Institute.

Dear Colleague,

People with disabilities are under-represented in the workforce and in traineeships and volunteer opportunities, especially those requiring travel to another country. With support from the Swedish government the Independent Living Institute compiles information about university study, traineeships and volunteer work for all, including people with disabilities. Our online database covers many countries. It is in English, access is free of charge and open to anyone.

We encourage businesses, national and international government agencies as well as non-governmental organizations within and outside the disability field, everywhere, to include disabled people when offering traineeship or volunteer positions.

People with disabilities differ in their need for access or workplace adaptation. What may be inaccessible to one person, may not be an obstacle to another: an upstairs office without elevator is not a problem for a person with a hearing impairment.

To help businesses and organizations include disabled people we offer a resource kit with a checklist for assessing organizations’ accessibility, suggestions for a disability policy and similar resources.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

Please, be part of this effort and register your organization at
www.independentliving.se/studyworkabroad/register-organization.php

Sincerely,

Adolf Ratzka, Ph.D.
Independent Living Institute
adolf.ratzka@independentliving.org

Other Services from the Independent Living Institute

• Study and Work Abroad for All: www.independentliving.org/studyworkabroad/ In addition to information about traineeships and volunteer positions this free online database lists universities offering services for disabled students. Presently over 1,100 universities in 36 countries are covered. The database is in English, free of charge and open to anyone.
• Accessible Vacation Home Exchange: www.independentliving.org/vacaswap.html lists offers for home exchanges for vacations. Next time you go for a vacation swap your home with somebody with similar accessibility needs in such destinations as France, Egypt, the UK or Canada. We have almost 200 homes in our free online database.
• Assistant Referral Service: www.independentliving.org/assex/index.html matches disabled assistance users and assistants in their hometown or in other parts of the world, for live-in or part- time positions or as travel companions. Assistants help with the activities of daily living, such as getting bathed and dress
ed, going shopping, driving, etc.
• Global Networking: www.independentliving.org/donet/index.html currently lists 300 organizations of and for persons with disabilities from around the world looking partner organizations for joint projects, events, sharing resource persons for lectures, training or technical assistance, for study visits, internships or other cooperation including funding.
• Online full text Library: http://www.independentliving.org/library.html contains hundreds of articles, guides or manuals on independent living, Universal Design, human rights, legislation, women with disabilities, assistive devices.
• Independent Living Discussion Forum: http://www.independentliving.org/discuss/ Regardless of what you have on your mind, you'll find an appropriate discussion forum that allows you direct contact with the thousands of visitors to our site each month.
• Get Published: www.independentliving.org/publish.html Expose your articles, reports, training manuals or other resources to people with disabilities, researchers, service providers and policymakers all over the world.
• Index of Previous Newsletters: www.independentliving.org/newsletter/newsltrindex.html

A Travel Wiki by Jorge Gobbi

For those on the road, and with facility in Spanish, Jorge Gobbi has developed an interactive site (a wiki). The site, Wiki Nomade, allows travelers to post about conditions in the locations they visit. His focus is on South America.

Neither this nor Jorge's other site, "Blog de Viajes", is specifically deveoted to inclusive travel but Jorge has been a valuable collaborator since the launch of the Rolling Rains Report and travelers with disabilities should feel comfortable posting their insights at the new site: Wiki Nomade

turismo

Turismo e Deficiência

Several articles have appeared on the Brazilian tourism portal, eTur.com, related to inclusive travel this month.

• Turismo e Deficiência
  http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?idconteudo=6160
• Inclusão Social Chega ao Turismo
  http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?IDConteudo=6196

Ichiro Kusanagi: The Reason Why Inclusive Tourism is Advancing in Japan

Inclusive travel and, to a lesser extent (because it is a newer phenomenon), Inclusive Destination Development have their heroes. Heroes, especially when they are out of the spotlight, often teach us something unique and valuable about how to live.

I have not given enough praise to someone whose vision and accomplishments raise him to that high status in both travel and destination development: Iichiro Kusanagi.

So, I was very pleased to see him quoted in Asahi Weekly in an article released only an hour ago entitled, "Freedom to Travel a Right to be Enjoyed by All"

In the past, an overseas trip was a bit of a risky gamble for people with disabilities,'' said Iichiro Kusanagi of Japan Tourism Marketing Co.'s Universally Designed Tourism Center. ``Nowadays, many people with disabilities go wherever they want to go, not just where they can go."

The article goes on to note:

It was 10 years ago that the Tourism Policy Council of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport noted, ``Everyone has a right to travel ... . The freedom to travel is of special value to people whose movements are restricted, such as those with disabilities and the elderly.

What I found remarkable about Mr. Kusanagi is that, despite his international stature and demanding schedule, he took the time to attend to details, large and small, of my travel, after my keynote at Shizouka University in Hamamatsu, Japan.

He met me at a difficult transfer point between trains and escorted me back to Tokyo; arranged for me to share a meal with several of the key people behind inclusive travel in Japan; and generally made for the smoothest of transitions between my time with my equally gracious host and Japan's preeminent promoter of Universal Design, professor Satoshi Kose, in Hamamatsu, and my return to the USA.

Thank you, Iichiro. It should be no surprise that someone so clearly "trustworty in the small things" would be successful in changing the world for the better -- for all of us.

Japan tour firms catering to disabled foreigners
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20050421f1.htm

(Article provided thanks to the research of Darren Hillock of Get Around Guide - the Blog)

turismo

Barrierefreier Tourismus

Just for the record, one of the keywords for researching inclusive travel in German is "Barrierefreier Tourismus."

Here's one example of what you will find:

English:
Topic of the Month April: Barrier Free Tourism
http://www2.rehacare.de/cipp/md_rehacare/custom/pub/content,lang,2/oid,7899/ticket,g_u_e_s_t

German:
Thema des Monats April: Barrierefreier Tourismus
http://www2.rehacare.de/cipp/md_rehacare/custom/pub/content,lang,1/oid,7899/ticket,g_u_e_s_t

Think Globally, Act Locally -- NAG!

Disability has lately been a constant in the US news: Pope John Paul II, Terri Schaivo, and Christopher Reeve drew attention to end-of-life issues.

This near perfect storm encircling the drama of death has provided a wealth of intelligent writing from the disability community. What has become available, for those who know to look for it, is a fascinating anthology of thought and commentary presenting mainstream and dissenting opinion within disability culture.

The saga of Janeal Lee, Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin, has the advantage of moving public attention closer to issues of social participation on the daily level – much like the lawsuit before the Supreme Court about disability discrimination on sea cruises, Spector et. al vs. Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd., has done.

