Rolling Rains Report:

At Parque dos Sonhos - Socorro, Brazil

About 2 hours outside Sao Paulo is a town called Socorro. Adventure tourism is a central part of the economy there and Parque dos Sonhos (Park of Dreams) plays a leading role.

Among the activities adapted for people with disabilities are rafting, inner tubing, rappelling, canopy walks, off-roading and zip lines.

The top-of-class zip line ("tirolesa" in Portuguese) is called Tirolesa de Panico (The Panic Zip Line!). It runs almost 1 kilometer in the air, over a river, buildings -- and the edge of a very steep rock. Here I am after the 50-second / 1 km aerial trip. In this photo I am modeling the modified ultralight seating that is used for quadriplegics on this two-cable zip line.

Post-REATECH

A fuller report and photos from REATECH will have to wait for faster Internet connections but meanwhile progress continues in other parts of the world. Here is an example of what Svayam is doing in IndiaÇ

Jallianwala Bagh, a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle, is set be accessible to all with Svayam, an initiative of the Sminu Jindal Charitable Trust committed towards making public infrastructure accessible to persons with reduced mobility, and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) today announced a unique initiative ahead of the occasion of “World Heritage Day” and commemoration of its 89th anniversary.

“Svayam has undertaken an access audit and come out with a set of recommendations for providing and ensuring accessibility to the Jallianwala Bagh complex. The audit has been forwarded to the ITDC, Abha Negi, director, Svayam, said here today.

Jallianwala Bagh will be accessible to all - Continued

by Pradeep Sharma
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 18

Recently, the Svayam team accompanied by ITDC officials conducted an access audit to make the site accessible as per international standards of accessibility and inclusive environment under ITDC’s revitalisation initiative for the Jallianwala Bagh. Ramps for the physically challenged are among the steps recommended, it is learnt.

A brainchild of Sminu Jindal, managing director of Jindal SAW Limited, who has been afflicted with reduced mobility since the age of 11, the trust has been working towards providing independence and dignity to people with reduced mobility. After Qutab Minar in New Delhi, Jallianwala Bagh is the second project undertaken by the trust.

“The Jallianwala Bagh has great significance for our freedom struggle and this initiative is a humble endeavour to make this world heritage site accessible to all.With the ITDC inviting Svayam as access consultants for making this heritage site accessible and inclusive as per international set of guidelines and standards further drives our mission,” Negi said.

R.K. Safaya, senior vice-president (engineering), ITDC, said making Jallianwala Bagh accessible to all was an effort to welcome visitors with diverse needs and will promote an inclusive environment for all.

Svayam has been closely working with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to make the heritage sites accessible to people with reduced mobility. The recommendations made by Svayam are under various stages of implementation by the ASI. Taking into cognisance Svayam’s work, ASI has invited Svayam to help them understand and make some of the world heritage sites in Delhi, Agra and Goa barrier-free.

Contributed by Kavita Agrawal

Subways Accessible by 2010? Don't Count on it! (Portuguese)

REATECH in Sao Paulo is truly the largest disability expo I have ever attended.

That said, the other side of the story is told here in this video. Getting around the city is a nightmare. For those who understand Portuguese this bit of journalistic expose is entertaining. (Some small compensation for the inaccessibility of the city):

Video on Disability

Publishing Disability Directories as a Revenue Source: CapeAbilities

The Cape Cod Disability Access Directory is a project of CapeAbilities.

When he learned last year that funding was desperately needed to continue publishing the Cape Cod Disability Access Directory, Larry Thayer, CapeAbilities' executive director, sought a grant from the Lyndon Lorusso Charitable Foundation.

The grant saw the directory through last year's publication, allowing JAM Specialists' Jean Ann McLaughlin to purchase hardware and software to produce the publication and CapeAbilities to train staff to assess potential sites to be included.

This year, Thayer and McLaughlin invited the Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled (CORD), one of last year's sponsors of the directory, to join them as co-publishers. "We were able to use last year's advertising revenue to fund this year's directory," Thayer said.

Before CapeAbilities' involvement, McLaughlin was founder and sole publisher of the directory. "I made all the site visits myself," McLaughlin said. "That's becoming increasingly difficult for me to do."

Disabled as a result of a drunk-driving accident, in 1996 McLaughlin turned her disability into an asset for Cape Codders and the millions of visitors with challenges by founding JAM Specialists INC., which publishes the annual Cape Cod Disability Access Directory.

CapeAbilities' clients have taken over responsibility for delivering the directories to senior centers, libraries, chambers of commerce, the National Seashore, and increasingly, hotels and motels.

kedlocal.com/dennis/news/lifestyle/health/x1632299787

In Sao Paulo for REATCH

REATECH begain with a splash. Nelida Barbeito of Argentina spoke at the opening. I was introduced also but not able to maintin a low profile (until afterwards when the conference video crew grabbed me for an interview in my rudimentary Portuguese.)

Regular Internet access has been difficult to arrange while on the road. Craig Grimes of Accessible Barcelona and Accessible Nicaragua and I have met up. He has been more successful n posting to his blog. Read his humorous entre, Corte Cabelo, for a glimpse of the trip.

Field trips include a site visit to the town of Socorro and another to Brotas. Both specialize in adventure tourism with siginificant investment and growing vendor eexperience in adaptied outdoor sports.

The Socorro experience will incude a zip line (zip wire; tirolesa) that is one kilometer long - plenty of time for second thoughts, Im sure!

REATECH Disability Expo in São Paulo, Brazil

This week is Brazil's third national rehabilitation expo and disabbility arts celebration known as REATECH. The event runs April 24-28 and is held in the Centro de Exposições Imigrantes.

This year promoters of inclusive tourism and adaptive sports and recreation are gathering to participate. Architect Silvana Serafina Cambiaghi of São Paulo will be speaking about her new book on Universal Design. Nelida Barbito of Buenos Aires will speak about her work with travelers with disabilities and retrofitting a hotel in Argentina. As previously reported, Ricardo Shimosakai will speak on the inclusive adventure tourism group Turismo Adaptado. Dada Moreira will speak on his adventure tour non-profit Aventura Especial.

In addition, a Bloggers Summit will track the Expo from on site.

Blogger and Inclusive Travel expert Craig Grimes has already begun blogging at his site Accessible Everything.

Eduardo Camara will be blogging in Portuguese at his site Mão na Roda

I will also be blogging from the event and providing links back to these and other bloggers who cover the event.

Wellington City Council and Tourism for All

A public forum held by the Wellington City Council at Te Papa earlier this month was entitled “Tourism for All” and concentrated on a number of aspects around accessible tourism for people with disabilities (PWDs) and seniors. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, is probably the most proactive jurisdiction in the country when it comes to access tourism, and the forum, driven by the council’s Disability reference Group (DRG), was opened by Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast.

Guest speaker Sandra Rhodda from Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth said that the New Zealand tourism and hospitality industry ignores the boomer, senior, and access tourism market to its peril.

She suggested that PWDs, seniors, and boomers are all part of the same equation. In spite of the fact that the world population is dominated by baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1965 and now aged 43 to 62), in spite of the fact that this age group has the most disposable income, in spite of the fact that as these boomers age, they will swell enormously the ranks of the seniors market (25% of New Zealand’s population will be 65+ by 2040) and the ranks of PWDs, in spite of the fact that already over half of international visitors to New Zealand are over 45 (as are over 70% of cruise passengers in New Zealand), in spite of the fact that PWDs are the worlds largest minority group (e.g., 17% of New Zealanders have a disability), Rhodda pointed out that these groups are apparently rarely considered in New Zealand tourism and hospitality planning and market targeting. Unlike in countries overseas, very few New Zealand businesses or jurisdictions are gearing up to meet the demands of these groups, and there is little New Zealand research providing information on their size, spending power, habits, or needs.

A presentation by the Barrier Free New Zealand Trust (BFNZT) outlined how it plans to create a “one-stop” website of accessible venues for all people. The website will include accommodation venues, conference facilities, restaurants, bars, and cafes, and event centres. The BFNZT is a charitable trust, made up of consumers and individuals with experience and expertise in local government, the building industry and the disability sector.

