The study of the opportunities and challenges of accessible tourism for people with disabilities, including accommodations, transportation, and cultural barriers.
Disability Studies: This field of study investigates cultural, social, and political issues related to persons with disabilities. It covers a wide range of topics, including accessibility, inclusion, identity, and representation.
Accessibility: Refers to the degree to which a tourist destination, attraction or service is accessible to people with disabilities. It can include physical accessibility, communication accessibility, and programmatic accessibility.
Inclusion: Refers to the concept of involving people with disabilities in tourism activities and services, ensuring that they are treated with respect and an equal opportunity to participate.
Universal Design: This design approach aims to make products, infrastructure, and environments accessible to people of all abilities, without the need for special accommodations or adaptations.
Types of Disabilities: Including physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, and cognitive disabilities, all of which may require different types of accommodations and support.
Assistive technology: Refers to devices, equipment, or software that enhance the capabilities or independence of a person with a disability.
Policy and Legislation: The legal and regulatory framework that influences the accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in tourism.
Case studies and best practices: Analyzing and learning from examples of businesses, organizations, and destinations that have successfully implemented disability-friendly policies, programs, and services.
Physical Disability Tourism: This refers to tourism that is suitable for people who have physical disabilities such as wheelchair users, deaf or hard of hearing and visually impaired.
Cognitive Disability Tourism: This type of tourism is designed to cater to people with cognitive disabilities such as learning difficulties, autism, and Down syndrome.
Mental Health Disability Tourism: This type of tourism is aimed at people with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.
Sensory Disability Tourism: This refers to tourism designed for people with sensory disabilities such as blindness, deafness or hard of hearing, or other sensory impairments.
Multiple Disabilities Tourism: This refers to tourism designed for people who have multiple disabilities or complex needs, such as those with both physical and cognitive impairments.
Age-Related Disability Tourism: This type of tourism is aimed at elderly people who have physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments.
Temporary Disabilities Tourism: This refers to tourism suited to those who have temporary disabilities such as a broken leg, temporary hearing impairment or vision impairment.