But I give this week’s Think Globally - Act Locally! Award to what is, literally, a more pedestrian project – The Neighborhood Access Group. Yes, appropriately enough, that’s “NAG.”

What this group is doing is an inexpensive addition to anyone’s “inclusive development toolbag” and ought to be replicated widely.

Add NAG to the growing list of theatrically-savvy campaigns for public education and justice like SCOPE’s Free 2 Pee, Project for Public Spaces' Faking Places spoof on their Making Places newsletter, or the photo “outing” underway at Gimp Eye for the Clueless Guy.

What is being debated is an anthropology – a definition of what it is to be human.

The Rolling Rains Report subscribes to the new paradigm of disability that begins to answer that question by accepting disability as a normal occurrence; natural variability of human capacity and experience.

Disability does not negate the essential humanity of the person who experiences it. Changes in functionality over the lifecycle guarantee that all people are disabled at least at the earliest and latest stages of life – and some of us throughout the intervening years as well.

Further Reading:

“What Defines Disability?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4581539

Overlooked in the Shadows
By Harriet McBryde Johnson
Friday, March 25, 2005; Page A19
The Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64571-2005Mar24.html

Reasons To Oppose PAS
by Paul Lomgmore
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=47&ItemID=2092

Not Dead Yet
http://www.notdeadyet.org/

Neighborhood Access Group – NAGhttp://www.disabilityexchange.org/newsletter/article.php?n=35&a=182

Project for Public Spaceshttp://www.pps.org/

Gimp Eye for the Clueless Guyhttp://parking.textamerica.com

Holland America Line's Shore Tender Accessibility Project

Holland America Line undertook the Shore Tender Accessibility Project, with Cap Sante Marine, Inc. of Anacortes, WA to provide wheelchair access to tenders. The prototype was installed on the Statendam for its 2000 Alaska season.

While the cited press release claims:

"Holland America Line has long been at the forefront of accessible ship design, and has always maintained a high percentage of handicap-accessible staterooms across all price categories on its vessels."

This has been proven to be false by the editor of the Rolling Rains Report through shipboard inspections revealing a lack of high-end accessible cabins on even its most recent ships. Their Tender Project has not yet spawned a thorough rethinking of ship design.

Talking Streets Project in the UK @ Digital Lifestyles

How's this for inclusive "street theater" -- I mean "theatre"? I bet it will play better in Peoria than in Laurent, SD.

From Digital Lifestyles:

Talking Street Created By Living Streets In London

by Mike Slocombe and Simon Perry

Living Streets, a national charity, launched its election campaign, "Talk to me about streets", by making street items like paving and signs talk back to passers-by in Meard Street, Soho, London.

The charity is campaigning for the need make streets and public spaces safer for residents and available to local communities for socialising and play - in our eyes a worthy cause.

At the risk of giving acid flashbacks to aging hippies wandering by, the charity installed micro-electronics to animate everyday objects in an attempt to get across their message.

Further Reading:

http://www.digital-lifestyles.info/display_page.asp?section=platforms&id=2081

Royal National Institute of the Blind
http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/InternetHome.hcsp

eTur -The Brazilian Tourism Community on the Web

The Rolling Rains Report entry "Analise da Programa de Roteirização" has been published at eTur.com.br.

ETUR is a vibrant portal frequented by Brazilian tourism students featuring articles, reference works, and interactive tools serving the Brazilan tourism sector. Many members will attend the Salão de Turismo 2005 - Programa de Roteirização, in São Paulo this June.

See:

http://www.etur.com.br/conteudocompleto.asp?idconteudo=6123

Getting the Design Right - Inclusive Destination Development

I have published a new article at Suite 101.com in the Travel & Disability section, "Getting the Design Right - Inclusive Destination Development."

This, and many of the posts here at the Rolling Rains Report are either syndicated or reference the tag "inclusive destination development" at Technorati.

To view the feeds to this tag go to inclusive destination development

Note also the change to the Rolling Rains Report home page. You may subcribe to the free Rolling Rains Newsletter in the left column above the calendar. or simply by emailing

Analise da Programa de Roteirizacao

Que sera o resultado da confluencia destes dois correntes turisticos no Brasil?

Regionalizacao �

o ordenamento da oferta tur�stica com �nfase no turismo integrado, tendo, por princ�pio, a descentraliza��o. Seu objetivo � motivar o visitante a permanecer na regi�o, oferecendo-lhes uma gama de atrativos.

Inclusive Destination Development �

o ordenamento, por os princ�pios de desenho universal, da infrastrutura e oferta tur�stica a um turismo sem barreiras ao nivel de destino ou regi�o. Seu objetivo � atrair o visitante ja disposto a permanecer na regi�o.

O comportamento consumidor da turitsta portador de deficiencias fisicas foi divulgado nas obras de Simon Darcy e Eric Lipp. A nova pesquisa da ultima se publicara em maio 2005. O que chama a aten��o � a disponibilidade de recursos financeiros aliado ao desejo dos portadores de necessidades especiais de viajar. Este fato despertou a ind�stria tur�stica mundial deste mercado tur�stico espec�fico.

Exemplos de s�nteses de roteiriza��o existentes em outros pa�ses, adaptados ao Desenho Universal, forne�am modelos para o Brasil no Programa de Roteiriza��o.

• Estate Concordia, US Virgin Islands
• The Devil's Playground, circuito de alojamentos sem barreiras na Tasm�nia
  

O Brasil esta pronto.

• O Instituto Pestalozzi de Canela � RS promoveu em novembro de 2004,
  Congresso Ibero-americano de Acessibilidade no Turismo.
• Adaptive Environments promoveu em dezembro 2004 Projetando Para o Seculo 21 III: Uma Confer�ncia Internacional sobre Desenho Universal.
  

O que ser� desenvolvido? H� oportunidade de palestrar sobre o assunto em junho no Sal�o de Turismo 2005 - Programa de Roteiriza��o, a ser realizado em S�o Paulo.

Further Reading:

A REGIONALIZACAO DO TURISMO
http://forumdediscussao.zip.net/

TURISMO COME�A A APRESENTAR BONS RESULTADOS AO PA�S
http://www.unb.br/cet/noticias/not_2005_03_03_01.htm

inclusive destination development

Telling the Story -- Over and Over Again

Fr. Charles Curran of Loyola University, Chicago and founder of Community Language Learning used to tell a story about a visitor to his office.

One day a young woman came into his office. As she made her way to his desk from the doorway she seemed unusually interested in her surroundings -touching furniture, bookshelves, and walls as she entered.