Garth Stewart of NZ Bus outlined how his company will invest $40m over the next two and a half years on 90 new buses, and plans to have 95% of their fleet fully accessible by end of 2009. New customer service training and accessible bus stops are planned, together with GPS and Real Time services (up-to-date information by internet, phone, or txt).

Patrick FizGerald8360 from Squiz NZ described a plan to develop the online and print version of the “Accessible Wellington” map so that it remains up to date, interactive, and so that the visually impaired and blind would have full access to the information.

Michael Grace from Positively Wellington Tourism (the local marketing organization) made a plea for sector cooperation in increasing the accessible tourism offer in Wellington. He noted that there was currently no disability-specific accreditation scheme in New Zealand and in fact his organization depended on self-assessment by operators who listed their business on the Positively Wellington site. He discussed the various pros and cons of various international accreditation systems, and the adoption of an Independent Qualmark type rating system for disability accreditation.

The DRG reported back to the community on its work plan progress over the previous 12 months. Of particular importance was mobility parking, access to the railway station, the Kilbirnie Community Sports Centre, bus driver training with Stage Coach, input into the councils draft annual plan, and issues relating to the Footpath Management Policy. A project called the Kumutoto Open Spaces, which has reconnected the city waterfront to the CBD, was reported on. Project improvements included having ramps at a 1-in-15 gradient (as opposed to the legislated 1-in- 12), colour contrasts, and hand rails. However, a ramp to the water’s edge was not included despite the recommendations of the DRG. The DRG intends in the coming year to raise the issue of access gangways on the inter-island ferries, provide further Universal Access training, submit on the council’s Draft Annual Plan, progress issues with the council’s website in respect to accessibility, and work closely with the Greater Wellington regional Council to implement the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission Report into Accessible Land Transport.

Open Letter to José Manuel Barroso from the European Disability Forum

Open Letter to José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission:

Brussels, 22 April 2008

Dear President,

It is with great satisfaction that I am writing to you, following public announcements made by your services that a proposal for a European directive fighting discrimination against disabled people will be proposed to the College of Commissioners at the end of June as part of a comprehensive ‘Social package’.

This is the best response that you, together with Commissioner Vladimir Špidla, could give to the ‘1million4disability’ campaign that EDF has led over last year, and that has gathered the support of over 1.364.984 citizens including prominent national and European politicians, representatives of a wide variety of civil society organizations, trade unions, and heads of State. It is also very significant as it is the first citizen’s initiative that is followed up by the European Commission, even before the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. All citizens will rejoice of your decision, as it sets a positive example of democratic dialogue between the European Commission and the people of Europe.

EDF had been campaigning for a disability specific directive since 2000. In 2003, at the closing of the European Year of People with Disabilities, the European Commission, while stating that the time was not ripe, announced that there would be a disability specific directive.

This directive is also a first significant step in the process of implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that the European Commission is about to ratify, as non discrimination is a prominent element in this new binding Human Rights instrument, which covers civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights.

EDF would like to express its gratitude and support for such an important initiative, which will contribute to strengthening non discrimination acquis, and to establishing a strong link between disability, non discrimination and Human Rights, across the European Union.

Until today, too many citizens with disabilities have remained among the most invisible and neglected, segregated in institutions or even in their homes; they have been denied access to education, employment, transport, social or health services, they have been unable to access information, watch television, to go to cinemas and restaurants as any other citizen…

A European legislation will allow persons with disabilities to have access to the same rights across the EU, and to benefit for the first time from free movement rights, from which they have been so long deprived.

50 million disabled persons across Europe and their families are looking forward to an ambitious and effective legislation tackling rights of disabled people in all areas of life, able to create change and making the EU the most advanced region for disability rights. EDF has drafted a proposal for legislation with the support of legal experts, published on our website. We are at the disposal of your services for further contributions.

It is also critical that such legislation adequately addresses the situations of multiple discrimination, in which all disabled people may find themselves, regardless of their age, sex, religion or belief, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. EDF is also calling on all EU institutions to move forward the debate on legislative measures that will strengthen provisions fighting discrimination on all grounds of Article 13.

EDF is also calling on the Council of the EU, the Member States who will be called to decide on such a proposal, and the European Parliament that has supported a disability specific directive in so many statements, resolutions and reports over the last seven years, to carry forward such disability legislation, which will undoubtedly bring citizens closer to the European Union.

Yannis Vardakastanis

President of the European Disability Forum

Read a selection of key support messages in favour of European disability legislation: http://www.1million4disability.eu/supporters.asp?langue=EN

For more information, please contact: Helena González-Sancho Bodero, EDF Communication and Press Officer; Tel: (+32 2) 282 46 04; Mobile phone: (+ 32 ) 485 64 39 93; E-mail: communication@edf-feph.org

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of 50 million disabled citizens in Europe. EDF membership includes national umbrella organisations of disabled people from all EU/EEA countries, as well as European NGOs representing the different types of disabilities, organisations and individuals committed to disability issues. The mission of the European Disability Forum is to ensure disabled people full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in Europe.

Lettre ouverte à José Manuel Barroso,
Président de la Commission européenne

Bruxelles, 22 avril 2008

Monsieur le Président,

C’est avec une immense satisfaction que je vous adresse ce courrier, suite à l’annonce publiée par vos services stipulant qu’une directive européenne de lutte contre la discrimination des personnes handicapées serait proposée au Collège des Commissaires à la fin du mois de juin, dans le cadre d’un ‘paquet social’ global.

C’est la meilleure réponse que vous pouviez offrir, conjointement avec le Commissaire Vladimir Spidla, à la campagne ‘1million4disability’ (Un million pour le handicap) orchestrée l’an dernier par le FEPH et qui a rallié le soutien de plus de 1.364.984 citoyens, dont d’éminents responsables politiques nationaux et européens, des représentants d’une large palette d’organisations de la société civile, des syndicats et des chefs d’Etat. Il s’agit d’un événement marquant vu que cette initiative de démocratie participative est la première à être mise en œuvre par la Commission européenne, avant même l’entrée en vigueur du Traité de Lisbonne. Tous les citoyens se réjouiront de votre décision qui constitue un exemple positif de dialogue démocratique entre la Commission européenne et la population européenne.

Le FEPH fait campagne en faveur d’une directive axée sur le handicap depuis l’an 2000. En 2003, lors de la clôture de l’Année européenne des personnes handicapées, bien qu’en précisant que le moment n’était pas encore l’approprié, la Commission européenne avait annoncé qu’il y aurait une directive axée sur le handicap.

Cette directive constitue également une première avancée de taille dans le processus de mise en œuvre de la Convention des Nations Unies relative aux droits des personnes handicapées que la Commission européenne est sur le point de ratifier. En effet, la non-discrimination constitue un élément prépondérant de ce nouvel instrument contraignant afférent aux droits de l’Homme qui couvre les droits civils, politiques, sociaux, économiques et culturels des personnes handicapées.

Le FEPH souhaiterait exprimer sa gratitude et apporter son appui à une initiative d’une telle importance qui permettra de consolider les acquis en terme de non-discrimination et de tisser un lien solide entre le handicap, la non-discrimination et les droits de l’Homme dans toute l’Union européenne.

Jusqu’à aujourd’hui, trop de citoyens handicapés sont restés invisibles, ont été laissés à l’écart, confinés dans des institutions, voire même dans leurs maisons. L’accès à l’éducation, à l’emploi, au transport, aux services sociaux et de santé leur a été trop longtemps refusé. Ils n’ont pas été en mesure d’avoir accès à l’information, de regarder la télévision, de se rendre au cinéma ou au restaurant comme le citoyen lambda…

Une législation européenne permettra aux personnes handicapées de jouir des mêmes droits dans toute l’UE, de bénéficier pour la première fois des droits à la libre circulation dont elles ont été si longtemps privées.

