guide to accessible tourism develop successful products europe

G U I D E T OA C C E S S I B L E T O U R I S M

Identify market opportunities

Address new target groups

Develop successful products

Training courses free of charge

Europe-wide marketing

Promote barrier-free travelling for senior citizens and people withhandicaps through innovative marketing strategies based onawareness of specific requirements, needs and active interest insocial inclusion

www.mit-makeitaccessible.euwww.tourism4all.net

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I M P R I N T

Publisher:

MIT! Make it accessible! - Promote barrier-free travelling for senior citizens and people

with handicaps through innovative marketing strategies based on awareness of specific

requirements, needs and active interest in social inclusion

504655-LLP-1-2009-1-DE-LEONARDO-LMP

www.mit-makeitaccessible.eu

www.tourism4all.net

Coordinator:

TELEHAUS WETTER / VeFAR e.V., Marburg

www.telehaus-wetter.de

Contact:

Dr. Imke Troltenier, T. +49 (0) 6421 360 21-0

[email protected]

Project funding:

This project is funded with support from the European Commission. This communication

reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for

any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

March 2011

Copyright:

All rights reserved. Reproduction and transfer (even in extracts) is only permitted upon

written consent.

“The Hesse Tourism Association welcomes thisinitiative. The course “Accessibility in HotelIndustry” is necessary because many enterprisesneed action recommendations for adequate stepsin order to implement improvements in theirbusiness. The hotels and tourism organisationsawarded today with the certificate recognized thisfact and are adapting to the crowing target groupon time.

It is especially important that players of the tourismindustry adapt their products to customers withdifferent handicaps. For the enterprises involved inthis process this will result in a marketadvantage...”

Hartmut Reiße, CEOHesse Tourism Association

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

Welcome!We are very pleased that you are interested in accessible tourism. MIT! aims at enhancing

competiveness of small and medium tourism enterprises in a sustainable manner. MIT! supports the

development of holistic tourism products for target groups that have been underestimated in the past in

terms of their market potential.

“We enjoyed our stay. We will come back!” – satisfied guests are the best indicator for a win-win situation

for both sides. In this context, a clear target group orientation is crucial for the success. Target group

specific products decisively increase guest satisfaction, because in this case the hotel management and

their staff know exactly what their guests expect and desire. This means that they can create attractive

products and make effective use of their marketing instruments. For this, MIT! involves touristic actors in

the different regions as well as local service providers.

The project delivers free of charge innovative methods and tools for a sustainable profiling in the young

market of accessible tourism, including the MIT! Model for the holistic development of specific products,

the flexible MIT! Training courses and the MIT! Internet Platform as a market place for accessible

tourism.

With these guidelines we want to inform the actors in the tourism sector and in regional economic

development, trainers in the tourism industry as well as hotel managers and their staff, as this project is

based on your competence, your engagement and your creativity in order to realize it in the different

regions.

If you have suggestions or are interested in participating, we are looking forward to your message. For now

we wish you an interesting and inspiring reading.

Enjoy reading it!

Your MIT! Project Partners

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C O N T E N T S

Introduction

P a r t 1

Identifying market opportunities:

Focussing underestimated market segments

Disability is not always the same:

Directly addressing new target groups

MIT! Model: Access - Service - Experiences

Develop holistic and tailored products for each target group

Project Development:

Win-Win in regional co-operations

Europe-wide Marketing:

Communicating Quality MIT! Platform

Future oriented training courses:

MIT! Blended Learning for accessible tourism

P a r t 2

Access - Service - Experiences

Target group specific standards

P a r t 3

Literature and sources

MIT! Make it accessible:

Project partners

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IDENTIFYING MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

F O C U S S I N G U N D E R E S T I M A T E DM A R K E T S E G M E N T S

These MIT! Guidelines are addressing the actors of the tourism sector, of the regional

development, institutions for economic development, trainers in the tourism industry and last but not

least hotel managers and their staff. All over Europe: from Rovaniemi in Lapland to Agios Nikolaos

in Crete and from Lisbon in the West to Zamość in the Voivodeship Lubelskie in the East of the

European Union.

The objective is enhancing

competiveness of small and medium

tourism enterprises in a sustainable

manner. MIT! supports the development of

holistic tourism products for target groups

that have been underestimated in the past

in terms of their market potential.

MIT! especially addresses small enterprises

in the tourism industry, focussing on

awareness rising and qualification of service

providers as to the needs of specific

customer groups.

MIT! integrates the diverse regional

resources and offerings in the tourism

sector into the development of new offerings

and promotes the development of regional

cooperation and integration.

For participating tourism enterprises

MIT! provides the opportunity to profile

themselves in the growing range of

offerings in the European market through

innovative products and services.

There are 650 million disabled people in the

world. With a share of the population of 10 per

cent they represent the biggest minority.

However, the term ‘disabled people’

encompasses a diversity of individuals: people

with a walking, visual or hearing impairment

have different needs than people with

amyotrophia, polyarthritis or people with a

short stature.

For the first time, the MIT! Model defines

Europe-wide standards for the development

of target group specific accessible tourism

products, because especially in times of an

ageing population accessible tourism products

are becoming more and more important.

For small tourism enterprises it is important to

position themselves in sustainable market

segments by

directly addressing these target groups,

developing holistic and tailored products

and by

efficiently marketing these products on a

large scale.

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Already in advance of the “2003 European

Year of People with Disabilities” attention was

directed in different ways to the over 50 million

European citizens with disabilities. In

Germany accessibility was implemented

as the core in the new German law on

equal opportunities for people with

disabilities (BGG, 2002), and the federal

ministry for economy and technology (BMWi)

assigned a fundamental research on

“economic impulses of an accessible tourism

for all”.

When the study was published in 2003

accessible tourism was boosted in Germany.

It proves that earnings of 2,5 billion Euro are

made due to holidays and short holidays of

disabled people, but it indicates also that net

sales up to 4,8 billion Euro are possible in

Germany by implementing accessibility.

This would be equal to the creation of

90,000 new full time employments.

As the number of senior citizens is going to

duplicate and therefore as well the number of

travellers with reduced mobility, the market of

accessible tourism was evaluated as a

naturally growing market.

The study recommends that economy and

politics should consider the concept “Design

for all”, because pursuant to the “10 | 30 | 100

percent rule” accessibility is...

indispensable for 10 % of the

population,

necessary for 30-40 % and

convenient for 100 %.

Even though there were created a lot of

accessible tourism initiatives and local

networks, the market development did not

evolve as expected and stagnates all over

Europe. Still, the share of accessible

enterprises is only 6,5 percent. “In order to

successfully position oneself in the market

and efficiently use the ‘accessible tourism for

all’ potentials, the importance of a higher

customer orientation is increasing...”, the

BMWi follow up study 2006 observed.

Insufficient knowledge, non existing

standards and insufficient information

transfer were identified as further barriers for

demand growth: it had happened a lot that

hotels were classified as accessible too early

from the architectural point of view and as a

consequence the guests were gutted at their

arrival.

Therefore; MIT! has developed quality

standards for accessible holiday and

accommodation products offering free of

charge training courses, quality management

and Europe-wide marketing with funding of the

European Union.

Enterprises profiling themselves in the

young market are heading the competition:

even if demand is stagnating in many regions

due to the above mentioned reasons, a

current analysis of the (Google) inquiries on

the internet indicates the growing market

potential: there exists a demand for accessible

tourism! The interest in accessible tourism is

increasing only since 2006, in 2009 for the

first time continuously during the year1.

1 MIT! is based on a detailed market research in the participating partnercountries and in the EU. The MIT! study 2010 can be downloaded from the

internet at www.mit-makeitaccessible.eu. Further literature and sourcesare mentioned in the annex.

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DISABILITY IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME

D I R E C T L Y A D D R E S S I N GN E W T A R G E T G R O U P S

There are 650 million disabled people in the world; about 50 million are living in Europe and

approximately seven million in Germany. With a share of the population of 10 percent they

represent the biggest minority. However, the term ‘disabled people’ encompasses a diversity of

individuals: people with a walking, visual or hearing impairment have different needs than people with

amyotrophia, polyarthritis or people with a short stature.

MIT! addresses small and medium tourism

enterprises and supports product development

and qualification in terms of the needs of the

following customer groups2:

Seniors

Blind guests

Visually impaired guests

Wheelchair users

Guests with a disability in

walking

Short people

Guests with low kinetic energy

2The pictogram series used is based on the publishers: anatom5 perception

marketing GbR http://www.anatom5.de/ and Nationale KoordinationsstelleTourismus für Alle e.V. http://www.natko.de (copyright: anatom5 GmbH incooperation with Natko) and added by the pics for short guests and guests with lowkinetic energy.