Later, as they spoke he asked about her that behavior. "I have a disability," she replied, "sometimes my legs give out unexpectedly and I need to know what is solid enough to grab in an emergency."

Continuing their conversation she admitted that she found that her invisible disability caused her to have to constantly "teach a class about herself" in new situations. It was a task that consumed energy and attention which could be put to more productive use in a world where Universal Design and an aceptance of human variability was commonplace.

In conversation about disability I often encounter the knee-jerk response, "Oh, but aren't things so much better since the Americans with Disbailities Act?" The acceptable response to that rhetorical pseudo-question is, "Yes." The dilemma is, how does one "teach a class" on the reality of the situation when the apparent invitation to conversation is simply a deflection of the topic and coded so as to change the subject?

I am indebted to HolLynn D'Lil of Graton, California for "teaching the class" today. Note that, contrary to what most non-disabled people assume, this representative of Chapman College is, unfortunately, not a rare example of malicious ignorance. See D'Lil's opinion piece from the Desert Dispatch below.

Monday, April 4, 2005

COMMENTARY: Opinion piece was full of misinformation on ADA

Chapman College Professor Tibor Machan's opinion piece (March 8) on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims that the problem with the ADA is that "businesses are to be made the involuntary servants of people whose disabilities they do not consider profitable or otherwise worthy to accommodate."

Actually, what's wrong with the ADA is what is wrong with all civil rights protections in this country: enforcement depends upon the degree of enlightenment of the public. Unfortunately, Machan's piece does nothing to provide enlightenment.

It is unfortunate that someone of his standing would disseminate such damaging misinformation. Contrary to the Machan's opinion, the ADA does not require businesses to provide reading glasses, canes or hearing aids. The ADA requires businesses to make "reasonable accommodations" to insure that whatever they provide for the general public is available to everyone. For example, restaurants which provide print menus, must make the menu information available to those who are blind. This can be done in a variety of ways, none of them costly.

Furthermore, businesses do not have to provide an accommodation if it would cause a fundamental change in their program. Fox example, amusement parks must insure that people with disabilities are included by being accommodated into and through the park, though not all rides must be accessible.

The ADA is not just about inclusion and it is certainly not about charity, as Machan infers; it is about the practical business of ridding the country of costly discrimination. Discrimination and the resulting institutionalization and lack of integration of people with disabilities cost governments and society millions. On the other hand, universal design in the built environment and "reasonable accommodations" ("reasonable" is a word used frequently in the ADA) provide people with disabilities opportunities to work, go to school, spend their earnings and pay taxes.

Not only is Machan opposed to the concept of civil rights for people with disabilities, he would limit even the charity that businesses may be in the mood to provide. According to Machan, people who do not "deserve a break" are "people who go out of their way to engage in risky conduct or, especially, those who act recklessly." So, Machan would exclude people like our disabled war veterans who engaged in "risky conduct" in service to their country.
He believes they shouldn't demand that restaurants make accommodation "if they are able to cope with just a little extra effort." One can only wonder what constitutes a little extra effort according to Machan. A soldier who lost her legs should just concentrate harder so she can teleport up stairs? Or, just hold it and hope he makes it home when the restroom door is too narrow to allow him to enter?

I sincerely hope that Chapman College reviews the damage to society that Machan's belittlement of the ADA and people with disabilities causes and takes appropriate action to remind him of his responsibilities to his students and to the reputation of the college. For example, he espouses the rights of businesses who "are not there for the sake of these customers but for making a living for their owners and investors. And there is no moral justification in the slightest for being made legally beholden to anyone, however unfortunate the person may be." This is nonsense, of course, and would take only one bout with food poisoning for Machan to see how ridiculous his position is.

Regardless of Machan's wish that we be otherwise, we are an interdependent community. Inclusion enriches us all. As a society we need access to the talents and gifts of everyone. Perhaps, Professor Machan's gift is to show us how illogical and impoverished we would be if we embraced his isolationist view of the world.

HolLynn D'Lil, Graton, Calif

Source:

The Desert Dispatch http://www.desertdispatch.com/2005/111262077584045.html

Further Reading:

Gimp Eye for the Clueless Guy
http://parking.textamerica.com/

disability

La Feria de Turismo de la Comunidad Valenciana

There will be some good news on maritime access at La Feria de Turismo de la Comunidad Valenciana on April 7. Like the Insituto Pestalozzi conference on travel & disabiolity in Canelas, Brazil there will be an exposition on tourism and tourism products that accommodate people with disabilities.

When will India pick up on the trend?

The article from http://www.panorama-actual.es/noticias/not167792.htm

“Desde el Gobierno valenciano se está apostando por un turismo para todos, con la creación de nuevos servicios que permiten que las personas con discapacidad de la Comunidad Valenciana y los turistas discapacitados que nos visitan puedan disfrutar como cualquier otro ciudadano de nuestras playas, parques y parajes naturales”, explicó Francisco Villena.
Durante los días 7 al 10 de abril, los touroperadores y visitantes de la feria TCV, que tendrá lugar en la Feria de Valencia, podrán conocer los productos de turismo adaptado de la Comunidad Valenciana, entre los que se encuentran como novedad para 2005 la creación de parques y jardines accesibles, la puesta en marcha del Plan de Cicloturismo Adaptado y la ampliación de los puntos de playas accesibles que permiten la práctica de deportes terrestres y acuáticos a las personas con discapacidad o movilidad reducida.

El horario para el público general permite la visita para conocer la oferta turística de la Comunidad Valenciana de 10 a 20 horas durante el fin de semana, mientras que los profesionales del sector pueden asistir a la feria a partir del 7 de abril.

“La Generalitat presentará en la feria de la Comunidad Valenciana el primer plan autonómico sobre accesibilidad en parques y jardines, que contempla la creación de áreas de descanso y mobiliario urbano adaptados, itinerarios accesibles y juegos infantiles adaptados. Nuestro objetivo es conseguir que los parques y jardines de nuestros pueblos y ciudades sean diseñados y reformados bajo el parámetro de la accesibilidad y el diseño universal”, señaló Francisco Villena.

Respecto a Plan de Cicloturismo Adaptado, la conselleria de Bienestar Social ha contado con la colaboración de las asociaciones de personas con discapacidad Aspace y Avapace, así como con los familiares de la niña Claudia Vidaurre, quien realizó el camino de Santiago en una bicicleta adaptada, “con el objetivo de habilitar rutas de cicloturismo en las tres provincias, en función de la demanda que se registre por parte de las asociaciones de personas con discapacidad”, comenta el director general de Integración Social de Discapacitados.