50 millions de personnes handicapées de toute l’Europe et leurs familles espèrent une législation ambitieuse et efficace qui examine les droits des personnes handicapées dans tous les domaines de la vie quotidienne, capable de susciter le changement et de faire de l’UE la région la plus à la pointe en matière de droits des personnes handicapées. Le FEPH a rédigé une proposition de législation avec l’aide de juristes et l’a publiée sur son site web. Nous restons à la disposition de vos services pour toute aide complémentaire.

Il est également impératif qu’une telle législation aborde adéquatement les situations de discrimination multiple que toutes les personnes handicapées sont susceptibles de rencontrer indépendamment de leur âge, de leur sexe, de leur religion ou de leurs convictions, de leur origine ethnique ou de leur orientation sexuelle. Le FEPH exhorte également les institutions européennes à faire progresser le débat sur les mesures législatives qui renforceront les dispositions visant à lutter contre la discrimination fondée sur l’ensemble des motifs énoncés dans l’Article 13.

Le FEPH invite aussi le Conseil de l’UE, les Etats membres qui seront appelés à se prononcer sur une telle proposition, ainsi que le Parlement européen qui s’est exprimé en faveur d’une directive axée sur le handicap dans de nombreuses déclarations, résolutions ou rapports publiés ces sept dernières années, à faire avancer la législation en matière de handicap qui rapprochera indubitablement les citoyens de l’Union européenne.

Yannis Vardakastanis

Président du Forum européen des personnes handicapées.

Lisez une sélection de déclarations clé en faveur d’une législation européenne en matière de handicap: http://www.1million4disability.eu/supporters.asp?langue=EN

Pour plus d’information, veuillez contacter: Helena González-Sancho Bodero, Responsable de Communication et Presse; Tel: (+32 2) 282 46 04; GSM : (+ 32 ) 485 64 39 93; Courriel: communication@edf-feph.org

Le Forum européen des personnes handicapées (FEPH) est la plateforme européenne qui représente les intérêts de 50 millions de citoyens handicapés au sein de l’Union européenne. Les organisations membres du FEPH incluent les plateformes nationales des personnes handicapées de tous les Etats membres de l’UE et de l’Espace économique européen, ainsi que les ONG européennes représentant les différents types de handicap. La mission du FEPH est de garantir le respect total des droits fondamentaux et humains des personnes handicapées par le biais d’une implication active dans le développement et application des politiques européennes.

Bathroom Talk

Let's face it. For those of us with spinal cord injuries and many people with mobility impairments bathrooms and bodily processes come up more often in our conversations than is the national average.

The Best Little Outhouse in Town!

An award-winning universally designed public restroom outside Bangkok, Thailand.

Skype presenta un servicio de videollamada para sordos (Spanish)

Madrid. (EFE).- Las personas sordas podrán comunicarse a través de una aplicación de videollamada on line de alta calidad que se ha presentado hoy por Skype y Logitech en la Asociación de Sordos de Madrid.
Más información sobre enlace www.skype.com

Este sistema permite transmitir mensajes gestuales a cualquier parte del mundo descargando de la página web de Skype el software que permite establecer la comunicación de manera gratuita.

Sólo será necesario contar con un ordenador con conexión a Internet, el software de Skype y la vídeo cámara de alta calidad de Logitech por el precio de 99 euros.

El responsable de imagen y comunicación de Skype, David Málaga, apuntó en rueda de prensa que para las personas con disminución auditiva esta nueva aplicación tecnológica va a suponer un avance clave en el camino hacia el derrumbe de las barreras de la comunicación.

La vídeo cámara que se ha presentado hoy de Logitech ofrece una calidad de 30 imágenes por segundo y según el jefe de producto de Logitech, Max Valls, la cámara permite apreciar detalles y movimientos casi imperceptibles sin cortes ni saltos.

Talking Bus Stops

The e-government Awards in the UK recognize innovation. Talking bus stops in the Brighton & Hove City Council Sustainable Transport system won the award in 2007.

http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=15193&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

In August 2007 Brighton & Hove became the first area in the country to introduce talking bus stops for blind and visually impaired people. Brighton and Hove City Council, in conjunction with Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, have a well-established award-winning accessible bus policy.

The RNIB React system links into the city's Bus Real Time Information signs allowing blind and visually impaired people to hear announcements at bus stops which tells them which bus stop they are at, which buses are coming and when they are due to arrive, meaning they no longer need to rely on fellow passengers for help.

Brighton & Hove City Council and the Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company have a quality bus partnership and, between them, have won major awards for bus accessibility policies, the real time information system and for innovations which have generally helped to increase bus patronage year on year, against national trends. The RNIB React system is another step towards making the city more accessible, bringing independence and confidence for blind and visually impaired people who want to use local buses. Talking bus stops were introduced in July and launched city-wide at 20 bus stops and a further 2 bus stops in East Sussex.

A multi-disciplinary working group was been formed, including councillors, officers, system designers, users, local politicians and consultants. A partnership was formed with the Royal National Institute for Blind (RNIB) to evolve a RNIB React system from providing orientation messages to include Real Time Information. The interface to provide a text to speech link with the Siemens VDO Passenger Information Displays was created by working with SFX Technologies, whilst Atkins Consultants helped with project management. The resulting system can be replicated in other areas and interest has already been shown from London local authorities.

In Brighton and Hove 1900 people were registered blind or partially sighted in March 2006 (DoH). It is estimated by the RNIB that under-registration is running at 20%, meaning that up to 2375 people in the city (1.0% of the local population ) could benefit from using Talking bus stops. The number of people with sight impairment problems is likely to double over the next 25 years as the population ages and diseases such as diabetes (a major cause of sight loss) becomes more prevalent.

People over the age of 60 and all eligible people with disabilities can have concessionary bus travel in the city. The majority of Blind and partially sighted people (81%) are aged 65 and older so this new system helps to ensure that this section of the population who qualify for free travel can actually make good use of it!"

"Brighton & Hove's Talking Bus Stops were officially launched in August to a group of 70 users. Already one user has reported that he won't leave home without his key fob now and it has become as important to him as his mobile phone. Mick Etheridge says "I travel into Brighton quite a lot on the buses and before the signs were made audio I used to struggle as it was not always possible to find someone to ask for the next bus time.?

Alison Evans is also a regular user of the system: "I use my keyfob daily on my way to work and home from work to check when my bus is due. In the evening I have a choice of buses and it helps me to know which one is due first so I can make the decision which one to get, rather than having to get whichever one arrives first because I don't know how long it is until the next one. What is even better is that my partner and I live in Peacehaven and Brighton & Hove Council were able to work with East Sussex County Council and install 2 of the React units at bus stops we both use regularly. It really is a great system and well done Brighton & Hove for being the first council to use the React system in this manner."

Source:

http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=15193&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

<1__

Award category: 11) Building a fairer society with e-Government: Targeted or localised services
Sponsored by KPMG
(Using ICT & e-Government services to improve social inclusion for specific groups of excluded or disadvantaged people).

Talking Bus Stops for the blind and visually impaired (linked to Real Time Bus Information signs)

Brighton & Hove City Council Sustainable Transport www.brighton-hove.gov.uk

- RNIB React System links into Siemens Real Time Bus Information System - Atkins Consultancy provided help with project management - SFX Technologies enabled the RNIB React system to link into the real time information system

http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=15193&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
--!>

Accessibility Means More Than Entry for Wheelchairs

This article from the Cape Cod Times explores disability and citizenship. You can read the whole article here.

Every town on the Cape holds its town meeting in a location that at least meets the minimum standards to be accessible to voters who use wheelchairs.

But town meeting venues aren't always so accommodating for those who are visually or hearing-impaired.

The article goes on to document a lack of awareness of accessibility requirements by towns in the area. With financial pressures to save money this is not a hopeful sign.