Deaf guests

Hearing impaired guests

“Access for All” is the European Union’s

objective and its Member States are called

upon to implement the legal basis and

respective measures. At the same time the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities that was signed in Germany in

2009 postulates the equal participation of

people with disabilities in all social areas. At

European level, there were created, for

example, in 2005 the project OSSATE and in

2006 ENAT, European Network for Accessible

Tourism des Access for All. In Germany,

NatKo, Nationale Koordinationsstelle Touris-

mus für Alle e.V. exists since 1999.

Based on the experiences of the past years

MIT! positions itself with an innovative

approach: as in small and medium hotels in

addition to the mentioned barriers for the

development of the young “Access for All”

market often the architectonical conditions for

general accessibility do not exist, the

necessary investments exceed the existing

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possibilities and/or the product development

exceeds the staff capacities, MIT!s strategy is

clearly low-threshold und at the same time

considers the increasing importance of a

higher customer orientation.

MIT! supports the development of tourism

products that perfectly satisfy the needs of the

individual target group considering the

specific expectances of the defined customer

groups.

The little hotel in the old timbered house at the

market square of a little town, the horse ranch,

the traditional little station hotel can profile

themselves in the young market through

entrepreneurial initiative, creativity and the

awareness of the target group specific

needs by offering new products to disabled

people and their families in addition to the

products for the existing target groups.

The spacious restaurant, the little holiday

village, the apartment without steps for

summer guests can be modified investing

manageable sums so that senior citizens,

guests with a walking impairment and/or

wheelchair users are offered products

specifically to their needs in order to make

holidays and travel with satisfaction – and to

come back in the following year.

Accordingly, different studies indicate that the

MIT! target groups are more loyal to their

holiday resort than other guests, that they travel

a lot more in the low season and that they are

taking more time for a single journey.

The MIT! Training Courses link the

acquisition of knowledge, skills and key

qualifications with the acquisition of practical

competencies, including network creation,

regional cooperation and exchange with local

self-help organisations, because MIT! with its

holistic approach wants to achieve that the

existing and diverse regional resources in the

tourism industry are identified and integrated

in the product development of the single

hotels and tourism enterprises.

The MIT! Model defines Europe-wide quality

standards3

for the target group specific

development of these holistic accessible

offerings and the MIT! Platform

communicates them. On this platform offer

and demand are connected via internet and

the new products that were specifically

designed for the different target groups are

presented according to the destinations and

target group.

With this, MIT! contributes not only to

“Inclusion” and “Access for All”, but the platform

supports as well the hotels through a large

number of good practice examples, it makes

the developed products accessible all over

Europe as to their target group and promotes

the individual profiling in the market.

3Considering the national and cultural differences in the participating

countries, the project partners defined standards in close cooperation withexpert panels and representatives of self-help organisations and regionaltourism institutions for every single of the mentioned target groups, which youcan find in Part 2.

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A-S-E Approach of MIT! Model (2010)

MIT! MODEL: ACCESS - SERVICE - EXPERIENCES

D E V E L O P H O L I S T I C A N D T A I L O R E DP R O D U C T S F O R E A C H T A R G E T G R O U P

Have you ever tried to read Braille? Have you ever had dinner in a dark restaurant, tried to overcome

a step with a wheelchair or tried to carry a suitcase while walking on sticks? Barrier-free access and

stay in the hotel is important, but not sufficient, because for disabled people as well as for non

disabled people holidays and relaxing are closely linked with services and touristic activities as

insights into regional culture, nature experiences, sports and movement and with new experiences

and contacts.

A-S-E: 3 levels for describing the holistic

A-S-E approach of the MIT! Model:

A - Access

Independent access

S – Services

Services and information offerings

E - Experiences:

Relaxing and experiencing new things

In this context the quality criteria for barrier-

free access for specific target groups to hotels

(NACE 55.1 and 55.2) are based on the target

agreement on minimum standards for the

categorisation of accessible tourism

enterprises in Germany (2005)4.

4For the first target agreement– and up to now the only one –

agreement was achieved between DEHOGA Bundesverband(German hotel and restaurants association) with HotelverbandDeutschland (IHA) (hotel association Germany) and the socialassociation VdK Deutschland, Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Hilfe fürBehinderte (Federal Co-operative "Help for the Disabled"), theDeutschen Gehörlosen-Bund /german association of deaf people),the Deutschen Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverband (germanassociation for blind and visually impaired people) and therepresentation of interests Selbstbestimmt Leben (self-determinedlife). The target agreement on standardised collection, evaluationand demonstration of accessible products considers A. Guest withimpairment in walking who are temporarily dependent on a non-

They were completed by the

recommendations of the international MIT!

expert groups, that means that the

integration of the national and cultural aspects

within Europe was made sure by the

participation of different panels consisting in

representatives of self-help organisations,

motorised wheelchair or a walking aid, B. Wheelchair users whocannot walk and always need a wheelchair, C. Guests with avisually impairment and blind guests, D. Deaf guests and guestswith hearing impairment as well as E. (A-D). They were consideredin the German Hotel Classification (Deutsche Hotelklassifizierung).In this context the target agreement provides for the method of self-examination.

|10

disability groups and actors of the tourism

sector and of the regional development.

Respectively, there are 3 categories for

accessible tourism5

products

at the levels A-S-E

A – Access

1.A. How to get there

1.B. Getting in

1.C. Using the Facility

S - Services

2.A. Health Services

2.B. Mobility Services

2.C. Nutrition

E - Experiences

3.A. Insights into regional Culture

3.B. Nature, Sports and Movement

3.C. Education and Contacts

Basically, non-disabled guests and disabled

guests have the same expectances and

desires at their arrival. Their preferences,

needs and main focuses, however, are

individually different of course.

5There is no single, universally accepted definition of "accessible

tourism". On its website, ENAT - European Network for AccessibleTourism refers to some of the ways in which the term is definedand used:- “Accessible Tourism” (also known as “Access Tourism”,“Universal Tourism”, “Inclusive Tourism” and in some countriessuch as in Japan “Barrier-free Tourism”) is tourism and travel thatis accessible to all people, with disabilities or not, including thosewith mobility, hearing, sight, cognitive, or intellectual andpsychosocial disabilities, older persons and those with temporarydisabilities" (Takayama Declaration - Appendix, UNESCAP, 2009).- ...a process of enabling people with disabilities and seniors tofunction independently and with equity and dignity through thedelivery of universal tourism products, services and environments.The definition is inclusive of the mobility, vision, hearing andcognitive dimensions of access (Darcy, 2006, p. 6).Darcy, S. (2006). Setting a Research Agenda for AccessibleTourism. In C. Cooper, T. D. LacY & L. Jago (Eds.), STCRCTechnical Report Seriespp. 48). Available fromhttp://www.crctourism.com.au/BookShop/BookDetail.aspx?d=473Further reading: www.accessibletourism.org/?i=enat.en.faq#fi744

The MIT! Quality Standards vary at the

following levels according to the target group

specific needs. For example, category 2.B

Mobility Services for blind guests means to

organise an individual assistance or an

accompanying person for certain activities or

excursions and in the next point to allow that

they bring their guide dog and to provide a

dog basket, blanket and bowl, etc.

MIT! Quality Standardsvary according to target group specific needs

The product and service development for

wheelchair users, however, must consider in

category 2.B Mobility Services the question

what to do if the wheelchair has a defect? The

MIT! quality standards include that the hotel

that is adequate for a certain target group has

investigated in advance the contacts of

wheelchair services and those for other

auxiliary means and that it can provide it upon

request or can handle the repairing directly

within an already successful cooperation with

a local service provider on behalf of the guest.

For senior citizens, those with a short stature

and deaf guests... – for all nine MIT! Target

Groups the category 2.A. Health Services

includes physiotherapy, massages, wellness,

etc. Small and medium tourism enterprises

that do not provide these services should

provide upon request a list with the contact

details of the respective service providers in

the region, especially of those that provide

mobile services.

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PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

W I N - W I N I N R E G I O N A LC O - O P E R A T I O N S

MIT! includes the training of providers in terms of the needs of specific customer groups inspiring the

development of co-operations that are advantageous for both parts: for the providing hotel, for the

specialized and/or qualified participating service provider and for the customer group.