Cómo explica Francisco Villena, “el Plan de Cicloturismo Adaptado va a permitir que las personas con discapacidad realicen una actividad deportivo recreativa y de contacto con la naturaleza, al tiempo que potencia en los usuarios valores relacionados con asumir iniciativas, la superación de dificultades y el crecimiento personal”.

Entre la oferta turística para personas con discapacidad destaca las más de 70 playas accesibles que existen actualmente en el litoral de la Comunidad Valenciana, que han permitido el baño a más de 25.000 personas con discapacidad, el 60% de las cuales procedían de fuera de la Comunidad Valenciana.

Por otra parte, desde el pasado verano el Plan de Playas Accesibles se ha complementado con el Plan de Deportes Adaptados en Playas Accesibles, donde más de 3.500 usuarios han practicado deportes acuáticos y terrestres.

“El número de turistas que se interesan por las playas accesibles indica que la Comunidad Valenciana es un referente en el desarrollo de un turismo accesible que, además de contribuir a la integración social de las personas con discapacidad, tiene una alta rentabilidad económica y ha hecho crecer el empleo del sector servicios”, indica el director general de Integración Social de Discapacitados, Francisco Villena. La potenciación del ocio y el tiempo libre para las personas con discapacidad “es un aspecto fundamental a la hora de equipar en derechos a todos los ciudadanos y de garantizar una vida normalizada a las personas con algún tipo de dependencia, por lo que seguiremos trabajando para garantizar el acceso al ocio a las personas con discapacidad y sus familias”, agrega Villena.

Solidarity, Human Rights, Inclusion, Accessibility @ Svenska = SHIA

SHIA is a Swedish organization supporting international development and focused on organizations of people with disabilities. Their web site does not specify whether or not they have funded inclusive destination development projects but their mandate would not seem to preclude it.

About SHIA: http://www.shia.se/index.php?l=en&p=about-shia

From the web site:

What is SHIA?

SHIA - the Swedish Organisations' of Disabled Persons International Aid Association - is a non-governmental organisation with 26 members, comprising Swedish DPOs actively concerned with international development co-operation. Our common aim is to strengthen the efforts of persons with disabilities to achieve equality and participation. The Annual Meeting, at which every affiliated organisation has one vote, is SHIA's supreme policy-making body. Activities are headed by a Board elected at the Annual Meeting.

The organisation was formed in 1981, during the United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons. Activities are funded with grants from the member organisations and Sida (the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency).

Source: http://www.shia.se/index.php?l=en&p=index

Audacity Magazine

The April edition of Audacity magainze is out. Nothing on Universal Design or travel this issue - unless you count telecommuting - but timely pieces on Terri Schaivo and Pope John Paul II.

See: http://audacitymagazine.com/audacity.php?op=issue&y=grfx&v=&i=24

From another source, another reflection from the disability community on the journey of Terri Schaivo:

For many disabled Americans, seeing the final images of Terri Schiavo was like looking at a terrifying picture of themselves -- undervalued and at the mercy of others.

"We do not identify with the spouse or the parents," Diane
Coleman, president and founder of the disability rights
group Not Dead Yet, explained just days before Schiavo's
death. "We identify with her. She is one of us." *

The work of developing, promoting, and implementing inclusive travel may seem like a tangential pastime at a time when the news is full of such end-of-life drama. But look again. Travel is a powerful act of self-assertion and reinforces self-confidence. Both make lifeworth living.

* Source:
Schiavo Raised Profile of Disabled Question Swirl About End-of-Life Issues

By Ceci Connolly
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2005; Page A09
The Washington Post

Inclusion & Disability in Development

The Canadian Centre on Disability Studies produced an exhaustive study on the work of the World Bank in relation to disability and development. The document set a baseline for future comparison. The first appendix provides a coherent discussion of the issue and was written as a primer. It is reproduced below with links to the full report.

From: BASELINE ASSESSMENT: INCLUSION AND DISABILITY IN WORLD BANK ACTIVITIES

June 2002

Appendix 1: People with Disabilities and Poverty: A Primer

A1.1 Introduction

This appendix is intended as a primer for readers not familiar with disability as a critical aspect of poverty in developing countries.

People with disabilities in the developing world are among the poorest of the poor. The numbers of people with disabilities are rising due to conflict, malnutrition and AIDS/HIV. If societies are to be inclusive of people with disabilities they must reform their institutions, laws, policies and practices so that they are disability-positive and promote, rather than discourage or prevent, disabled people’s access, participation and inclusion in the institutions and systems of society. By using practical strategies like universal design, inclusion of people with disabilities is a solution, which creates access for people with the widest range of abilities. The long-term impact of solutions like universal design is to reduce and eventually eliminate the economic costs of disability.

“We know that investment in our independence is a sound investment for our governments. The waste of human resources can and must be ended. Join us in our condemnation of policies that produce waste and destruction, policies of violence and war, policies of perpetuating poverty and undernourishment.” The Singapore Declaration of Disabled Peoples’ International 1981. (DPI 1981, 100)

A1.2 A Paradigm Shift

Throughout the world, societies have created different frameworks to explain disability. Some of these explanations are based in religion or morality while others are rooted in the sciences. While in some societies, people with disabilities are considered gifts of the gods or bearers of extra-ordinary powers, in most societies disabilities create difference, exclusion and poverty. Many of these frameworks treat disability as a physical/mental impairment. They focus in on the problems with the individual, on the disability and medical or rehabilitation solutions to fix those problems. Often linked with this approach is the use of charity, which emphasizes the helplessness of disabled people and their need for paternalistic care. These approaches continue to influence service development for people with disabilities. Telethons that raise money by exploiting pitiful images of people with disabilities and play upon out-dated concepts of the deserving poor are characterized by the charity approach. The medical approach can be seen in defining disabled people by their specific disability. It can also be seen in the promotion of huge institutions all over the world that segregate disabled people from society.

A more effective approach, often called the social, or independent living, model of disability emphasizes that disability is located at the interface between the individual and the physical, social and political environment and the nature of disability. It argues that the environment could be modified to be more accommodating and inclusive for people with disabilities. Indeed, universal design, one of the solutions arising from the social model, promotes the development

of a built environment that is useable by wide range of people with diverse abilities. This approach is both empowering and liberating for people with disabilities. With the focus shifting from the individual to the interface between the environment and the individual, disability becomes a social/ political problem rather than a personal problem.