Building Comfortable Environments for All Conference

"BUILDING COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENTS FOR ALL" CONFERENCE

May 15-16, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia

CIB Conference Website

CATEA is pleased to join the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building (CIB),the National Research Council, and the Construction Technologies Institution in organizing the Working Commission 084 "Building Comfortable Environments for All" to be held at Georgia Tech's College of Architecture.

Topic areas are related to Accessibility and Usability of the built environment, including:

* Economic Issues of Accessibility
* Harmonization of Legislation and Standards
* Sports, Recreation and Accessible Environments
* Education and Training
* Universal Design at the Urban Scale
* Technological Tools Supporting the Accessible Environment

The objectives of the CIB WG084/2008 Meeting are to explore and discuss:

* Challenges, issues and priorities that concern creating a built environment for all;
* How developing countries can address these challenges, what may be learned and adapted from developed countries, and how we can all join together to meet the international goal of creating a built environment for all;
* How research and innovation can be used to help all countries address current and future demands of building inclusive environments for all.

The Conference Registration fee will include a continental breakfast, lunch and breaks for the two days. To register and pay by credit card: Georgia Tech's EPay System

* Early registration (on or before April 30) - $125 USD
* Late registration (May 1 – May 16) - $135 USD

Please contact Trin Intra at CATEA for more information about registration.
Phone: 404-894-0954
Email: trin.intra@coa.gatech.edu

A Tool for designers to Simulate Disability

Reuters has done a story on the suit car designers use to to experience disability. See the full article but note this attention to market realities justifying Universal Design:

Launched in a rapidly graying nation where over 40 percent of the population is expected to be over 65 age by mid-century...

Over 40 percent of Nissan's Japanese and U.S. sales are to customers over 50 years old, according to the company.

Announcing the Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC)

I take his development to be a positive sign. This announcement was in my Inbox when I got home today:

The Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC) is a new non-profit organization that has been established to promote the adoption of universal design. It is modeled after the Green Building Council which has played an important role in increasing adoption of sustainable design practices in the building industry. Our intent is to address the need for greater usability in buildings in response to many social trends, e.g. the aging of society, globalization and social diversity.

Our first activity will be to develop voluntary guidance standards for applying universal design to commercial buildings. These standards will complement existing accessibility standards and regulations. In fact, we expect that no building will receive an accreditation from the GUDC if it does not meet accessibility regulations as a basic requirement and thus, our work will improve compliance with access laws. Like the GBC's LEED standards, the UD Standards will provide a rating system to accredit buildings that address higher levels of usability than accessibility codes and include issues beyond their scope.

The UD Standards will be flexible and allow each project to achieve accreditation in different ways in response to different conditions. Points will be awarded in different categories and there will be a graduated level of achievement based on a percentage of total points received. Neither the rating system nor the accreditation levels have been established, but work is underway on a preliminary draft that will be presented to the public at a kick-off meeting at the end of May. Attached is an announcement for that meeting. An open process will be used to develop the UD Standards, including the conceptual framework for the rating system and levels. The preliminary draft will simply be a point of departure.

We welcome your involvement in this process and the new Commission and hope that you will be able to attend the kick-off meeting for the standards development project.

*This activity is partially supported by the RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment through funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

(Source: RERCUD-ENEWSLETTER-LIST@LISTSERV.BUFFALO.EDU )

Note that this is something that we called for at ICAT 2007 in Bangkok and, although I was unaware of this initiative, the move toward standardization by industry was the pivotal "sign of the times" that my address to the gathering revolved around.

Invitation

Organizational Meeting:
Voluntary Standards Development Process for Universal Design (UD) in Commercial Development

Hosted by:

• Global Universal Design Commission, Inc.
• Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University
• Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA)
• National Council for Independent Living (NCIL)

As a member of the design, development, disability and/or aging communities, you are invited to attend the inaugural meeting of the Global Universal Design Commission, Inc., and join with other hosts to organize a consensus voluntary standard development process that accelerates the consistent, knowledge-driven translation and use of UD across commercial development and the built environment.

Sincerely,

Peter Blanck, Chairman, Global Universal Design Commission, Inc.
Ed Steinfeld, Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
Graham Hill, Global Universal Design Forum, Inc. - Chair of Standards Development Committee

Date: May 30, 2008
10am – 1pm

Location: Carousel Mall
Sky Deck, 6th Floor
Syracuse, New York

Purpose: To organize and initiate the process to develop a consensus guidance standard for Universal Design (UD) in commercial development. UD is the design of the built environment and products to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Reatech Disability Expo

Reatech is a disability expo in Sao Paulo Brazil. This year there will be a significant contingent representing Inclusive tourism. Presenters on the topic will attend from the US, Argentina, Nicaragua, and throughout Brazil.

Airline Services to Deaf Passengers

There is quite furor spreading through the Philippines, Australia, and Southeast Asia about the treatment of deaf airline passengers and rightly so. It is the slippery slope phenomenon affecting those with mobility impairments, service animals, oxygen needs, and other human with the normal range of abilities that this species comes with.

Here is an articulate story - in American Sign Language. But don't stop with the video read the active commentary documenting this phenomenon at http://www.seekgeo.com/?p=821Seek Geo

The Independent Living Institute Launches New Version of its Accessible Vacation Home Exchange Service

This note from Sweden's Independent Living Institute:

The Independent Living Institute Accessible Vacation Home Exchange service has been greatly improved. It is now possible for you to add, delete, and revise your own entry, as well as add photos.

Swapping homes with other persons with similar needs, in other parts of the world, is a low-cost and practical alternative. You can find out in advance how accessible the vacation home is, since you can ask your swap partner relevant questions. And, unlike most other tourists, you’ll have an infrastructure of neighbors and local contacts in place as you arrive.

As the number of visitors to the Independent Living Institute website continues to grow, so will the exposure of your offer to swap homes.

Please take a look at www.independentliving.org/vacaswap.html and contact me, should you have any questions.

Thanking you,

Miles

miles.goldstick@independentliving.org

An Endemic Epidemic Gets the Media Coverge it Deserves

"Ludwig van Beethoven (the famous deaf composer) would not be allowed to fly alone on a Tiger Airways flight if he were alive today, because of the Singapore-owned airline's purported policy on deaf passengers."
.

A representative of Tiger Airways Australia told the group last month they could not make an interstate flight without a care provider who could hear. The group was allowed on the March 4 flight eventually, but was then sent a note by the flight attendant that they will not be allowed to fly alone on the airline again, the Herald Sun newspaper reported.

Source:
Airline Slammed on Deaf Policy

Airline Slammed on Deaf Policy

By ROD McGUIRK – 1 day ago

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Ludwig van Beethoven would not be allowed to fly alone on a Tiger Airways flight if he were alive today because of the Singapore-owned airline's purported policy on deaf passengers, a government minister said Friday.

Bill Shorten used the example of Beethoven — who famously continued composing until his death in 1827 despite losing his hearing — in condemning the treatment of deaf passengers by the Australian subsidiary of Singapore-based budget carrier Tiger Airways.

The policy bars deaf passengers from flying unless accompanied by a fare-paying adult care provider, a Tiger Airways reservations agent who said she goes by only one name, Jinky, told The Associated Press.

But airline spokesman Matt Hobbs denied that the airline had such a policy, and said he was investigating why air crews and call center staff in the Philippines were telling passengers otherwise.

Shorten, Australia's parliamentary secretary for disabilities and children's services, said he telephoned the airline Friday to tell them that barring deaf people from flying alone was wrong.

"Under this, Beethoven would never have been able to catch a plane" on his own, Shorten told Sky Television. "Just because people are deaf doesn't mean that they're stupid."

A group of four deaf adults has lodged a complaint with the Australian government's anti-discrimination watchdog agency after a representative of Tiger Airways Australia told them last month that they could not make an interstate flight without a care provider who could hear, the Herald Sun newspaper reported Friday.

The group was eventually permitted to take their seats on the March 4 flight but a flight attendant told them they would not be allowed to fly alone again on the airline, the newspaper said.