In category 3.A. Insights into regional culture,

the offerings for blind guests can be a

“TouchTour”, that is a city tour adapted to the

target group, or a “CityShopping”. For both

offerings the hotel can act as an information

provider referring to existing offerings of the

local tourism marketing or to regional

(touristic) service offerings.

Accordingly, category 3.B. Nature, Sports and

Movement for blind guests, providing a

tandem bicycle for a bike tour with the partner,

a family member or with an accompanying

person can be one of the offerings in order to

comply with the MIT! quality standards.

Also in this case, according to the MIT!

quality standards the hotel management

itself can decide whether to acquire and

maintain the tandems or to provide them in

cooperation with a local bike rental.

No matter how many target groups you are

addressing, a clear target group orientation

is decisive for your success.

“Discover with all senses” – the model of Marburg’s

marketplace supports the spacial perception.

Like this, the different target guest groups can

be addressed more efficiently. In general:

Target group specific products increase guest

satisfaction decisively, because in this case

the hotel management and their staff know

exactly what their guests expect and desire.

This means that they can create attractive

products and make effective use of their

marketing instruments.

|12

The chance of profiling themselves as a small

or medium tourism hotel within the increasing

offer with innovative products and services in

the European market for accessible tourism is

based on specific knowledge, skills and key

qualifications.

The MIT! training courses link the transfer of

theoretical knowledge, skills and key

qualifications with the acquisition of practical

competencies, including network creation,

regional cooperation and exchange with local

self-help organisations, because MIT!, with its

holistic

approach,

wants to

achieve that the

existing and

diverse regional

resources in the

tourism industry

are identified

and integrated

in the product

development of

the single hotels

and tourism

enterprises.

Whereas the

first mentioned

BMWi study

stated that “the

phenomenon

that

discussions

concerning disability and age tend to be

avoided exists in the whole society. This is

also valid for tourism...” and furthermore

referred that one reason for the weak

development of accessible tourism offerings is

“the idea of many providers that their guests

have reservations in front of disabled guests

and that accessible offerings are not accepted

or even declined by non-disabled guests...”,

nowadays a large number of new facts is

evident:

The UN Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities that was signed

immediately by 146 states worldwide

(present status) and ratified by 88

countries documents in a very

impressive way the active and social

interest in inclusion of people with

disabilities.

It is generally accepted that it is exactly

the plurality - as richness and resource

at the same time - within a society

(including furthermore the dimensions of

gender or cultural background) that is

decisive for a

sustainable

development

within the

international

competition.

According to

Eurobarometer

54.2 already in

2001 97 % of

the Europeans

were of the

opinion that

there should be

a better

integration of

disabled

people.

Accessible

tourism for all

consists of

different

interconnected

offerings in the ‘touristic service chain’. In

Germany for example NatKo6

documents

on its website the increasing number of

offerings that are being created in many

places.

6The Nationale Koordinationsstelle Tourismus für Alle e.V. – NatKo was founded

in 1999 by seven disabled persons’ organisations in order to bundle andcoordinate the activities of the self-help organisations in the context of “Tourism forAll”. The objective is to speak with a joint voice and to represent a large number ofdisabled persons.

From the holiday planning to the return: The interconnected modules ofthe touristic service chain. Source: NatKo,www.natko.de/index.php/reiseinfos (DE)

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EUROPE-WIDE MARKETING

C O M M U N I C A T I N G Q U A L I T YM I T ! P L A T F O R M

Regardless of whether it is about recreation and relaxing, education and culture, movement, sports or

nature experiences, for an increasing number of persons interested in holidays the internet is the

first choice, when deciding for the place to spend their holidays. Here, the new MIT! Platform links

offer and demand by presenting the accessible hotel offerings and permitting to execute enquiries

according to destination and target group. In order to establish it as a contact point all across Europe,

the quality proved entries are free of charge.

The MIT! Platform presents a large number of

examples for good practice, makes the newly

developed barrier-free offerings with their

target group orientation accessible across

Europe and promotes the individual profiling

in the market.

For a customer friendly offer presentation

the MIT! Partners developed a standard for

information transfer via internet, including the

decisive success factors in the young market

of accessible tourism for all and effective

marketing.

The MIT! ComModel...

communicates the accessible offerings

with their holistic spectrum

makes clear the target group specific

product development and their proximity to

the customers

makes measurable the quality of the

different products at first sight (10

seconds)

prepares the complex offer information in

detail and in a clear and transparent way

permits direct contact between interested

persons, potential guests and providers

communicates customer feedback

concerning quality of the presented

information for every single offer

The MIT! Platform is an accessible internet

offer according to W3C - Web Accessibility

Initiative (WAI)7.

7The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community that

develops web standards to ensure the long-term growth of the Web and itsinteroperability, www.w3c.org.

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_______________________________________

No matter if one, two or all nine of them: The MIT! Platform makes the newlydeveloped offers with its target group orientation accessible all over Europe.

In order to be able to decide whether a hotel

complies with their needs and expectances,

seniors and people with disabilities need

information on a series of specific key aspects,

including not only the already mentioned and

listed in detail in part 2 of this MIT! Guide

quality standards, but also for example

information that inform in advance if a detailed

organisation and a secure planning can be

made sure.

For all MIT! target groups category 1.A.

Getting in is about providing of in-advance-

information, this means detailed information

on the hotel’s location and accessibility

(directions), on orientation on site, on

entrance area and reception. Furthermore it is

about the number of single, double and family

rooms that comply with the criteria. There can

be annexed map details, bus timetables,

photos and true-to-scale sketches of bed,

bathroom, toilet, etc. In a lot of existing

initiatives and projects promoting accessible

tourism for all there is established the “Access

Statement”, a self information about

accessibility.

The MIT! in-advance-

information can be individual

agreements or factual and fact-

oriented. They are written

down, clear, precise and honest

descriptions of the hotel’s

relevant aspects. They are

always sorted according to the

target group and can give

furthermore insights into

enterprise culture and present

contact persons and/or staff.

This information can be found

as accessible word- or pdf-file

via MIT! Platform on the site of

the hotel or pension.

The MIT! Platform furthermore

informs on guest feedback on every single

offer. The evaluation is done using the MIT!

questionnaire, rating first of all, this also is a

new approach based on the experiences of

the market development in the last years, the

quality of the presented information. The

result is published on a scale upon verification

by MIT!, presenting the value on a five steps

scale and the number of guests participating

in the evaluation.

The MIT! Platform represents the principles

of the MIT! project with a dialogue- and

process-orientation: it is not about

presenting only hotels and pensions that

already fully comply with all MIT! Quality

Standards for the chosen target group. It is

more about initiating the processes necessary

for the development of completely accessible

offerings in the hotels and pensions according

to the target group and a continuous follow-

up. Within the MIT! in-advance-information, it

might be useful a letter of intent for single, up

to now not achieved standards, because on

the one hand it documents the consciousness

for need for action and on the other hand

permits that potential guests can evaluate the

relevance according to their individual needs.

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FUTURE ORIENTED TRAINING COURSES:

B L E N D E D L E A R N I N GA C C E S S I B L E T O U R I S M

The MIT! Training courses combine the learning of relevant knowledge, skills, key qualifications and

the acquisition of practical competencies to develop attractive and tailored hotel offerings. The

holistic approach of Access-Service-Experiences, the three levels of the MIT! Model, is about target

group specific barriers and support, relevant techniques for the development of projects and quality

management, about customer service and market orientation as well as the development of regional

service co-operations and the contact to local support groups. The participation is free of charge.

The MIT! Training course addresses hotel

managers and stuff members, stakeholders

in tourism, regional development authorities,

institutions of regional economic development

and training institutions in the tourism

industry. Thanks to MIT! participating

tourism institutions have the opportunity

to profile themselves in the increasing

range of innovative products and services

in the European market.

Accessible tourism demands relevant

knowledge, skills and key qualifications, i.e.

what is the meaning of “accessible”? What

can be seen in case of a remaining vision of

10%? How wide is a wheel chair? What

relevance can 2 centimetres have, when they

are missing in an access entrance? How can a

person communicate with deaf guests? Who

prints menus in braille? How can the mobility

of handicapped guests be enhanced?

What expectances do seniors have for their

holidays...?

The term “Inclusion” represents a paradigm

shift in our society that is reflected in the UN

Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities. This convention expresses the

request for implementation in a legal frame

and in the society. This is the point where

accessible tourism starts.

|16

It includes people with disabilities without

acting as a guardian, permits travelling,

holidays with family and friends, opens many

channels for communication, new experiences

and pleasurable exchange.