Table A1.1: A Comparison of the Two Models

Medical/Charity
Social/IL

Definition of Disability:
An individual is limited by his/her impairment or condition
An individual with an impairment requires an accommodation to perform functions required to carry out life activities

Strategy to Address Disability
Fix the individual, correct the deficit
Remove barriers, create access through accommodation and universal design, promote wellness and health

Method to Address Disability:
Provision of medical, vocational, or psychological rehabilitation services
Provision of supports, e.g., assistive technology, personal assistance services, job coach

Source of Intervention:
Professionals, clinicians, and other rehabilitation service providers
Peers, mainstream service providers, consumer information services

Entitlements:
Eligibility for benefits based on severity of impairment
Eligibility for accommodations seen as civil right

Role of Disabled Individual:
Object of intervention, patient, beneficiary, research subject
Consumer or customer, empowered peer, research participant, decision-maker

Domain of Disability:
A medical "problem"
A socio-environmental issue involving accessibility, accommodations, and equity

Source: (US. Department of Education 2000, 10)

A1.3 International Action on Disability

During the latter half of the twentieth century, people with disabilities joined other civil rights movements to claim their human rights. (Driedger 1989) People with disabilities created a number of organizations (Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI), World Blind Union, World Federation of the Deaf), while parents of disabled children organized Inclusion International to voice their call for improved social and economic conditions for people with disabilities worldwide. The work of these groups led to a shift in attitudes and approaches to disability that ultimately affected millions of people around the world.

The disability rights and parents movements provided the impetus for the development of the social model. These movements recognized disabled people as citizens with rights and promoted their inclusion into society and refocused attention away from individual impairments onto barriers in the individual’s environment that prevented participation.

Beginning in the 1980s, persuaded by the arguments of the international disability rights movement, various influential institutions began to include concepts from the social model of disability in their work. The United Nations organized the 1981 International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) “to improve the social integration and participation of disabled persons in accordance with the year’s theme “Full Participation and Equality.” (Periquet 1981, 7) The International Decade of Disabled Persons(1982-93) followed IYPD. The UN World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled People (1982) recognized the responsibility of governments both to protect the citizenship rights of disabled people and to promote their rights to organize themselves and to play an active role in changing policies and programs in countries. The UN Standard Rules for Equalization of Opportunity provided a set of international guidelines for integrating disabled people into societies. The Economic and Social Council of Asia Pacific declared 1992-2002 as the Decade for the Asia Pacific region. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) established 2000-2009 as the African Decade of People with Disabilities. As with other Decades, the Declaration for the African Decade calls upon OAU Member States to formulate policies and programs to encourage full participation of people with disabilities in social and economic development, support national coordination committees and ensure the effective representation of people with disabilities and their organizations, support community-based service delivery, promote positive attitudes toward people with disabilities. (SAFOD 2000, 11) The Organization of American States has adopted a convention on disability rights within the American regions. The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter American Development Bank are examining how to include people with disabilities in their social and economic activities.

A1.4 Value of the Social Model

The social model provides a unique and important contribution to addressing disability across the world. The old approaches have not resulted in the successful economic integration of people with disabilities but have systematically undervalued a potentially contributing part of society. The social model suggests realistic interventions for the achievement of the inclusion of people with disabilities in the mainstream of global society. One of its strategies for addressing inclusion is the concept of universal design. Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for

adaptation or specialized design. The social model provides a framework for disability analysis that has sufficient scope to encompass “individual initiatives in different countries, with different cultural and political structures to be directed at achieving human rights, social and economic inclusion as citizens and democratization for people with disabilities.”(Rioux 1998, 11)

A1.5 The Number of People with Disabilities in the World

People with disabilities exist in every population. Due to a variety of methodological problems recognized by many authors, there are no precise statistics for the number of disabled people in the world (Office of the President of South Africa 2001). Estimates suggest that from four to 10 percent of the population have a disability, with a higher proportion living in developed countries.

While there is uncertainty about the exact number of people who have disabilities, it is acknowledged that the number is increasing due to several factors: armed conflict, malnutrition and the spread of AIDS/HIV.

A1.6 Describing and Measuring Disability

On 15 November 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), which presents a framework of key concepts for addressing disability. The ICF, which is a synthesis of the medical and social models, is significant for several reasons. Rather than classifying people, it classifies health conditions. As all health conditions can be described by the ICF it is universal in its application. It is applicable to all people not just disabled people. It seeks to avoid the systematic labeling of people by their disabilities, because these labels have a detrimental and stigmatizing affect. Having been influenced by the social model of disability, the framework has the scope to point the way toward “the improvement of participation by removing or mitigating social hindrances and encouraging the provision of social supports and facilitators.”(WHO 2001, 4) Like universal design, the ICF is another practical solution for developing societies that do not present barriers to the economic and social participation of people with disabilities. For example, a person living with HIV/AIDS could be disabled in terms of his/her ability to participate actively in a profession. In that case the ICF provides different perspectives as to how measures can be targeted to optimize the person’s ability to remain in the workforce and live a full life in the community.

The ICF has been accepted by 191 countries as an international standard for the description and measurement of disability. One of the aims of this classification system is to “establish a common language for describing health and health-related states in order to improve communication between different users, such as health care workers, researchers, policy-makers and the public, including people with disabilities.”(WHO 2001, 3) Like Metts, the Baseline Assessment rejected the competing framework—the “Disability Adjusted Life Year” (DALY); because it is based upon false assumptions, which ignore the interaction of environmental and personal characteristics. (Metts 2000, 1)

Box A1.1 Concepts for Defining Disability from the World Health Organization

Disability—An umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. It denotes the negative aspects of the interaction between an individual (with a health condition) and that individual’s contextual factors (environmental and personal factors).

Impairment—A loss or abnormality of body part or function. Abnormality here is used strictly to refer to a significant variation from established statistical norms (i.e as a deviation from a population mean within measured standard norms) and should be used only in this sense.

Activity—The execution of a task or action by an individual. It represents

Activity Limitations—Difficulties an individual may have in executing activities. An activity limitation may range from a slight to a severe deviation in terms of quality or quantity in executing the activity in a manner or to the extent that is expected of people without the health condition.

Participation—A person’s involvement in a life situation. It represents the societal perspective of functioning.

Contextual Factors—The factors that together constitute the complete context of an individual’s life, and in particular the background against which health states are classified in ICF. There are two components of contextual factors: Environmental Factors and Personal Factors.

Environmental Factors—Constitute a component of ICF and refer to all aspects of the external or extrinsic world that form the context of an individual’s life and, as such, have an impact on that person’s functioning. Environmental factors include the physical world and its features, the human-made physical world, other people in different relationships and roles, attitudes and values, social systems and services, and policies, rules and laws.

Personal Factors—Contextual factors that relate to the individual such as age, gender, social status, life experiences and so on, which are not currently classified in ICF but which users may incorporate in their applications of ICF.