Hobbs, Tiger Airways Australia's head of corporate communications, said the cabin manager had written the four a note saying: "In future, so you know, you'll need to travel with a carer for safety reasons."

"We're clarifying with all staff that deaf people do not require a carer to travel with them," Hobbs said, adding that he could not explain the widespread misunderstanding within his company.

"We are apologetic and very sorry that the people involved in this feel in any way that they've been discriminated against or upset by this in any way," he said.

Hobbs said his company's sister airline, Tiger Airways Singapore, had changed its policy that once required deaf passengers to be accompanied by a care provider.

The Australian subsidiary of Singapore-based Tiger Aviation entered the Australian domestic aviation market last November. Its Australian competitors allow deaf passengers to fly alone.

Progress on Inclusion at Delhi Airport

Parul Sharma in The Hindu on April 7th about improvement for travelers with disabilities using the New Delhi airport. What is not clear is whether or not these features arise from active participation by people with disabilities and their organizations (DPOs) or whether they are best guesses of the real needs of users provided by non-disabled "experts."

The responsibility lies with disabled people of India to assure that it is the former and not the latter. It is a responsibility they carry on behalf of other communities of people with disability from around the world -- and not a light burden in the face of the huge infrastructure investment being made by India on airport upgrades.

What the Indian disability community does today will be the legacy left to several generations in the future. This is the moment for it to step out on the international stage in a position of moral leadership and technical competence. Is the Indian disability community rising to the challenge?

by Parul Sharma, New Delhi, The Hindu, 07th April 2008

NEW DELHI: As the authorities attempt to make things easier for the differently-abled citizens of the Capital by providing for disabled-friendly bus shelters and low-floor Delhi Transport Corporation buses, the Indira Gandhi International Airport here has also come up with some arrangements for dealing with such passengers.

The Delhi International Airport Limited that manages the airport has made some special provisions for physically challenged persons.

Special parking

To begin with, DIAL has made provision for special parking for the physically challenged persons in the reserved parking area near the VIP gate at all the terminals of the airport.

Also, once a physically disabled person reaches the airport, wheel chairs are available for them at the airport manager’s office that can be used free of cost.

“The facility is available round the clock along with an attendant as well as a customer service staff to help such passengers with the check-in procedures. An attendant is there to take care of these passengers who come at the Arrivals terminal as well as those who are in transit. Mostly, the airlines have their staff to take care of such travellers or otherwise we too have our own attendants for the same,” said a DIAL official.

Also, provisions have been made for special wash rooms for the physical challenged people inside all the terminal buildings of the airport.

“These toilets have been specially designed keeping physically challenged persons in mind. We got the old wash rooms renovated and got contact fittings done. An attendant is present inside the toilet, though they have been created in such a way that these passengers do not even need to touch anything. We have ensured that throughout the same ground level is maintained inside the terminals so that their movement is not affected,” the official added.

Once inside the terminal, the airlines take care of the wheel chair-bound passengers, which is again a free-of-cost service.

Different carriers have also arranged for low floor coaches – similar to some of the new DTC buses -- for wheel chair passengers, while a few others provide for ambu-lift facility as well, when the passenger is simply raised to the level of an aircraft using a vehicle.

Apart from these facilities for special passengers, work is on to create a brand new domestic terminal that is likely to be ready by the end of 2008.

New runway

Along with the new runway, the new domestic terminal is expected to benefit all the travellers by reducing congestion inside the terminals. It will also allow greater number of aircraft movements, thereby considerably increasing the airport’s capacity. Designed by architect Hafeez Contractor, the upgraded terminal will include a new Departure building and an expanded and improved Arrival building.

source: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/07/stories/2008040756890400.htm

Universally Welcoming: Signs of accessibility are subtle, lost in the style

I have not seen architect Ron Wickman 's project but if it can be described with the headline, "Signs of accessibility are subtle, lost in the style" then I am satisfied that it was a success. And it's sustainble because it will work throughout the lifespan of the owner.

He gets it. We want style not sterility in barrier-free environments.

It is the subtle details in his home that architect Ron Wickman likes to talk about -- the lowered light switches, raised electrical outlets, sloping walkway to his front door and wide, bright hallways.

Those unobtrusive features make his stylish and attractive house a "universal" design, meaning it is accessible to disabled people and flexible in its uses.

His focus was on accessibility and sustainability. So, in addition to the wider doorways and lowered door handles, the house is oriented toward the sun, its long, south wall filled with windows... He sees that flexible, universal design as a good fit with his other area of interest, sustainability. "Universal design is about sustainability. If I design a house that you don't have to modify in the future, then haven't I done something that's really sustainable."

For the full article:

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/story.html?id=3c208fc5-e7a7-4436-9a70-13b9dde6467b

Constructing a Tourist Exodus From Israel?

The age inversion overtaking many developed countries is playing out this way in Israel right now as the hospitality industry there foolishly fails to take note of the trend. Locked into a "compliance mentality" where the only motivation to accommodate travelers with disabilities is in response to legal mandate, they consider travelers with disabilities as a cost center rather than a growth market:

As Israel braces itself for what the Tourism Ministry predicts will be the biggest summer for tourism in the state's 60-year history, activists for disabled rights are expressing anger over the lack of hotel facilities for those with special needs.

"There is such apathy here," Miami resident and regular visitor to Israel Michael Zwebner told The Jerusalem Post this week. "It's really surprising that the laws [on disabled access] are not taken seriously and there is no enforcement as such." *

The argument goes (with no awareness of its Alice-in-Wonderland quality of topsy-turvy logic):

"We checked out the demand for these types of rooms and saw that requests are very low," [Shmuel Zurel, director-general of the Israel Hotels Association] said. "It's difficult for hotels to rent out such rooms to a person who doesn't have disabilities." *

And why is the demand low? Simple. They didn't build it so we didn't come.

And who is "we"? Partly it is the 42 million Americans who spend $13.6 billion annually on travel.

And why are these "special" rooms difficult to rent out to Temporarily Able-Bodied People? Because they were not built using Universal Design. They are merely made accessible - and that as an afterthought. The rooms are stigmatized as is the very language used. People with disabilities are not "special." They are customers. And they are going elsewhere.

Source:

Disabled tourists to find 'unfriendly' hotels

Accessible Escape

Accessible Escapes is the newest Inclusive Tourism travel agency on the block in the US. With itineraries to Italy they have ambitious plans to expand worldwide. The web site includes the Web 2.0 functionality necessary to succeed at their highly personalized approach -- membership, blog, bulletin board, photo and video sharing:

Accessible Escapes aims to provide a more compelling alternative to standard accessible travel options. Their goal is to share an authentic travel experience through getting to know the people, culture and landscape of every destination. They specialize in small groups and individualized attention, allowing clients to set the pace and, whenever possible, select the sites that best suit their needs and interests. Founders Jennifer Wittman and Loredana Caminiti personally visit and establish relationships in every city to which Accessible Escapes travels.

From the Accessible Escapes website:

We are not your average travel company.

We place a high premium on quality and personal service. And on offering you an experience unlike any you might find elsewhere. Here are just a few of the things the set us apart.

* We understand. We know what it’s like to travel with limited mobility. We also understand a passion for travel, as well as the associated fears and concerns. This knowledge gives us a deep respect for our clients and commitment to exceptional service.
* We specialize in small groups. Our services are geared toward individuals, families and small groups rather than volumes of customers. This gives us the time to listen, advise and attend to individual needs.
* We help you help the environment. To minimize the environmental impact of our travels, we help you offset the carbon footprint of your trip - and we’ll even split the cost with you. Learn more >

About Accessible Escapes.

Accessible Escapes offers inventive, barrier-free travel programs and services for wheelchair users, slow walkers, families and independent travelers of all mobility levels and ages. We offer comprehensive package tours as well as customized tours designed to fit individual needs and interests. All of our itineraries are created for fun-loving travelers who appreciate new experiences and diverse cultures. We also offer a full-range of other travel resources and services, from downloadable travel e-guides to reservation services and community message boards. Accessible Escapes was founded by Jennifer Wittman and Loredana Caminiti in 2007. U.S. operations are based in Playa Del Rey, CA.