The MIT! Training Course gives target group

specific and practical information on the

touristic needs, expectances and desires,

defining barriers and showing how to solve

them for a greater accessibility. The concept

is based on blended learning: after a face-to-

face beginning, where the participants get to

know each other, most of the training modules

can be done via internet and/or the learning

platform Moodle8, flexible as to time and with

virtual exchange. The participants can

organise their learning themselves and learn

with and from each other in the team.

The 40 lessons already include important

realizations. In the end of the course, the

participants not only know why the two

centimetres missing at an entrance door are

important or how people with a short stature

8Moodle is software for online learning platforms that can be used

all over the world, which are used in training rooms with theparticipants. Here, the training contents, tools for communication,cooperation and evaluation are provided. The software promotesespecially the cooperation. The learning result is enhanced bylearning in the group. Therefore, Moodle is especially suited forproject work in the group and as a knowledgebase.

can comfortably reach the bathroom sink and

which auxiliary means are provided. The

course links from a practical point of view the

learning and development of new products

based on the acquired knowledge.

The course structure at a glance:

Introduction

TOPIC 1.1: MIT! Platform Instructions

TOPIC 1.2: Why do hotels benefit from

considering accessibility?

TOPIC 1.3: MIT! Model - a standard for

holistic products and services

TOPIC 1.4: Providing services in an

accessible manner

Identify market opportunities – address

new target groups

TOPIC 2.1. Background information

concerning marketing strategies

TOPIC 2.2. Product development

TOPIC 2.3: Background information

concerning quality criteria

TOPIC 2.4: Business Culture

TOPIC 2.5: Methods and tools: creativity

techniques and the development of

innovations

TOPIC 3.1: Marketing A-S-E information

TOPIC 3.2: Designing accessible In

Advance Information

Develop successful products and market

them all over Europe

TOPIC 3.1: Marketing A-S-E information

TOPIC 3.2: Designing accessible In

Advance Information

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PART 2 GUIDE FOR ACCESSIBLE TOURISM

A C C E S S - S E R V I C E - E X P E R I E N C E ST A R G E T G R O U P S P E C I F I C S T A N D A R D S

MIT! addresses small and medium hotels and supports product development and qualification as to

the needs of the following 9 customer groups9:

1) Seniors 6) Guests of short stature

2) Blind guests 7) Guests with low kinetic

energy

3) Visually impaired guests 8) Deaf guests

4) Wheelchair users 9) Hearing impaired guests

5) Guests with a disability in walking

9The pictogram series used is based on the publishers: anatom5

perception marketing GbR http://www.anatom5.de/ and NationaleKoordinationsstelle Tourismus für Alle e.V. http://www.natko.de(copyright: anatom5 GmbH in cooperation with Natko) and added bythe pics for short guests and guests with low kinetic energy.

ACCESS - SERVICE - EXPERIENCES: THE TARGET GROUP ORIENTED MIT! QUALITY STANDARDS

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1 ) S E N I O R S

Seniors citizens are a diverse target group, many are keen to travel. Some would not like to

be addressed by the term “Senior”, but the majority would welcome access and services

meeting their needs.

A - Access requirementsIndividual seniors might be challenged by sensual or physical deficits (e.g. visually and/or hearing-impaired and/or a disability in walking etc.). In the means of orientation a loss concerning memorizingskills might be compensated by using traditional and clear visual guideposts and signs.

IN ADVANCE INFORMATION:Detailed appropriate “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information includingnumber of appropriate rooms | “Access Statement” if target group is covered

If specific access requirements should be met, please also have e.g. a look at thefollowing groups: People with a disability in walking People with Low kinetic energy visually handicapped people aurally-impaired people

S - Services


1. Physiotherapy / therapeutic exercise / massage / wellness ...

contact data list of according providers in the region including those who would offermobile services

2. Dialysis / specified medical care

on request: contact data list of according medical centres in the region

3. General medical care

on request: list of medicals, medical specialists, medical centres in the regioncentres

4. Openness for individual concerns


1. A to B transport skilled for taking in account needs and meeting access requirements ofthe target group:

in direct co operation with a local taxi / transport company

contact data list of according taxi / transport company

2. Individual assistance on request

in direct co operation with a local organisation

contact data list of according organisations.


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2.C Nutrition

1. If meals are served:

Provision of information on variety of diets / special menues offered

2. list of accordingly specified restaurants / caterers / shops

3. Recommended visit of local restaurant meeting the access requirements of the targetgroup:

in direct co operation with the restaurant

contact data list of according restaurants and bars

E - Experiences

3.A Insights into Regional Culture

1. Target group oriented city / sightseeing tour (building links to lifetime experiences /including exchange of experiences...:)

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider

contact data list of accordingly skilled/specified provider

2. Visit of traditional events, festivals and activitiesregional cuisine, cooking, dancing, vine tasting, visit of “Traditional Easter” in Greece,“Fastnacht” in Germany, “Ice sculpturing” in Finland etc.


list of accordingly skilled/assisting shops

3.B Experiencing Nature, Sports and Movement

1. Target group oriented nature tour / wild park tour / zoo visit / animal shelter excursion:


list of appropriate walkways / wild parks / zoos / animal shelters ...

2. Yoga for seniors / gym for “Best Agers” / sailing tour / horse riding / kayaking / skiing /mini golf / table tennis...


list of appropriate providers

3. Visit of thermal bath / spa / swimming pool / sea swimming ...


list of according baths

3.C Education and Contacts

1. Target group oriented ICT training / foreign language / creativity course ( addressing targetgroup specified interests e.g. use of ICT / internet / use of a handy, foreign languagethematically focussed to travelling / cooking / creativity focussed on regional handicrafts...)



2. Target group oriented music experience ( e.g. thematically focussed to learning aboutregional songs and music...)



3. Making contacts / intercultural experiences (e.g. joining a meeting of the local-self helpgroup or getting into contact via e-mail / internet

in direct co operation with members of according self-help groups


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B L I N D G U E S T S

Blind people need tactile and audio descriptive information for better use of your offers.

Please consider the following criteria.

A - Access requirementsThe following quality criteria for barrier-free access for specific target groups to hotels (NACE 55.1 and55.2) are based on the target agreement on minimum standards for the categorisation of accessible tourismenterprises in Germany (2005, see p. 9). Considering the national and cultural differences in theparticipating countries, the project partners added standards in close cooperation with the MIT! advisoryboards composed of representatives of self-help organisations and regional tourism institutions.Alternative solutions are indicated by “|”

1.A How to get there

1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed appropriate “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information including numberof appropriate rooms | “Access Statement” if target group is covered: in Braille | audioguides | audio books | accessible digital text documents

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTinformation in Braille | audio guides | audio books | DAISY CDs | accessible digital textdocuments

1.B Getting in

1. ENTRY AND EXITno rotating door | rotating door and additional passage usable during opening hours

2. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATIONin Braille | touch modules | other „sensual“ elements | audio guides | audio books |DAISY CDs | tactually recognizable site plan

1.C Using the facility

1. ROOMS::min. 1 single room | 1 double room in compliance to the followingroom numbers and information at functional rooms (WC, dining room, bar etc.) tactuallyrecognizable

2. ORIENTATIONRelevant information accessible, exceeding signs, numbers, pictograms and letters

3. OPERATOR FACILITIEStactually recognizable operator facilities (e.g. sockets, push and stop buttons at doors,in the lift, for emergency calls...)no sensitive buttons

4. LIFT (IF EXISTING)with audio response | tactile indication of floors in doorframes

5. STAIRWAYStactually recognizable flooring, structured in contrast in front of stairways leading up anddown

6. HANDRAILS AND HANDHOLDS (IF THERE IS NO LIFT) continuous at least at one side of the stairwaysoutrunning min. 30 cm the last stairtactually recognizable indication of floors at beginning and ending of all stairways |destination floor guidance system

7. FURNITURE AND FITMENT ELEMENTSdo not extend into spaces of major pathways and movements | tactile indication


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8. MAJOR PATHWAYStactually recognizable flooring indicating major pathways | tactile indication on the wallsproviding according orientation

S - Services (Dienstleistungen)


1. Physiotherapy / therapeutic exercise / massage / wellness / hippo therapy...





on request: list of medicals, medical specialists, medical centres in the region centres


2.B Mobility Services






contact data list of according organisations

3. Facilities to welcome a guide-dog

feeding and water dish, blanket, basket etc.

