Types of Disabilities / Specific Access Requirements

• Welcoming and Introduction of new module
• Recap previous course module on: Introduction to  Accessible Health &  Wellness Tourism
• What to expect in this course module

• Focus on the individual:

  • Emphasize the person first language ("people with disabilities" instead of "disabled people").
  • Avoid generalizations and stereotypes.
  • Respect individual needs and preferences.
  • Treat each customer with dignity and respect.

• Customer-centric approach:

  • View accessibility as an opportunity to enhance the customer experience for all.
  • Focus on providing high-quality service that meets the diverse needs of all customers.
  • Prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure a positive travel experience.

• Empathy and understanding:

  • Show empathy and understanding towards the challenges faced by travelers with disabilities.
  • Be patient and attentive to individual needs and requests.
  • Be willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

• Proactive and inclusive service:

  • Anticipate the needs of customers with disabilities.
  • Proactively offer assistance and support.
  • Create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all travelers.

• Confidentiality and discretion:

  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of customers with disabilities.
  • Handle personal information with sensitivity and discretion.

• Continuous improvement:

  • Regularly seek feedback from customers with disabilities.
  • Continuously strive to improve accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of service delivery.

By adopting this customer-centric perspective, tourism businesses can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all travelers, fostering positive customer experiences and building strong relationships with the disability community.

The ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health)

• Context of ICF:

  • Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Provides a standardized language and a conceptual framework for describing and understanding human functioning and disability.
  • Acknowledges that disability is a complex phenomenon resulting from the interaction between health conditions, personal factors, and environmental factors.
  • Shifts away from a solely medical model of disability towards a biopsychosocial approach.

• Individual Application of ICF:

  • Can be used to assess individual functioning and disability in various settings (healthcare, rehabilitation, social services).
  • Helps to identify individual needs and strengths.
  • Guides the development of individualized support plans and interventions.
  • Facilitates communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.

• ICF Usability:

  • Provides a common language and framework for professionals across different disciplines.
  • Enables data collection and analysis for research and policy development.
  • Supports the development of inclusive and accessible services and environments.
  • Promotes a more holistic and person-centered approach to disability.

• Physical Disabilities:

  • Mobility impairments:

    • Wheelchair users
    • People with limited mobility (e.g., difficulty walking, climbing stairs)
    • Amputees

  • Musculoskeletal conditions: Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy

  • Neurological conditions: Cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease

  • Access Requirements:

    • Ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms
    • Wide doorways and hallways
    • Adapted transportation (wheelchair-accessible vehicles)
    • Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, walkers)
    • Adapted accommodations (e.g., roll-in showers, grab bars)

• Sensory Disabilities:

  • Visual impairments: Blindness, low vision, color blindness

  • Hearing impairments: Deafness, hard of hearing

  • Access Requirements:

    • Visual aids (e.g., Braille signage, large print materials, audio descriptions)
    • Assistive listening devices (e.g., hearing aids, FM systems)
    • Sign language interpreters
    • Clear and concise verbal and written communication
    • Adequate lighting and contrast

• Cognitive Disabilities:

  • Intellectual disabilities

  • Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia)

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Dementia

  • Access Requirements:

    • Clear and simple instructions and signage
    • Easy-to-understand language and communication
    • Reduced sensory overload (e.g., quiet areas, low lighting)
    • Assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, text-to-speech software)
    • Supportive and patient staff

• Neurological Conditions:

  • Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis

  • Access Requirements:

    • Rest areas and quiet zones for those who may experience fatigue or seizures.
    • Assistance with navigation and orientation.
    • Consideration for potential sensory sensitivities (e.g., noise, light, crowds).

• Other Disabilities:

  • Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)

  • Temporary disabilities (e.g., broken limbs, pregnancy)

  • Access Requirements:

    • Accessibility features that cater to a wide range of needs.
    • Flexible policies and options to accommodate individual needs.
    • Staff trained to recognize and respond to diverse needs.

• Walking, Balance and Stamina
• Handling Objects - Dexterity and Manipulation or Operation of Objects
• eaching

• Understanding Cognitive Impairments:

  • Intellectual disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, intellectual developmental disorder)
  • Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD)
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Dementia and other age-related cognitive decline
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Neurological conditions affecting cognitive function

• Specific Access Requirements:

  • Clear and concise communication:
    • Use of simple language, avoiding jargon and complex sentences.
    • Providing information in multiple formats (e.g., visual aids, audio descriptions, easy-to-read materials).
    • Clear and concise signage and wayfinding.
  • Reduced sensory overload:
    • Minimizing noise and visual distractions.
    • Providing quiet areas for rest and relaxation.
    • Offering options for sensory adjustments (e.g., dimming lights, adjusting sound levels).
  • Simplified navigation and orientation:
    • Clear and logical layout of spaces.
    • Consistent signage and wayfinding systems.
    • Providing maps and guides in accessible formats.
  • Flexibility and choice:
    • Offering flexible itineraries and options.
    • Allowing for breaks and adjustments to plans as needed.
    • Providing opportunities for personalized assistance.
  • Assistive technologies:
    • Providing access to assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, text-to-speech software, communication devices).
  • Staff training:
    • Training staff on effective communication and interaction with individuals with cognitive impairments.
    • Promoting sensitivity and understanding of individual needs and preferences.

• Creating Inclusive Experiences:

  • Providing clear and concise information in advance of travel.
  • Offering pre-arrival support and assistance.
  • Providing options for personalized assistance during travel.
  • Creating a calm and supportive environment.
  • Ensuring staff are trained and equipped to provide appropriate support.

• Ageing Adults
• Developing Child
• Diversity of Stature - People of Very Large or Very Small Stature
• Speech Impairment
• Not Understanding the Language
• Allergies and Other Sensitivities
• Epilepsy