Creating Accessible Destinations
The importance of collective efforts is reflected in the need for the creation of accessible destinations. It is great if you can accommodate people with mobility problems in your accommodation, but not much good for them if they cannot get into any of the attractions or down the high street. Become informed of what is accessible locally (see list of information sources in our Directory). Ask your local authority what action it is taking to become an accessible destination for visitors.
Tourism for All collaborated with the Tourism Managers' Institute to develop a Toolkit for destination managers. This includes a chapter on Access and Inclusion. See www.tmi.org.uk (TFA members can request a copy by email jenny@tourismforall.org.uk). Suggest to your local authority that it follows some of the suggestions. It demonstrates links between different parts of the local authority agenda: between tourism and economic regeneration, tourism and sport, and tourism and 'well-being', for example.
An excellent example of how to create an accessible destination is given in Universal Design New York Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities: http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/~arced/lifespan00/udi/udi1.html.
The Tourism Managers Institute TMI has produced a toolkit for destination managers with a chapter on access and inclusion. Their website is www.tmi.org.uk.
Examples of social inclusion and good practice in accessible tourism.
Birmingham City Council / VisitBirmingham
www.birmingham.gov.uk / www.visitbirmingham.com
Reviewing the accessibility of facilities in Birmingham, in order to improve information and services to disabled visitors and their companions.
Brighton & Hove City Council
Working with disability groups in order to improve access for visitors and local people alike.
Essex County Council
Contact Elli Constantatou elli.constantatou@ExDRA.co.uk. Work with the Essex Coalition of Disabled People to change industry attitudes and promote holiday and employment opportunities within the area.
Tees Valley Partnership
Reviewing the accessibility of destinations in the region, in order to improve information and services to disabled visitors and their companions.
TourismSouthEast
Providing support for local businesses and working with disabled stakeholders to improve access to goods and services in the South East of England.
(Last Updated: 12-02-2008)