2.C Nutrition


provision of information on variety of diets / special menues offered

2. List of accordingly specified restaurants / caterers / shops




E - Experiences


1. Target group oriented city / sightseeing tour / „Touch Tour“ etc.

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider contact data listof accordingly skilled/specified provider

2. Target group oriented visit of cinema / theatre / museum / gallery ... presentationsincluding audio description (i.e. an additional narration track for blind and visually impairedconsumers of visual media, including television and film, dance, opera, visual art).

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified and assisting provider



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3. Target group oriented shopping tour





list of accordingly skilled/assisting bidders and operators


1. Target group oriented nature tour / wild park tour /sailing tour / horse riding tour /kayaking / cross country skiing tour / car driving experience at an ADAC (AA)location etc.

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider list of appropriatelocations and guidance

2. Provision of a tandem in order to join a bicycle tour / a horse-drawn carriage / a vintagetractor with trailer / ski-doo / snowmobile / all-terrain vehicle (ATV, quad) / rowboat / etc.

at the hotel itself | via direct co operation with a local rental business

contact data list of according businesses



list of according facilities, which provide target group oriented support, services,tactually recognizable indication etc.


1. Target group oriented ICT training / foreign language / creativity course ... ( addressingtarget group specified interests e.g. use of ICT / use of screen readers a. o. forms ofassistive technology (AT), surfing the internet, foreign language thematically focussedto travelling / cooking, creativity focussed on regional handicrafts...)



2. (Re-)training course on orientation and/or advanced technological aid

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider /school / business /aid supplier / consultant / expert of national or regional self-help organisation

3. Building contacts / intercultural experiences (e.g. joining a meeting of the local-self helpgroup or getting into contact via e-mail / internet



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V I S U A L L Y I M P A I R E D G U E S T S

For visually impaired people you have to present a clear, bright and no glare design, and contrasts in

terms of colour. Examples for sufficient contrasts are e.g. white, magenta, cyan, green or yellow on

black; magenta, cyan, black or red on white; cyan on yellow; requirements concerning text documents

would include a minimum font size 12 pt and sans serif fonts like Arial10

. Please further consider the

following:



1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed appropriate “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information rooms includingnumber of appropriate rooms meeting demands of clear design | “Access Statement” iftarget group is covered:| audio guides | audio books | accessible digital text documents

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTInformation about appropriate facilities provided by meeting demands of clear design |audio files | audio books | accessible digital text documents I accessible web sites

1.B. Getting in

1. ENTRY AND EXITBright and no glare lightning of entrance areano rotating door | rotating door and additional passage usable during opening hourshigh contrast indication of glass doors (if existent)detailed orientation information, indication of functional areas and equipment via audiofiles | audio books | accessible digital text documents I accessible web sites | tactuallyrecognizable site plan

2. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATIONInformation provided by meeting demands of clear design | audio guides | audio books


1. BRIGHT AND NONGLARE DESIGNof floor, stairways, lifts, rooms etc.

2. CONTRASTS IN TERMS OF COLOURof entrances, pathways, doors, door cases etc to surroundings.glass doors (if existing) marked by contrast stripes

3. ORIENTATIONclear visual guideposts and signs, signboards, tables etc. high light-dark contrastbetween writing and background

4. ROOMS:min. 1 single room | 1 double room in compliance to the following

10Further reading: DIN 32975 "Gestaltung visueller Informationen im öffentlichen Raum zur barrierefreien Nutzung", kurz "Kontrastenorm",

www.dbsv.org/dbsv/unsere-struktur/dbsv-gremien/leben-mit-sehbehinderung/kontraste-im-oeffentlichen-raum/ bzw.www.beuth.de/langanzeige/DIN+32975/de/122103522.html&limitationtype=&searchaccesskey=MAIN


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room numbers and information at functional rooms (WC, dining room, bar etc.) tactuallyrecognizable

5. OPERATOR FACILITIESin high contrast design operator facilities (e.g. sockets, push and stop buttons at doors,in the lift, for emergency calls...)no sensitive buttons

6. LIFT (IF EXISTING)with audio response | indication of floors in doorframes

7. STAIRWAYSvisual contrast between stair edges and horizontal treads of stairsvisual contrast between stair edges and vertical parts of stairwaysvisual contrast in front of stairways leading up and down in comparison to floor way |flooring, structured in contrast in front of stairways leading up and down

8. HANDRAILS AND HANDHOLDS (IF THERE IS NO LIFT) continuous at least at one side of the stairwaysoutrunning min. 30 cm the last stair

9. FURNITURE AND FITMENT ELEMENTSdo not extend into spaces of major pathways and movements | contrasty indication,tactile indication

10. MAJOR PATHWAYShigh-contrast flooring indicating major pathways

S - Services

2.A Health Services















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2.C Nutrition







E - Experiences

3.A. Insights into Regional Culture

1. Target group oriented city / sightseeing tour:



2. Target group oriented visit of cinema / theatre / museum / gallery ...



3. Target group oriented shopping tour







1. Target group oriented nature tour / wild park tour /sailing tour / horse riding tour /kayaking / cross country skiing tour / car driving experience at an ADAC (AA) locationetc.:


list of appropriate locations and guidance

2. Provision of a tandem in order to join a bicycle tour / a horse-drawn carriage / a vintagetractor with trailer / ski-doo / snowmobile / all-terrain vehicle (ATV, quad) / rowboat /etc.:

at the hotel itself | via direct co operation with a local rental business

contact data list of according businesses



list of according facilities, which provide target group oriented support, services,high-contrast flooring indicating etc.


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1. Target group oriented ICT training / use of video magnifiers, screen readers a. o. formsof assistive technology (AT) / surfing the internet / foreign language / creativity course ...( addressing target group specified interests e.g. use of ICT / Internet, foreign languagethematically focussed to travelling / cooking, creativity focussed on regionalhandicrafts...)



2. (Re-)training course on orientation and/or advanced technological aid

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider /school / business /aid supplier / consultant / expert of national or regional elf-help organisation

3. Building contacts / intercultural experiences (e.g. joining a meeting of the local-self helpgroup or getting into transnational contact via e-mail / internet )



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W H E E L C H A I R U S E R S

Please consider that all distances should be within comfortable reach of wheelchair drivers,

both horizontally and vertically. Please note the following criteria:



1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed wheelchair appropriate “How to get there” and “Getting in” - informationincluding number of wheelchair appropriate rooms: bed, bathroom & toilettes possiblywith photo and draft | “Access Statement” if target group is covered

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTInformation about appropriate facilities provided by meeting demands. E.g. are therelow floor busses in use, in the region? Where? When? How often? Which directions?Would trains be equipped by ramps? Would railway assistants need to be informed,ahead? How? When?

3. PARKING SPACESmin width 350 cm and near to the entrance and identification of parking spaces as“Parking space only for people with handicap”

1.B. Getting in

1. ENTRY AND EXITwithout stairs | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %door: passage width ≥ 90 cm | no rotating door | rotating door and additional passagewidth ≥ 90 cm

2. RECEPTIONcounter or desk at least partly not higher than 85 cm | other possibility forcommunication while sittinginformation and products at an adequate height

3. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATION detailed wheelchair appropriate information at an adequate height


1. ROOMS:min. 1 single room | 1 double room

access: without stairs | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %entry and exit: door width ≥ 90 cmcirculation space in front of the bathroom: ≥ 150 cm x ≥ 150 cmcirculation space in front of the passage way to the bed (1 long side): ≥ 150 cm x ≥150 cm min. width of circulation space in front of this bedside: ≥ 150 cmmin. width of circulation space besides operator facilities and in front of fitments: 150 cmmin. width of doors and pass ways within the room: 90 cmmin height to underrun the bed 15 cm


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2. BATHROOM & TOILETTESaccess: without stairs | stair ≤ 2 cmdoor width ≥ 90 cmdoor opens: not into bathroomwashstand: circulation space in front: ≥ 150 cm x ≥ 150 cmmin height to underrun the washstand up to 67 cm and min depth 30 cmupper edge max. height 80 cmwashstand mirror can be viewed while sittingWC basin: circulation space in front ≥ 150 cm x ≥ 150 cmcirculation space left and right side min. width 95 cm and min. depth 70 cmhandles height to left and right side 85 cm (upper edge)handles protrude WC basin to 15 cm (leading edge)interspace of handles 70 cmboth handles to be folded upwards and upwards lockableheight of the toilet seat 48 cm (top edge)shower: access without stairscirculation space ≥ 150 cm x ≥ 150 cmhandles from 85 cm upwardsfixed seating: folding chair | chair to be hingedoperator facilities besides in height of 85 cm reachable