A1.7 Addressing Disability Systematically

The knowledge about disablement, as defined in ICF, generated through such initiatives as the UN International Year/Decade of Disabled Persons, the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, the Human Rights and Disability Report by Leandro Despouy, and the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities, has resulted in a new approach to sustainable development and poverty reduction that is inclusive of people with disabilities. Some development aid bodies, national governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations have begun to address disability in a systematic way.

A1.7.1 International Aid Agencies

Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden began to work in the field of disability and development in the 1980s. In 2000, the Ministers for Development Co-operation from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden stated their philosophy on disability and development.

The Ministers find the inclusion of disability in development co-operation to be in accordance with the overarching objective of combating poverty, thus recognizing that the elimination of world poverty is unlikely to be achieved unless the rights and needs of people with disabilities are taken into consideration. Persons with disabilities most often belong to the poorest of the poor—the primary target for development cooperation. (Communique 2000)

The aid agencies of the Nordic countries use a reference group, composed of agency staff and advisors appointed by the disability movement, to develops broad guidelines. (For example, in Sweden, in 1992 guidelines were developed addressing healthcare, education, infrastructure, rural development and administration. (CCD 2001, 8-9))

Amongst the Nordic countries, Norway is a leader because disability inclusion in development was debated in Parliament and resulted in a policy and a concrete action plan. The Plan for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Development Cooperation” that was approved has as its primary objective the social integration of disabled persons. One problem that has been identified by the NGO community is that the action plan does not address the need for internal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation (NORAD) guidelines.

The Swedish Disabled International Aid Association (SHIA) advances 5 principles to guide sustainable development: Social Protection, Accessibility, Consciousness, Influence, Control and it prioritizes initiatives of people with disabilities. (DFID 2000, 8)

USAID has recently begun to address disability and development. It began this work by developing a policy on disability and development that was adopted in 1997. The policy has four objectives:

To enhance the attainment of United States foreign assistance program goals by promoting the participation and equalization of opportunities of individuals with disabilities in USAID policy, country and sector strategies, activity designs and implementation.

To increase awareness of issues of people with disabilities both within USAID programs and in host countries.

To engage other US government agencies, host country counterparts, governments implement organizations and other donors in fostering a climate non-discrimination against people with disabilities.

To support international advocacy of people with disabilities. (CCD 2001, 10)

While the policy is an important first step, USAID has recognized that it needs to take this initiative further by: establishing a home base for activities under the Policy, establishing a funding mechanism for implementing the policy, “explicitly incorporating language encouraging programs benefiting and including people with disabilities into application guidelines for various bureau “funds”, such as the Africa Bureau’s Education for Democracy and Development Initiative…”, institutionalize inclusive behaviors. (CCD 2001, 10)

Canada is also recognized as an international leader on disability. Canada has made significant contributions to the United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons (1981), the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons (1982), and the UN Decade of Disabled Persons. Canada has also been leader with such initiatives as the Landmine Treaty and War Affected Children’s initiative. These two initiatives have the potential to significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities in developing countries. Since the 1980s, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has been providing on-going support to DPOs/IDPOs for organizational development, capacity building, skills training, microenterprise development. However, CIDA has been criticized by Canadian DPOs for not systematically addressing disability issues and has called upon CIDA to follow the lead of the Nordic countries on disability and development.

A1.7.2 Lessons from Other Sectors

There are also lessons to be learned from the area of gender and development. The UK Department For International Development (DFID) describes its work on gender in the following manner:

In pursuit of greater equality for women, DFID has adopted a so-called ‘twin-track’ approach, combining attempts to take account of women’s needs and rights in the mainstream of development co-operation work, as well as supporting specific initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment. The analysis set out in this paper suggests that a similar approach may be highly pertinent for work related to disability…Strengthening disability work through the twin track approach should help provide an enabling environment for people with disabilities to achieve a greater livelihood security, greater equality, full participation in the life of the community, and more independence and self-determination. (DFID 2000, 11)

A twin-track approach would be also be an effective approach for addressing people with disabilities in development.

A1.7.3 Development Banks

Development banks are taking important steps to become more inclusive of people with disabilities. The Asian Development Bank hosted a workshop on disability and development in October 1999. The workshop made the following recommendations: sensitize governments, strengthen the capacity of the Bank to take into account the disability dimension in the poverty reduction strategy, ensure meaningful participation of disabled people at the community level. The most significant result of the workshop was the inclusion of disability in the ADB’s Poverty

Reduction Strategy. The Bank has hired consultants to “identify disability issues related to poverty reduction” in order to proceed in the implementation of the strategy.

One IDPO identified the Inter American Development Bank as one body that has developed good practices for promoting work on a particular issue. The informant stated,

The Inter American Development Bank when they have elected to promote certain things they have often held large seminars and followed that up with regional seminars to sensitize more people to the issues. The World Bank activities on disability have largely been in Washington. They haven’t really gotten out into their regional or country offices. That is a huge issue. One example of where the Inter American Bank did a large seminar and then regional and country meetings is the issue of social violence. They also did it on children’s issue. Neither Bank has done anything similar on disability. The World Bank had a big seminar on disability in Washington a few years ago with Bengt Lindquist and some others but they have not been pushing it out. Similarly the World Bank Institute for Training doesn’t touch on disability for training.”

A1.7.4 Good Government Practices on Disability

When asked about best practices for addressing disability issues one representative from an IDPO was willing to give unqualified support to two examples drawn from the national, not international realm—the South African Human Rights Commission and the US National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). About the South African Human Rights Commission the informant stated,

The South African Human Rights Commission has employed large numbers of people with disabilities among their advocates. It has a special program to address the concerns and needs of people with disabilities and yet it [disability] is mainstreamed as well in their on-going efforts.

This is an example of the twin track approach, referred to earlier, being used to address disability inclusion issues.

Source: http://www.disabilitystudies.ca/baselinehtml.html

disability

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The Ample Rambler

Occassionally, something important escapes my notice for far too long.

One such event is the Ample Rambler blog. It has been up for more than a month and I just found it.

See also:

Ample Traveler web site
http://threewisetwins.com/ampletraveler/

Big Fat Blog
http://www.bigfatblog.com/archives/001495.php

Ethics and Tourism

The Rolling Rains Report argues a moral imperative.

Implied in the philosophy of Universal Design and Visitability; articulated in the field of Disability Studies; and documented in industry best practices it opts for those who fall all the margins of the bell curve of capacity and function in the human population.

It also argues for the environment through the use of sustainable development and green business practices.