Source:
http://www.accessibleescapes.com/

Philippines: Access 2010 - First National Conference on Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities

The First National Conference on Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities March 27-28, 2008 at the Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City, Philippines. The objectives of the conference were "to promote transport accessibility as an entry point to building a non-handicapping environment for persons with disabilities."

At the end of the Conference the participants shall have:

• Developed common inter-sectoral understanding and dialogue on public transport and accessibility issues.
• Linked the call for accessible transportation to efforts on creating non-handicapping public transport facilities and physical environments.
• Identified the consideration needed for drawing an intervention plan for increasing inter-sectoral partnership for transport and accessibility issues.
• Recommended measures to address the identified gaps and issues in the public transportation system that limits the mobility of persons with disabilities resulted from the regional transport summits held in 2007.
• Drawn and formulated a National Plan of Action for an accessible public transportation system for persons with disabilities in the country.

“ACCESS 2010”:

DECLARATION OF SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT

We, the participants of the Access 2010: First National Conference on Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities belonging to the government and the private sectors, declare to commit ourselves to work together in a common platform and uphold the principles of :

Respect for the dignity and rights of all persons with disabilities; and,

Empowering them to live independently and participate fully and equally in all aspects of community life especially the women with disabilities whose involvement in community activities have been undermined because of gender
biases and discriminations.

We pledge to participate actively and unfailingly in the implementation of the National Plan of Action for an Accessible Land, Rail, Air and Sea Public Transportation System for Persons with Disabilities in the country.

Further, we resolve in particular to achieve the following five-point action agenda in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, BIWAKO Millennium Framework for Action Towards an Inclusive, Barrier-Free and Rights-Based Society for Persons with Disabilities and the Accessibility Law:

1. Formulate strategies that will improve attitudes and behavior towards persons
with disabilities particularly in the public transport sector;

2. Undertake comprehensive review of accessibility standards for planning of
public transport systems, as well as universal vehicular standards for
indigenous public transport;

3. Provide opportunities for the development of a strong multi-sectoral
partnership for public transport accessibility;

4. Improve existing public transport systems and ensure new and renovated public
transport systems are accessible; and,

5. Provide education and training for public transportation stakeholders on
accessibility issues facing persons with disabilities.

To achieve this five-point agenda, the participants commit to undertake the following:

Assist in the development of an effective mechanism for the implementation and monitoring of laws and policies pertaining to the accessibility of transportation services provided to the public;

Review and amend existing policies, guidelines and standards on public transport systems as well as universal vehicular standards for indigenous public transport that restricts mobility resulting in the discrimination of persons with disabilities in the transport industry;

Actively support the development of a strong multi-sectoral partnership for public transport accessibility among government organizations, non-government organizations and the sector of persons with disabilities that will result in a pro-active public transportation industry responsive to the enjoyment of persons with disabilities of their rights as Filipino citizens;

Support the development of existing transport systems to include standards in the designs of vehicles and other transportation facilities as well as ensure that new and renovated public transport systems are accessible; and,

Provide continuing capability-building activities for public transportation stakeholders on accessibility for the effective implementation of guidelines/policies/standards as well as ensure that persons with disabilities have the same access and are treated in a dignified and non-discriminatory manner.

Finally, in support of the above five-point agenda, we urge all persons with disabilities to organize themselves in all levels of the political subdivisions of our country so that with one voice they can call for government’s affirmative action in pursuit of the attainment of the objectives of this Declaration.

Signed this 28th day of March 2008 at Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City.

Undersecretary Anneli R. Lontoc –DOTC
Asst. Secretary Elmer A. Soneja – DOTC
Director Ildefonso T. Patdu, Jr. - DOTC
Undersecretary Rosie Lovely Romulo –NCDA
Asst. Secretary Nora Salazar – NCDA
Michael P. Davies – CBM-Seapro
ies

Green & Inclusive: San Jose's Gish Apartments

We have been describing Universal Design as:

...an orientation to any design process that starts with a responsibility to the experience of the user. It has a parallel in the green design movement that also offers a framework for design problem solving based on the core value of environmental responsibility. Universal Design and green design are comfortably two sides of the same coin but at different evolutionary stages. Green design focuses on environmental sustainability, Universal Design on social sustainability.

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and First Community Housing have delivered on the green/UD link:

In San Jose, First Community Housing's 35-unit Gish Apartments earned the LEED for Homes certification. The group serves transit-oriented families as well as those with developmental disabilities.

"Green homes perform better than the average home," [LEED council spokeswoman Ashley] Katz said. "They're a healthier place to live with a smaller environmental footprint. It's like a tighter envelope."

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, who offered up a green vision for the city last fall, attended Monday's ceremony. Afterward, he said his staff has started counting solar roofs in San Jose, and that fewer than 500 are now in place. His goal is 100,000 solar roofs in San Jose over the next 10 years.

Sustainable and inclusive destination development works even in Silicon Valley.

Source:
http://www.mercurynews.com/green/ci_8530078

More on First Community Housing:

Web Site:
http://www.firsthousing.org/

Global Green Case Study
http://www.firsthousing.org/pdfs/GlobalGreen2.pdf

Innovation in Design
http://www.firsthousing.org/pdfs/Innovation%20part%20of%20Design%2012-14-07%20SVBJ.pdf

Wall Street Journal on Universal Design in Homes
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120742884133292721.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Life on the Beach

Beach access for wheelchair users is an issue being addressed in in creative ways: ramps, boardwalks, Mob-Mats, and all-terrain wheelchairs. Shared Adventures of Santa Cruz, California has added a Landeez Beach Wheelchair to the collection of options available to the public in that beach town:

We often receive questions about beach wheelchairs. Locals and travelers alike would like to know where to rent one so that they can experience our majestic and famous coastline from the sand.

The city of Santa Cruz currently does have a beach chair program, but it is very limited in certain aspects and they can only be used onsite at three beaches.

In many instances, someone needs a beach wheelchair to attend a specific event (such as a wedding) or to visit an alternate site. There is no other place locally that rents them out, so we have not had anywhere to refer these many people. We are the ONLY place in Santa Cruz that offers a beach wheelchair available to rent on a daily (or weekly) basis!

Source
http://www.sharedadventures.org/beachchair.htm

Contact Information:

Shared Adventures
90 Grandview St. B101, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone/Fax: 831-459-7210
Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri 11-5:30
info@sharedadventures.org

Landeez
http://www.landeez.com/

ADA: US is Playing With Broken Toys

The 20th nation has ratified the United nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD.)

Ecuador was the tipping point nation. This means that the document will attain force of law on May 3.

It is no secret that the United States has not been supportive of this culmination of 30 year's work by the disability community. The US disability community has written and vigorously promoted the ADA Restoration Act as a remedy to US abdication of the core intent of the ADA. It now appears that the next phase in the backslide will take the form of benign disinterest and subtle claims that the ADA and CRPD are equivalent. It remains for the united disability community to mount an effective public education initiative to turn aside such patronizing dismissal of our political will as:

"We recognize that many other states may consider the convention a useful tool as they develop their own national framework for persons with disabilities," said U.S. mission spokesman Richard Grenell.

"But for the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 2001, was the most sweeping legislation to provide access for people with disabilities."

The momentum for justice on disability rights has bypassed the United States. Case in point, in practice the ADA does not provide the coherent and fundamental human rights affirmation on leisure and tourism contained in Chapter 30 of the Convention.

Speaking to US readers explicitly for the moment - It is in our best interest as a nation to admit our failure to live up to our own promise as embodied in the ADA. It is time to join the international community rather than cower behind protests of having been "first." Protests of psuedo-support are a disingenuous disservice to the disability community. False assurances that the existing - and complacent - US system is the endpoint to be sought is also a disservice to business. Without a vision equivalent to that of Chapter 30 of the CRPD the tourism industry in the US will fall further and further behind the rest of the world.

* Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN03333101

See also:

Secretary-General Ban hails entry into force of treaty on disability rights

[UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro (left) addressing the signing ceremony of the Convention last year]

UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro (left) addressing the signing ceremony of the Convention last year
3 April 2008 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the entry into force of the first international treaty on the human rights of persons with disabilities, after the required twentieth country ratified the landmark convention today.

“It is a historic moment in our quest for realization of the universal human rights for ALL persons, creating a fully inclusive society for all,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson Marie Okabe said in a statement celebrating the rapid progress of the Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in December 2006.

“The Convention will be a powerful tool to eradicate the obstacle faced by persons with disabilities,” she said, pointing to discrimination, segregation from society, economic marginalization, and lack of opportunities for participation in social, political and economic decision-making processes.

Today’s ratification by Ecuador means that the Convention, along with an optional protocol that will allow individuals and groups to petition for relief, will be legally binding as of 3 May. Tunisia and Jordan also ratified the treaty earlier this week.

Through today’s statement, the Secretary-General also congratulated the States that have ratified or acceded to the Convention. Some 126 countries have signed the Convention since 30 March 2007, and 71 have signed the optional protocol.

“It is estimated that there are at least 650 million persons with disabilities worldwide, of whom approximately 80 percent live in less developed countries,” Ms. Okabe noted.

As many as two-thirds of United Nations Member States do not have any legal protection for people with disabilities, according to the UN Focal Point on Disability Akiko Ito, even though they comprise one in 10 of the global population.

“The Convention, together with its Optional Protocol, is deeply rooted in the firm commitment of the international community to rectifying the egregious neglect and dehumanizing practices that violate the human rights of persons with disabilities,” Ms. Okabe concluded, calling on all States that have not yet done so to accede or ratify it without delay.

In a statement issued this past weekend, more than 20 UN departments, agencies, programmes, and funds pledged their support to implementing the convention.

The newly-formed Inter-Agency Support Group for the Convention said that support will focus on six main areas: policies to support the purpose and objectives of the Convention; programmes including international cooperation; capacity-building of Member States, civil society, and the UN system; research and access to knowledge on disabilities; accessibility; and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Source:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=26199&Cr=&Cr1=

Comment: Inclusive Access for Greek Citizens and Tourists

By Ivor Ambrose, European Network for Accessible Tourism

Mrs. Waterman, who wrote to Athens News (Letters to the Editor, 14 March 2008) is, of course, absolutely right. Her husband has a medical condition preventing him from climbing stairs. But when travelling on a Greek ferry they were initially refused access to the lift to take them from the car deck to the passenger decks, as Mr. Waterman does not have a disability permit nor does he use a wheelchair, both of which, they were told, are required by “The Regulations”. Only after a hefty argument were they allowed to take the lift, and then only with the unsettling message that this was an exception, not to be repeated.

The regulations for carrying passengers in lifts may have made sense to the team of bureaucrats who penned them but in applying the rule in practice, common sense is thrown overboard, the ship’s captain becomes a sea monster and the fare-paying passengers have the prospect of experiencing what should be a delightful Mediterranean sea journey from the confines of the ship’s bilges.

Continued -

This sad episode has probably been replicated many times all over Greece. I have a similar lift-regulation-experience from the Acropolis of Athens, a World Heritage Site, which was made accessible for “People with Special Needs” in 2004 by means of a remarkable stair lift and a near-vertical lift which scales the western wall of the edifice. In 2005 I visited the Acropolis with a group of international experts in Accessible Tourism, three of whom use wheelchairs. The walkers in our group took the main path while the wheelchair users were directed to the lift entrance. As our party included a Greek mother with two small children, one sitting in a pushchair, she followed the wheelchair group towards the lift entrance. However, she was refused access to the lift as the guards (- it is hard to call them assistants) told her she was not considered a “Person with Special Needs”, and was therefore not allowed to use the lift. She was left waiting outside, unable to enter the Acropolis at all. At the top we also met an elderly American lady who had struggled to make the long climb with a recently sprained ankle, (twisted, unfortunately, on an Athenian pavement). She had not been informed of the lift access at the main gate, she told us, but had noticed the elevator at the top and asked if she could use it to descend. ‘The lift is only for wheelchair users’, said the two lift attendants. Do you have a disability permit? No, of course she did not! On their refusal, with her painful ankle and her feelings also hurt, she turned and took the long walk down. Certainly, this was an unforgettable tourist experience of Greece!

The lessons of these examples go far beyond the immediate issue of inconvenience and degrading treatment inflicted on the unfortunate passengers and tourists who find themselves on the wrong side of the ‘exclusive’ Greek lift regulations.

The well-known Greek term “Ατομα με Ειδικές Ανάγκες” (A.M.E.A.) – Persons with Special Needs – was defined ten years ago in the Accessibility Guidelines of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment to include: persons with permanent or temporary functional impairments… as well as persons who may be frail, such as those of the third or fourth age, and people of large or small physical stature and also those who, for example carry heavy luggage. [1]

The Greek Accessibility Guidelines take the needs of disabled people as the yardstick for inclusive design, which aims to make environments accessible and usable for all, meaning both disabled and non-disabled persons. It was these guidelines which, along with the national building regulations and transport regulations, so successfully produced the accessibility provisions for visitors and spectators at the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This makes it all the more puzzling that the present lift regulation goes against the official policy of an inclusive approach to the design and use of lifts. This deserves to be investigated, clarified, and possibly corrected. Is it the regulation itself which is at fault or the lack of awareness and training among those who should apply it? Or perhaps a bit of both?

A well-designed, accessible environment, when managed correctly, is good for all people, and it makes full participation in travel and social life possible for those with disabilities. Lifts, ramps and spoken announcements of train stations on the Metro are all examples of features that make mobility easier for everyone. But if the regulatory authorities and those in charge of transport or visitor attractions lack awareness of customers’ access needs, then the best designed facilities in the world will not give full benefit to all users.

Spreading greater awareness about accessibility and the best means of achieving it for everyone is the primary aim of the ‘European Network for Accessible Tourism’ (ENAT), a non-profit association registered in Brussels with its Secretariat in Halandri, Athens. ENAT was formed with European Union support in 2006 by a group of nine organisations, including the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, VisitBritain and disability NGOs from six EU Member States, including the Greek ΝGΟ ‘Disability Now’ (ΑΝΑΠΗΡΙΑ ΤΩΡΑ). ENAT now has over 440 members in 52 countries. The members include tourism and travel enterprises, policy makers, national authorities, tourism education and training bodies, user organisations, professionals and some individuals. The network is actively sharing information about good accessibility practices in every area of tourism though the website www.accessibletourism.org and by means of international events and publications.

For those in the tourism industry the most compelling reasons to take note of the accessibility issue are to do with the demographic ageing of the populations of Europe and other western economies, which is reflected in rising numbers of older tourists around the world. The 55+ age group is the fastest growing inbound market segment in the UK. They spend more, stay longer and travel throughout the year, as opposed to younger age groups. These tourists, who may have small impairments or health problems as they get older, might not call themselves ‘disabled’ but they certainly want to continue travelling. And they have expectations about good accessibility at airports, in hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and of course in planes, ferries, buses and taxis.

The University of Surrey School of Tourism Management estimated in 2005 that the ‘accessible tourism market’ of older and disabled people and their families, (as these customers don’t usually travel alone), amounts to around 130 million people in Europe alone, with a potential revenue of some 80 million Euro per year.

ENAT wants these customers to enjoy travel in Europe and we want to help tourism providers meet this challenge, competently and with confidence. The task requires networking and greater use of standards for accessible infrastructure and staff training, as well as partnerships between tourism enterprises, the public sector and user organisations, to build the right frameworks and leverage this growing market.

Here in Greece, tackling lack of awareness about customers’ access needs and rights, and removing access barriers should be an ongoing and urgent priority of all actors – the public regulators, enterprises, Chambers of Commerce, trade associations, passenger transport businesses and others – both for the good of citizens living in Greece and the millions of visitors who come here to experience the best that Greece has to offer. The job of making Greece accessible wasn’t finished in 2004. There is much more to be done!