3. DINING ROOMaccess without stairs | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %entry and exit: door width ≥ 90 cm

4. FLOORSleading to lifts width ≥ 150 cmleading to rooms ≥ 150 cmleading to dining room ≥ 150 cm

5. LIFT (IF NEEDED)access: without stairs | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %entry and exit: door width ≥ 90 cmsize of cabin: width ≥110 cm & length ≥ 140 cmoperator facilities: horizontal arrangement with min. height 85 cm to max. height 110 cmCirculation space in front of the lift: ≥ 150 cm x ≥ 150 cm

S - Services







on request: list of medicals, medical specialists, medical centres in the region






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3. Wheelchair service on request:

in direct co operation with a local service provider

contact data list of according service providers in the region

2.C. Nutrition







E - Experiences


1. Wheelchair appropriate city / sightseeing tour:



2. Wheelchair appropriate visit of cinema / theatre / museum / gallery ...



3. Wheelchair appropriate visit of traditional events, festivals and activitiesregional cuisine, cooking, dancing, vine tasting, visit of “Traditional Easter” in Greece,“Fastnacht” in Germany, “Ice sculpturing” in Finland etc.


list of accordingly skilled/assisting shops, which provide target group orientedsupport, services and meet access requirements


1. Wheelchair appropriate nature / wild park tour / sailing tour / horse-drawn carriage tour /a vintage tractor with trailer tour / boat tour / / kayaking etc.:


contact data list of wheelchair appropriate walkways / wild parks

2. Visit of a regional sports facilities / sports event etc.



3. Visit of thermal bath / spa / swimming pool


list of according baths, which provide target group oriented support, services andmeet access requirements.


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1. Building contacts to regional self-help group / Making contacts aboard / interculturalexperiences(e.g. invitation to the meeting of a local group or thematically focussed ICTtraining course in direct co operation with members of according self-help groups indiverse regions aboard

in direct co operation with regional self-help group

list of contact persons of according groups / organisations

2. Seminar or lecture on relevant aids concerning e.g. advanced technologicaldevelopments or legal concerns / wheelchair training course

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider /school / business /aid supplier / consultant/ expert of national or regional elf-help organisation

3. Target group oriented ICT training / foreign language / creativity course ... ( addressingtarget group specified interests e.g. use of ICT / Internet, foreign language thematicallyfocussed to travelling / cooking, creativity focussed on regional handicrafts...)

in direct co operation with provider meeting access requirements of the target group



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P E O P L E W I T H A D I S A B I L I T Y I N W A L K I N G

People with a disability in walking may be equipped by a walker and might need assistance for

transport of luggage etc., it is very important to provide seating facilities, handrails and handholds and

to make sure that everything is within comfortable reach, both horizontally and vertically. Please

note the following criteria:



1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information including number ofappropriate rooms: bed, bathroom & toilettes possibly with photo and draft | “AccessStatement” if target group is covered

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTInformation about appropriate facilities provided by meeting demands. E.g. are therelow floor busses in use, in the region? Where? When? How often? Which directions?Would trains be equipped by services/transport assistants? Would railway assistantsneed to be informed, ahead? How? When?

3. PARKING SPACESMin. width 350 cm and near to the entrance and identification of parking spaces as“Parking space only for people with handicap”

1.B Getting in

1. ENTRY AND EXITwithout stairs or max. 1 stair | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %door: passage width ≥ 80 cm | no rotating door | rotating door and additional passagewidth ≥ 80 cm

2. RECEPTIONcounter or desk at least partly not higher than 85 cm | other possibility for communicationwhile sittingseating possibilities

3. SHORT DISTANCES, HANDRAILS AND HANDHOLDS(indication in m) or possibility to rent a wheelchair for longer distances

4. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATION Detailed information meeting demands of people using a walker


1. ROOMS:min. 1 single room | 1 double roomaccess: without stairs or max. 1 stair | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %entry and exit: door width ≥ 80 cmcirculation space in front of the bathroom: ≥ 120 cm x ≥ 120 cmcirculation space in front of the passage way to the bed (1 long side): ≥ 120 cm x ≥120 cm min. width of circulation space in front of this bedside: ≥ 120 cmmin. width of circulation space besides operator facilities and in front of fitments: 90 cmmin. width of doors and pass ways within the room: 80 cm


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2. BATHROOM & TOILETTESaccess: without stairs | stair ≤ 2 cmdoor width ≥ 80 cmdoor opens: not into bathroom | into bathroom, but does not limit areas mentionedbelowwashstand: circulation space in front: ≥ 120 cm x ≥ 120 cmlegroom under the washstandwashstand mirror can be viewed while sittingWC basin: circulation space in front ≥ 120 cm x ≥ 120 cmcirculation space left or right hand side min. width 95 cm and min. depth 70 cmhandles height to left and right side 85 cm (upper edge)handles protrude WC basin to 15 cm (leading edge)interspace of handles 70 cm1 handle to be folded upwards and upwards lockable, i.e. the handle which providescirculation space min. width 95 cm and min. depth 70 cmheight of the toilet seat 48 cm (top edge)shower: access without stairscirculation space ≥ 120 cm x ≥ 120 cmhandles from 85 cm upwardsseating facility

3. DINING ROOMaccess without stairs or max. 1 stair | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %entry and exit: door width ≥ 80 cm

4. FLOORSleading to lifts width ≥ 120 cmleading to rooms ≥ 120 cmleading to dining room ≥ 120 cm

5. LIFT (IF NEEDED)access: without stairs or max. 1 stair | elevator | ramp with inclination ≤ 6 %entry and exit: door width ≥ 90 cmsize of cabin: width ≥110 cm & length ≥ 140 cmoperator facilities: horizontal arrangement with min. height 85 cm to max. height 110 cm| vertical arrangement from height 85 cm to max. height 140 cmCirculation space in front of the lift: ≥ 120 cm x ≥ 120 cm

S - Services









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2. Individual assistance on request and openness for individual concerns



3. Rolling walker, mobility aids, assistive devices, and other protective and adaptiveequipment service on request

in direct co operation with a local service provider

contact data list of according service providers in the region

2.C Nutrition


provision of information on variety of diets / special menues offered


3. Recommended visit of local restaurant meeting the access requirements of the targetgroup



E - Experiences


1. Walker appropriate city / sightseeing tour:



2. Walker appropriate visit of cinema / theatre / museum / gallery ...



3. Target group oriented visit of traditional events, festivals and activitiesregional cuisine, cooking, dancing, vine tasting, visit of “Traditional Easter” in Greece,“Fastnacht” in Germany, “Ice sculpturing” in Finland etc.




1. Walker appropriate nature / wild park tour / horse-drawn carriage tour / a vintage tractorwith trailer tour / boat tour etc:


contact data list of wheelchair appropriate walkways / wild parks

2. Visit of a regional sports facilities/event



3. Visit of thermal bath / spa / swimming pool

in direct co operation with target group oriented baths meeting the accessrequirements (1.B and 1.C)

list of target group oriented baths meeting the access requirements (1.B and 1.C)


|34


1. Building contacts to regional self-help group / making contacts aboard / interculturalexperiences(e.g. invitation to the meeting of a local group or thematically focussed ICTtraining course in direct co operation with members of according self-help groups indiverse regions aboard

in direct co operation with a regional self-help group


2. Seminar or lecture on relevant aids concerning e.g. advanced technologicaldevelopments or legal concerns / walker training course / training course on diversedevices ...

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider /school / business /aid supplier / consultant/ expert of national or regional self-help organisation meetingthe access requirements (1.B and 1.C)

3. Target group oriented ICT training / foreign language / creativity course ... ( addressingtarget group specified interests e.g. use of ICT / Internet, foreign language thematicallyfocussed to travelling / cooking, creativity focussed on regional handicrafts...)

in direct co operation with provider meeting access requirements (1.B and 1.C) of thetarget group



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G U E S T S O F S H O R T S T A T U R E

Some 100.000 Germans suffer from restricted growth that is they either are, or will be as adults,

between 70 cm and 150 cm tall. Restricted growth can be caused by any one of more than 450

conditions, most of which are genetic. It can and most often does occur in families where both parents

are of average height. In fact, 85% of children with achondroplasia are born to average-size parents. If

you’d like to address peolple of short stature and their families, additionally, you may also take into

account the MIT! quality criteria concerning wheelchair drivers and guests with a disability in walking .