If you are ever in a position where it is necessary to fashion a coherent ethical stance as a professional in the travel and hospitality industry the Code of Ethics of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) provides a helpful framework to build upon.

The opening address of Francesco Frangialli at Forum Barcelona on July 14, 2004 is reproduced below. It provides insight into the WTO Ethics document.

FORUM BARCELONA 2004
Dialogue Tourism, cultural diversity and sustainable development
Barcelona, 14-16 July 2004
By Francesco Frangialli

I would like to thank the Forum Barcelona for their invitation to the World Tourism Organization to talk on the subject of “The ethical commitment of tourism” Many people may find this subject rather strange: How does Tourism and Ethics relate to one another? However, ethical issues have become very relevant in these times of international uncertainty and in the face of the many serious challenges concerning the future of the world.

Ethical questions – questions about the way we live and do business and interact with one-another, have become major issues that will decide what kind of future we will inherit. Concern about the future has increased in the wake of the numerous terrorist attacks, the war in Iraq, the growth of religious radicalism and regional conflicts, but also by the clear signals that our present lifestyles and consumption patterns are severely damaging the ecosystems that support life on earth and contribute significantly to global warming with all its disastrous long-term consequences.

Tourism is linked to all these issues by the fact that it has become one of the biggest economic activities of our time. The total impact of the tourism industry goes far beyond the direct economic value it has for those whose business activities directly depend on it. It reaches into the social and cultural lives of peoples and countries and is linked to the natural environment and the way we preserve our planet and heritage. The phenomenal growth of tourism over the last 55 years has changed society and life-styles and contributed to create a more open, globalised world. International tourist arrivals increased from a mere 25 million in 1950 to 700 million in 2000. Tourism has grown into the biggest export industry and a leading force in the service sector.

The long-term future of the industry remains incredibly positive. Simply because more borders are opening up, and transport is becoming more available to more places. And, most importantly, more people will have the opportunity and disposable income to travel. Even with adjusted growth rates, we expect that the industry will double over the next 15 to 20 years – in some regions much faster than in others.

The valuable contribution tourism is making to economic development, job creation, foreign exchange earnings and social stability in countries around the world has led to a new appraisal of the key role of this sector in development strategies. The unanimous decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations to change the status of WTO into that of a fully-fledged Specialised Agency of the UN is indicative of the impact of tourism on society. The decision of the UN placed tourism on equal footing with such other principal activities of human society as industry, agriculture, transport, education, culture, labour and health for which Specialised Agencies have been established.

The important point to emphasize is that while tourism is a forceful development activity and is making significant contributions to economic growth and job creation, not any kind of tourism is good or acceptable. Opportunistic and unguided tourist development can have a profound negative impact on the natural- and cultural environment, as well as on the social lives of people in receiving destinations – particularly in developing countries. In the absence of sound development policies tourism can contribute to pollution and environmental degradation; lead to the exploitation of people and local communities – particularly women and children, offend traditional cultural values and customs and provide a cover for criminal activities.

What the tourism industry needed was a commitment to a code of guidelines, criteria and basic principles to protect it from all kinds of abuses. In other words, the industry was in need of a set of standards – or a code of ethics - that would secure the long-term responsible and sustainable development of the industry. WTO had this in mind and various important declarations and resolutions of the members of the Organization over the years reflect the intention to provide the tourism sector with a code of conduct. A few of the significant milestones are: the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code adopted at Sofia in 1985; the resolution on the prevention of organised sex tourism by the General Assembly of WTO in Cairo in 1995; the Manila Declaration of 1997 on the Social Impact of Tourism and eventually – as the culmination of this process – the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism that was unanimously accepted by the General Assembly of WTO in Santiago de Chile in 1999.

WTO believes that few sectors of the economy are so strategically positioned as tourism to make a meaningful contribution to the major challenges we face in our times. Tourism is par excellence a people to people activity and the strength of the industry can be better deployed to help cement peace, promote development, create jobs, stabilise societies and root out many of the abuses that can infiltrate society through tourism. When the World Tourism Organization was established almost 30 years ago it was given a clear mandate to promote tourism in a way that would benefit countries, communities and people – a responsible, sensitive and sustainable tourism. The mission of the Organization – as indicated in Article 3 of the Statutes – was to: “contribute to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion”.

The Challenge for WTO and the tourism industry is to minimise the negative and maximise the positive impacts of tourism development or – to word it differently – develop tourism on the basis of sound and fundamental values. Tourism development should be an activity that serves humanity and provides more than only material benefits to people.

We recognise the fact that the tourism private sector - that constitute the engine of the tourism industry – needs to make a fair profit. Tourism is their business and the many small and large enterprises in this sector have to make a good return on their investments. Without the private sector the tourism industry would not have developed into the strong and powerful industry it is today. However, we also believe that successful businesses cannot exist as islands on their own – they should form part of the society and community in which they operate. Like individuals, businesses have to be guided by moral and ethical principles and accept the social responsibilities that their positions demand. The Code of Ethics provides a checklist to all the stakeholders regarding their social and ethical responsibilities. It provides a road map for the development and implementation of sustainable tourism. The ten articles of the Code provide guidelines for different stakeholders on key aspects of the
industry.

The drafting of the Code consisted of an extensive process of consultations with various stakeholders that lasted more than 2 years. Since its acceptance by the General Assembly of WTO in 1999, the Code has been translated in more than 20 languages. A large number of countries have formally accepted the Code and instituted a process to promote adherence by different sectors of the industry. A number of Governments tabled the Code in their Parliaments for official acceptance; others introduced elements of the Code in their national legislation. For WTO, the Code of Ethics forms the centrepiece of its programme of work – the umbrella under which all the various activities of the Organization take place.

Reading through the ten articles of the Code you will find a collection of clear and fundamental principles that should guide the behaviour of the different stakeholders in different sectors of the industry. The strength of the code lies in its simplicity and straightforward clarity. Together, the ten articles constitute a powerful set of guidelines that provides clear direction for responsible behaviour. The Code has received a warm reception wherever it was introduced. There is a favourable climate as people around the world are tired of maltreatment, abuse, corruption and crude materialism. They seek strength and guidance from moral and ethical values. There has been renewed interest in behaviour based on fundamental values – examples are the efforts to establish criteria for fair trade; environmental indicators; corporate social responsibility, community involvement and many others.

The ten articles of the Code are introduced by a Preamble that refers to important developments that preceded the Code and mention other international instruments that are complementary to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. The Preamble affirms the right of tourists to travel and the signatories state their wish to “promote an equitable, responsible and sustainable world tourism order”, whose benefits will be shared by all sectors of society in the context of an open and liberalised world economy. It would take too much time to read each of the ten articles here. However, it is only when one takes the time to read each article carefully and consider the meaning and implication of each one - and of the ten collectively - that one realises the powerful message it contains for governments, industry, civil society, and all the other role players related to the tourism industry.

