Making Travel Accessible for the Disabled
We love travel but no matter how much we love something, we sometimes take it for granted. For backpackers travel is routine - like brushing your teeth or tying your shoes. We do it without thinking much about it and when you start to think like that, maybe it’s time for a little contemplation because for some people, travel isn’t a given. This month we take some time out and spotlight the work of a charity that makes travel dreams a reality for those who don’t find travel so easy - Tourism for All UK (TfA).
Story Highlights
- Tourism for All UK
- Make Dreams a Reality
- What to Look For
Tourism for All UK
For the disabled and the elderly - a lack of accessible facilities can make travel difficult or even impossible. So for the last 30 years Tourism for All UK has championed accessible tourism for those who need it. By providing information on accessible tourism options in the UK and selected overseas destinations, the charity enables those they help - to live their lives to the fullest.
So what exactly does TfA do? Well along with destination information, the nationally registered charity also provides information on activities, equipment hire, carer and escort services, and activity holidays for disabled travellers. For those of limited means, TfA can also point them towards financial assistance, for their trip.
In addition TfA UK publishes OPENBRITAIN - a guidebook with a complementary website that’s supported by Visit England, Visit Scotland, Visit Wales and disability charity, RADAR. As a reference for disabled travellers, it’s full of tips to help them build a trip that’s suited to their needs.
Make Dreams a Reality
TfA however does more than just provide information. For travellers in need it makes dreams come true! Better yet it gives you guys the chance to make dreams come true too. How? Well as a charity TfA needs financial support so if you can, consider becoming a Friend of TFA, make a donation or help them out with the fundraising.
But wait! Money aint’ all that and even if you’re skint, you can still help. Here’s how. On your travels, look out for anything that could be wheelchair accessible. TfA values your tips, so anything that you see that could help disabled travellers is appreciated. Make sure you take down detailed information such as website links, e-mail addresses or even pictures, and let TfA know. If it’s easier give TfA’s website (www.tourismforall.org.uk) to the people at the site, and ask them to submit their details.
What To Look For
What are you looking for? TfA’s Brian Seaman tells us that it could be as simple as finding a place with a wheel in shower, an overhead tracking hoist or other access provisions such as ramps. Accessible transport and attractions are really important for disabled travellers overseas, so look out for those too.
Although the charity is mainly focused on accessible tourism in the UK, they welcome information on disabled facilities overseas as well. Brian tells us that: “Areas that have the least coverage so far include Africa, India, China, Japan, South America and Russia, although these countries are all developing accessible facilities.” So no matter where you are, you can help.
Whatever you do - don’t be indifferent. Keep your eyes open for places that are accessible for disabled travellers and remember that when you help Tourism for All UK, you’re helping to make dreams a reality. For more information on Tourism for All UK, check them out at tourismforall.org.uk
- Jackie Reddy