A - Access1.A. How to get there

1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information including Number ofappropriate rooms: bed, bathroom & toilettes possibly with photo and draft | “AccessStatement” if the target group is covered

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTInformation about appropriate facilities provided by meeting demands. E.g. are therelow floor busses in use, in the region? Where? When? How often? Which directions?Would doors and operator facilities meet demands? Would there be any railwayassistants? Do they need to be informed, ahead? How? When?


1.B Getting in

1. ENTRY AND EXITdoor handles lowered (≤ 90 cm) and easy opening of doors | door handle equipped withelongation and easy opening of doors | automatic doors

2. RECEPTIONcounter or desk at least partly not higher than 85 cm | other possibility forcommunication while sitting with lowered seatings

3. SHORT DISTANCES, HANDRAILS AND HANDHOLDS LOWERED(indication in m) or possibility to rent a wheelchair for longer distances

4. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATION Detailed information at an adequate height


1. ROOMS:min. 1 single room | 1 double roomdoor handles lowered (≤ 90 cm) | door handle equipped with elongationoperator facilities lowered (≤ 90 cm) |Bed, boards, wardrobe , desks, chairs and further seating lowered | chairs equippedwith foothold, bed and desks lower able, paternoster wardrobe

2. BATHROOM & TOILETTESstepladder | washstand lower able to ≤ 70 cm | fixed washstand with height ≤ 70 cmwashstand: mountings elongatedshower: access without stairsoperator facilities ≤ 90 cm | operator facilities elongated

3. DINING ROOMdoors: door handles ≤ 90 cm | automatic opening | door handle equipped withelongation

4. FLOORSshort distances


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5. LIFT (IF NEEDED)operator facilities ≤ 90 cm

6. STAIRWAYS

equipped with lowered handrails and handholds, also | stairway lift

S - Services

2.A Health Services

1. Physiotherapy / therapeutic exercise / massage / wellness / hippo therapy ...


2. Dialysis / specified medical care / ...








contact data list of according organisations.For both cases: Service providers provide of target group relevant experiences, skillsand equipment.

2.C Nutrition







E - Experiences


1. Family and target group oriented city / sightseeing tour (taking care for those tiringearlier e.g. equipped with coaster wagon):








list of accordingly skilled/assisting providers


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1. Family and target group oriented nature tour / wild park tour / animal shelter excursion/sailing tour / horse riding / kayaking / skiing / horse-drawn carriage tour / a vintagetractor with trailer tour / boat tour etc. (taking care for those tiring earlier e.g. equippedwith coaster wagon):


list of appropriate walkways / wild parks


in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified institutions meeting accessrequirements (1.B and 1.C)

list of with accordingly skilled/specified institutions meeting access requirements (1.Band 1.C)


1. Building contacts to regional self-help group



2. Making contacts aboard / intercultural experiences (e.g. thematically focussed ICTtraining course in direct co operation with members of according self-help groups indiverse regions aboard

3. Seminar or lecture on relevant aids concerning e.g. advanced technologicaldevelopments or legal concerns / training course on diverse devices etc. in direct cooperation with accordingly skilled/specified provider /school / business / aid supplier /consultant/ expert of national or regional elf-help organisation


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G U E S T S W I T H L O W K I N E T I C E N E R G Y

People with low kinetic energy are a diverse target group. Individual guests could be challenged

by arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, disseminated sclerosis (MS) and other

chronically or temporarily diseases. In Germany e.g. some 9.ooo.ooo people are affected by

kinetic problems due to musculoskeletal system diseases. For people with low kinetic energy

e.g. a ramp would come out to be a barrier, a smooth opening of doors is very important the

following criteria focus on aspects promoting self-directed access and use:

A - Access1.A. How to get there

1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information including number ofappropriate rooms: bed, bathroom & toilettes possibly with photo and draft | “AccessStatement” if the target group is covered

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTInformation about appropriate facilities provided by meeting demands. E.g. are therelow floor busses in use, in the region? Where? When? How often? Which directions?Would doors and operator facilities meet demands? Would there be any railwayassistants? Do they need to be informed, ahead? How? When?


1.B Getting in

1. ENTRY AND EXITwithout stairs | elevatordoor: passage width ≥ 80 cm | no rotating door | rotating door and additional passagewidth ≥ 80 cmsmooth opening of doors | automatic doors

2. RECEPTIONcounter or desk at least partly not higher than 85 cm | other possibility forcommunication while sittingseating possibilities min. height 48 cm

3. SHORT DISTANCES, HANDRAILS AND HANDHOLDS(indication in m) or possibility to rent a wheelchair for longer distances

4. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATION Detailed information meeting demands of people moving slowly

1.C. Using the facility

1. ROOMS:min. 1 single room | 1 double roomaccess: without stairs | elevator |smooth opening of doors | automatic doors

2. BATHROOM & TOILETTESaccess: without stairs | stair ≤ 2 cmsmooth opening of doors | automatic doorswashstand: seating facilitylegroom under the washstandwashstand mirror can be viewed while sittingWC basin:handles height to left and right side 85 cm (upper edge)handles protrude WC basin to 15 cm (leading edge)interspace of handles 70 cm1 handle to be folded upwards and upwards lockable, i.e. the handle which provides


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circulation space min. width 95 cm and min. depth 70 cmheight of the toilet seat 48 cm (top edge)shower: access without stairshandles from 85 cm upwardsseating facility

3. DINING ROOMaccess without stairs | elevatordoors: smooth opening | automatic opening

4. FLOORSshort distances (indication in m)

5. LIFT (IF NEEDED)access: without stairsdoors: smooth opening | automatic openingseating facility (min. height 48 cm)

S - Services

2.A Health Services











2. Individual assistance on request and openness for individual concerns



2.C. Nutrition








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E - Experiences


1. Target group oriented city / sightseeing tour (respecting need for short distances, rests,seating):










1. Target group oriented nature tour / wild park tour /sailing tour / horse-drawn carriagetour / a vintage tractor with trailer tour / boat tour etc. (respecting need for shortdistances, rests, seating)


list of appropriate walkways / wild parks


in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified institutions meeting accessrequirements (1.B and 1.C)

list of according institutions meeting access requirements (1.B and 1.C)


1. Building contacts to regional self-help group



2. Making contacts aboard / intercultural experiences (e.g. thematically focussed ICTtraining course in direct co operation with members of according self-help groups indiverse regions aboard

3. Seminar or lecture on relevant aids concerning e.g. advanced technologicaldevelopments, devices or legal concerns in direct co operation with accordinglyskilled/specified provider /school / business / aid supplier / consultant/ expert of nationalor regional elf-help organisation


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D E A F G U E S T S

The MIT! model describes deaf guests and hearing impaired guest as two different target

groups. This is because the requirements of both differ: Whereas for deaf people visualisation is

of utmost importance and clear and significant visual signs should indicate if telephone rings or

door is knocked, for people with hearing impairments, also technological equipment such as

induction loops could improve perception of sounds. In case investments are affordable, it

makes much sense to focus on both of these target groups, since there are multifaceted kinds

and degrees of hearing impairment. Furthermore it’s worth mentioning, that if hearing

impairments arise or get worse as a result of age, the target group members might not have

learned to acquire sufficient sign language skills. Please note the following quality criteria:



1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information including number ofappropriate rooms: bed, bathroom & toilettes possibly with photo and draft | “AccessStatement” if the target group is covered

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTInformation about appropriate facilities provided by meeting demands.