Of course, customers’ needs are one thing, their rights are another. Those who manage public places and provide services for payment, such as archaeological sites and ferry transport, must actively avoid discriminating against any groups of citizens who have the same right to access. Paying customers should be given the same level of service, wherever possible. In practical terms it does not make sense to distinguish between the access rights of local citizens and the rights of visitors from other countries, who have paid to enjoy the same services, nor between ‘able-bodied’ and disabled visitors. Such discrepancies run contrary to UN human rights policies, and it is worth noting that consumer protection legislation is moving inexorably against such unequal treatment both in European Union countries and the rest of the world.

Perhaps the most important lesson from Mr. and Mrs. Waterman’s ferry boat experience is that all of those who are engaged in the tourism and travel industry, from the policy makers to the deck-hand, must pay attention to the demands of all those customers who need good access, otherwise the market will either simply go elsewhere or, taking the other tack, we might expect a burgeoning growth of legal proceedings against providers – or the State - on the grounds of discriminatory practices. Far better then, to meet access demands with improved information, better awareness and infrastructure that is designed for and usable by all citizens.

Ivor Ambrose is Managing Director of the European Network for Accessible Tourism

[1] Greek Accessibility Guidelines, Ministry of Environment (1998) in Greek only. http://www.minenv.gr/1/16/162/16203/g1620300.html

New Site for People with Disabilities on Public Spaces in New England That Handicap PwD

Hattie Bernstein of the Nashua Telegraph reports on a new resource for slow walkers and those with impairments. She writes that the site, oxymoronically named www.NEHandicap Access.com:

...provides information about access to public places in New England for anyone who depends on a wheelchair, crutches, braces, a walker or a cane for mobility.

The site, www.NEHandicap Access.com, which lists restaurants, parks, museums, stadiums, theaters and other public venues, has been up and running for only a few weeks.

[Site owner Jerry] Biddle, who retired for medical reasons and uses a wheelchair, said his "epiphany" was a family vacation; while visiting his son in Connecticut, he and his wife booked a room at a nearby hotel that advertised itself as "accessible."

"I couldn't get into the room," Biddle said. "I could get into the handicapped bathroom, but I couldn't get to the bed."

Thanks to Kel Smith for the tip on this story!

From Tourism-Review.com

A special issue of the magazine Ethical has been published on Barrier-Free Tourism. The 13 page pdf download is available here.

Articles include:

Tourism Accessible for All in Europe
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For those who associate tourism only with holiday and leisure and luxury it should be mentioned that tourism is a sector of remarkable economic importance. The European tourism economy contributes to about 5 % (depending on its definition up to 11 %) to the GDP of the European Union and provides between 8 and 24 million jobs (depending on the definition of the sector). Furthermore, it should be taken into account that tourism is indispensably linked with travel...

Case Study: Economic Advantages of Accessible Tourism in Germany
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In November 2002 Germany's Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour commissioned a project group, comprising the University of Münster and the consulting firms NEUMANNCONSULT and Reppel + Lorenz, to conduct a study on the economic impulses of accessible Tourism for All. For the first time reliable data and statements were brought together, which represent the customer’s potential and manner regarding accessible Tourism in Germany...

Merging Architecture and Accessibility
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In the Nordic countries, improving disabled people's access to museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions has been an important consideration for a number of years. It is evident that museum buildings and the way displayed objects are presented should embrace all visitors; one of the challenges confronting museums at the turn of the twenty-first century is to ensure the greatest possible accessibility for all without compromising the architectural expression...

Providing Services in an Accessible Manner
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Access is about the absence of barriers to the use of facilities. Although this is usually seen in terms of physical access or access to informa¬tion and communication, poorly trained staff can represent a serious barrier for disabled people if they are unable to provide services in an appropriate, non-discriminatory way...
Barrier-Free Asia?

International Coalition Launches Groundbreaking Disability Rights Fund

Press Release:

BOSTON, MA – The Open Society Institute, The Sigrid Rausing Trust, the United Kingdom Department for International Development, and an anonymous donor today announced a groundbreaking collaborative to support the human rights for people with disabilities.

Launched on the first anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD), the Disability Rights Fund will provide financial support for human rights advocacy in the developing world and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union. The broad objective of the Fund will be to empower disabled persons organizations around the world to effectively implement and monitor the CPRD.

“The Fund is a unique partnership among donors and the worldwide disability community,” said Emily Martinez, Director of Special Initiatives at the Open Society Institute. “It will directly support the human rights work of disabled persons organizations in the developing world.”

The CRPD recognizes that self-representation is essential to the enjoyment of human rights. It underscores the importance of including people with disabilities in the development of disability law, policies and programs. Through its unique governance structure, the Disability Rights Fund incorporates this principle.

A global advisory panel, made up of 12 individuals, most of whom are persons with disabilities, will provide recommendations on grantmaking strategies for the Fund; four of the Panel members will also serve on the Fund’s grantmaking decision body. The members of the panel come from five continents and reflect a broad cross-section of the disability community. The majority were nominated by international and regional disabled persons organizations.

The structure of the Fund not only reflects the international disability community’s slogan, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” it also reflects a growing trend within the grantmaking community to better listen to the communities they seek to serve and to redefine the relationship between grantmaker and grantee in the interest of more effective grantmaking.

Grants disbursed by the Disability Rights Fund will be centered on three major areas: increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in their communities through trainings and networking opportunities; developing awareness of the CPRD among stakeholders; and supporting advocacy projects that promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities. The Fund expects to make its first grants in late spring/early summer 2008.

“The broad, international support for the Disability Rights Fund is a remarkable characteristic of this grantmaking enterprise. It is our hope that this diversity in funding sources will expand as the Fund develops,” said Diana Samarasan, Director of the Fund.

####

MARCH 31, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diana Samarasan, Director
Telephone: 617-261-4593
Email: dsamarasan@disabilityrightsfund.org

Donald Hawkins on Geotourism as Eco-Sensitive, Pro-Poor, Gender Fair, Peacemaking -- and Someday Inclusive

Dr. Donald Hawkins is interviewed at the Ashoka Geotourism Challenge. He gives a good overview of how ecotourism is morphing into geotourism and cites some of the necessary alliances -- pro-poor tourism and gender equity. Apparently we need to do more public education about the economic realities of disability and Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) for the disability community to regularly be cited in the litany of the ecosystem of geotourism allies:

While ecotourism is still associated with the natural environment, there is now a sensitivity to the cultural dimension as well, and strong emphasis on engaging and involving the communities that surround very valued, high-quality cultural and natural resources. This is one of the challenges we have in the years ahead: we have more work to do in finding ways of tapping into tourism—which is really the largest ever transfer of wealth from rich to the poorer countries. ... is there potential for creating more business-related activities—such as tours, interpretation, facilities, or ecolodges—where consumers pay for services rendered and the money then sticks within the local communities in gateways near the protected areas?

He goes on to answer Lou D'Amore's question and the one we addressed in the Ecumenical Council on Tourism's anniversary issue of the Contours journal:

Can tourism be used to address the causes of conflict and war?

What we really need is the freedom to travel anywhere we want in the world, and to be safe and secure. Freedom to travel, and safety and security, are probably the main concerns that people who live in these places are concerned about too.

Then there’s the whole education side of travel. It is such an intensive opportunity to learn and gain practical exposure to the world. We certainly need more of that people-to-people contact in this day and age where there is so much conflict.

Now we are bringing together Lou D’Amore’s International Institute For Peace Through Tourism and the Institute for Corporate Responsibility (ICR), a new institute that has been created at the GW School of Business, to collaborating. They will be offering a symposium in May titled “Peace Through Commerce, Tapping the Potential of the Global Travel Industry.”

For the full interview:

http://www.changemakers.net/node/7069

You Don't Need to Speak the Language to Understand This Video