It must be clearly understood that the GCET is a voluntary, nonbinding code of conduct that companies can examine to develop their internal and external policies with regard to issues such as human rights, environment, local economic development and cultural diversity. A brief summary of the diverse themes addressed by the ten articles might give you a better feel and understanding of the Code.

· Article 1: Deals with tourism’s contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies. It states that tourism should promote the ethical values common to humanity, with an attitude of tolerance and respect for the diversity of religious, philosophical and moral beliefs that forms both the foundation of responsible tourism.

· Article 2: Deals with the equality of men and women and respect for human rights, particularly those of the most vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, ethnic minorities. The article states that sexual exploitation, particularly of children, should be penalized without concession.

· Article 3: Deals with the protection of the natural environment, saving water and energy and safeguarding biodiversity and the sensitive ecosystems on which life on earth depends.

· Article 4: Deals with the cultural heritage of mankind that should be protected and passed on to future generations, but also made accessible to tourists.

· Article 5: Emphasises that all stakeholders, including local populations and the people in remote and depressed locations, should share in the benefits of tourism on a fair and equitable basis.

· Article 6: Refers to the various responsibilities and duties of Tourism professionals, public authorities, governments and the media. It deals with information, contractual obligations, safety and security issues, travel advisories of governments and reporting by the media.

· Article 7: States that periodic rest periods and leisure comprise a fundamental human right for all people and should be respected.

· Article 8: Deals with freedom of travel within one’s country or from one State to another as a human right that should not be undermined by excessive formalities or other forms of discrimination. The maximum freedom of movement to travel should be allowed and border-crossing formalities should be harmonised and simplified.

· Article 9: Focuses on the rights of workers as well as entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. It deals with fair employment practises; social protection; the minimum legal or administrative restrictions for entrepreneurs to enter the tourism sector; the role of multinational businesses and the importance of partnerships in tourism.

· Article 10: Makes provision for a World Committee on Tourism Ethics. The mission of the Committee is to make the Code a living document. The Committee has to promote the Code and encourage its implementation; monitor adherence; communicate with stakeholders and keep the principles of the Code in the public eye. The protocol also envisages a voluntary process through which the Committee could facilitate in the conciliation of disputes. The Code is voluntary and not binding, unless governments include the Code or elements of it in their national legislation. It is not a law, but an appeal to the moral sense of stakeholders. Human behaviour is guided by moral values – a fundamental understanding of right and wrong – based on religious and philosophical convictions and human traditions and experiences over centuries of civilization. It is to this sense of responsibility that the Code appeals.

The appointment of the World Committee was finalised in October 2003 at the General Assembly of WTO held in Beijing, China. The Committee held its first meeting in February this year in Rome where Mr. Diego Cordovez, a previous UN Under-Secretary, was elected as chairman. At its first meeting, the Committee decided on a work programme to comply with their mandate.

The General Assembly of the United Nations passed a resolution in October 2002 in which they give recognition to the Global Code of Ethics and called on the tourism industry to adhere to its principles. The UN also requested WTO to report regularly to the General Assembly on the progress of its implementation.

The support of the General Assembly of the United Nations for the implementation of the Code has given the initiative important momentum and a high level profile. A strong positive response from all the sectors of the industry to this challenge will be well received by the people of the world – it would contribute to establish tourism as a serious and sensitive industry that cares for the well being of people, their traditions and cultures, and the future of our planet.

Further Reading:

Partners in Responsible Tourism
http://www.pirt.org/about.html

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International Conference on Disability and Travel - Taipei, Taiwan

I would like to invite readers of the Rolling Rains Report to contribute their knowledge and experience to the keynote address "The Globalization of Accessible Tourism."

Throughout the past six months I have had the opportunity to interview hundreds of travelers, travel industry professionals, universal design practitioners, and sustainable development advocates.

We have corresponded from Santa Cruz, California to Zambia, Malaysia, Slovakia, Scotland, Argentina, Germany, South Africa, Nepal, and Colombia (and those were on the slow days!). We have met face-to-face at NICAN in Perth, Australia; at Shizuoka in Hamamatsu, Japan; RISD in Providence, Rhode Island; at FUNLAR and Designing for the 21st Centutry in Rio de Janeiro. We have held discussions over dinner in Hobart, Chicago, Tokyo, Seattle, Launceston, San Diego, Aptos, Seward, Watsonville, Washington DC, and Vancouver BC. The intelligence, passion and determination I have witnessed demonstrates the vitality of a movement to systematically develop inclusive tourism as both policy and product.

I would like to weave that wisdom, and more, into my keynote and closing remarks at the 2005 International Conference on Disability and Travel - Taipei, Taiwan.

You are invited to send me travel stories, research data, photos, or simply you vision for more fully accessible travel options. These will form part of the presentation at the International Conference on Disability and Travel - and in turn help launch the Asia Pacific Accessible Tourism League.
Send your contributions to: srains AT oco DOTnet

From the Press Release:

"Scott Rains, of the Center for Cultural Studies, UC Santa Cruz and editor of the Rolling Rains Report, will address the 2005 International Accessible Tourism Conference in Taipei, Taiwan. The topic of his keynote session will be "The Globalization of Accessible Tourism."

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In the Spirit of April Fools Day!

April Fools Day brings knowing smiles to the faces of several friends in Northern California.

Two years ago it was the day when an ill-fated whalewatching tour left Santa Cruz, California only to meet up with whale-sized swells -- and no whales. Seven of us in wheelchairs linked arms for the last 50 minutes of the trip in an attempt to keep the lightest of us from becoming airborne. It worked - sort of - only one person was thrown from his wheelchair and spent the final 30 minutes riding out the weather sprawled on the deck!

Today's Project for Public Spaces newsletter also makes me smile. For irony served up with photos see: Faking Places

Whale Watching on Monterey Bay
http://www.e-bility.com/articles/whales.shtml

Visit Kerala, South India

Allepey, Munnar and Kumarakom are popular travel destinatioins in Kerala. But who can tell me if the caves are wheelchair accessible in Thekkady - or if I need to bring my spelunking gear?

The Travel Expo 2005- India Tourism Festival at Hotel Residency is the place to find out.

Further reading:

Holiday Options Aplenty at The Hindu newspaper
http://www.hindu.com/lf/2005/04/03/stories/2005040302990200.htm

Kerala.com Travel Portal
http://www.keralatravels.com/