1.B Getting in

1. RELEVANT INFORMATIONVisual presentationpromt communication with reception via fax warranted

2. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATION written information, visual guideposts and signs


1. LIFTIf in case of an emergency call acoustical feedback will be received, this should also beprovided visually

2. ROOMSmin. 1 single room | 1 double roomClear and significant visualisation if telephone ringsClear and significant visualisation if door is knockedequipped with faxCommunication with reception will be guaranteed in short timemin 1 socket for use by guestequipped with tv and video text decoder

3. ALARMClear and definite notice ability of (acoustic) alarms via flashlight signal in the roomClear and definite notice ability of (acoustic) alarms via flashlight signal in the bathroom


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S - Services

2.A Health Services








1. A to B transport skilled for taking in account needs and meeting requirements of thetarget group:


contact data list of according taxi / transport companies

2. openness for individual concerns

2.C Nutrition







E - Experiences

3.A. Insights into Regional Culture

1. Target group oriented city / sightseeing tour ( e.g. accompanied by sign languageinterpreter / video guided tours / sign language film through electronic media ...):



2. Target group oriented visit of cinema / theatre / museum / gallery... ( e.g. accompaniedby sign language interpreter / video guided tours / sign language film through electronicmedia ...)::



3. Visit of traditional events, festivals and activities... ( e.g. accompanied by sign languageinterpreter / video guided tours / sign language film through electronic media ...)::regional cuisine, cooking, dancing, vine tasting, visit of “Traditional Easter” in Greece,“Fastnacht” in Germany, “Ice sculpturing” in Finland etc.




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1. Visit of a regional sports facilities/event ( e.g. accompanied by sign language interpreter/ video guided tours / sign language film through electronic media ...):

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider meeting therequirements of the target group

list of appropriate locations and guidance meeting the requirements of the targetgroup

2. Target group oriented nature tour / wild park tour /sailing tour / horse riding / kayaking /skiing etc. ( e.g. accompanied by sign language interpreter / video guided tours / signlanguage film through electronic media ...):



3. Visit of thermal bath / spa / swimming pool / sea swimming ... ( e.g. accompanied bysign language interpreter / video guided tours / sign language film through electronicmedia ...)

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified institutions meeting therequirements of the target group

list of accordingly skilled/specified institutions meeting the requirements of the targetgroup


1. Target group oriented ICT training / creativity course (e.g. accompanied by signlanguage interpreter / video guidance / sign language film...):




in direct co operation with members of according self-help groups in diverse regionsaboard

3. Seminar or lecture on relevant aids concerning e.g. advanced technologicaldevelopments or legal concerns

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider /school / business /aid supplier / consultant/ expert of national or regional elf-help organisation


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H E A R I N G I M P A I R E D G U E S T S

The MIT! model describes deaf guests and hearing impaired guest as two different target

groups. This is because the requirements of both differ: Whereas for deaf people visualisation is

of utmost importance and clear and significant visual signs should indicate if telephone rings or

door is knocked, for people with hearing impairments, also technological equipment such as

induction loops could improve perception of sounds. In case investments are affordable, it

makes much sense to focus on both of these target groups, since there are multifaceted kinds

and degrees of hearing impairment. Furthermore it’s worth mentioning, that if hearing

impairments arise or get worse as a result of age, the target group members might not have

learned to acquire sufficient sign language skills. Hearing-impaired people need visual

presentations as well as special devices. Please note the following quality criteria:



1. IN ADVANCE INFORMATIONDetailed “How to get there” and “Getting in” - information including number ofappropriate rooms: bed, bathroom & toilettes possibly with photo and draft | “AccessStatement” if target group is covered

2. ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTInformation about appropriate facilities

1.B Getting in

1. VISUAL PRESENTATION OF RELEVANT INFORMATIONwritten information, visual guideposts and signsreception equipped with induction loop system for hearing impaired people

2. GETTING OUT IN EMERGENCY INFORMATION written information, visual guideposts and signs


1. LIFTIf in case of an emergency call acoustical feedback will be received, this should also beprovided visually

2. ROOMSmin. 1 single room | 1 double roomClear and significant visualisation if telephone ringsClear and significant visualisation if door is knockedequipped with faxCommunication with reception will be guaranteed in short timemin 1 socket for use by guestequipped with TV and video text decoder

3. ALARM (IF EXISTING)Clear and definite notice ability of (acoustic) alarms via flashlight signal in the roomClear and definite notice ability of (acoustic) alarms via flashlight signal in the bathroom


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S - Services

2.A Health Services









2.C. Nutrition




3. Recommended visit of local restaurant meeting the requirements of the target group:



E - Experiences


1. Target group oriented city / sightseeing tour ( e.g. visual information | video supportduring guided tours / sign language film through electronic media ...):



2. Target group oriented visit of cinema / theatre / museum / galery ... ( e.g. visualinformation | video support during guided tours / video guided tours / sign language filmthrough electronic media ...)::



3. Visit of traditional events, festivals and activities( e.g. visual information | video supportduring guided tours / sign language film through electronic media ...):regional cuisine, cooking, dancing, vine tasting, visit of “Traditional Easter” in Greece,“Fastnacht” in Germany, “Ice sculpturing” in Finland etc.




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1. Visit of a regional sports facilities/event ( e.g. visual information | video support duringguided tours / video guided tours / sign language film through electronic media ...):



2. Target group oriented nature tour / wild park tour /sailing tour / horse riding / kayaking /skiing etc.:



3. Visit of thermal bath / spa / swimming pool / sea swimming ... ( e.g. visual information |video support during guided tours / video guided tours / sign language film throughelectronic media ...):


list of according facilities


1. Target group oriented ICT training / creativity etc. course (e.g. visual information | videosupport during guided tours | video guidance / sign language film...):




in direct co operation with members of according self-help groups in diverse regionsaboard

3. Seminar or lecture on relevant aids concerning e.g. advanced technologicaldevelopments or legal concerns

in direct co operation with accordingly skilled/specified provider /school / business /aid supplier / consultant/ expert of national or regional self-help organisation

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PART 3 GUIDE FOR ACCESSIBLE TOURISM:

B I B L I O G R A P H Y A N D L I S T O F R E F E R E N C E S

ACCESSIBLE TOURISM FOR ALL

A renewed EU Tourism Policy - Towards a stronger partnership for European Tourism. COMMISSION OF

THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Kom2006) 0134 http://eur-

lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2006:0134:FIN:en:HTML

CETA (Competitiveness for a European Tourism for All) aims to help small and medium-sized tourism

enterprises in Europe become more sustainable and competitive, by making their offers and services

accessible for all tourists. www.enat.be/

Easy does it Simple, low-cost changes to benefit you and your visitors. Published by British Tourist Authority

(trading as VisitBritain), Thames Tower, Blacks Road, London W6 9EL, www.visitbritain.com/corporate

Economic Impulses of Accessible Tourism for All. NEUMANN, PETER, BOLLICH, PETRA u.a. Editor:

Federal Ministy of Economics and Technology, Public Relation/P3, 10115 Berlin. www.bmwi.de. Documentation

Nr. 526. 2004 (EN) www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Navigation/Service/publikationen,did=28398.html

ETCAATS - European Training Certificate Accessible for All in the Tourism Sector - aims to supply tourism

providers with a range of on-line training tools and a professional training certificate, enabling them to welcome,

with confidence, guests with disabilities and others with particular access needs. The ETCAATS project is

supported through the European Commission's Lifelong Learning Programme, "Leonardo da Vinci", Transfer of

Innovation. Agreement number : LLP-LDV/TOI/SE/09/1194

Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination - a new political framework for tourism in Europe Tourismus.

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (Kom2010) 0352, European Commission's Directorate

General for Enterprise and Industry http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/index_en.htm

European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), www.accessibletourism.org

‘Europe for All’ aims at enabling better communications between tourism providers and their customers,

developed with the support of the European Commission, by the pan-European partnership, OSSATE, which

stands for "One-Stop-Shop for Accessible Tourism in Europe". www.europeforall.com, www.ossate.org

Improving information on accessible tourism for disabled people. WESTCOTT, JACQUELINE. Published by

the European Commission, 2004. ISBN 92-894-7678-8

”MIT! - Make it accessible! - Promote barrier-free travelling for senior citizens and people with handicaps

through innovative marketing strategies based on awareness of specific requirements, needs and active

interest in social inclusion” is a European project funded by the European Commission www.mit-

makeitaccessible.eu

MIT! MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE Projekt information and downloads: www.mit-makeitaccessible.de

MIT! MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE Virtual marketplace for holistic accessible travelling www.tourism4all.net

Nationale Koordinationsstelle Tourismus für Alle e.V. - NatKo, www.natko.de

Profit Through Access, www.profitthroughaccess.co.uk

VisitEngland, the official tourist board for England: “Examples of Access Statements”

www.enjoyengland.com/corporate/corporate-information/Industry_Services/Sustainability-and-Accessibility/Accessible-

Tourism/Access-Statements.aspx

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ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL

It's all about access to equal rights... EC Website > Employment, Social Affairs and Equal

Opportunities > People with disabilities http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=429&langId=en -

Summary of the main outcomes of the public consultation on the EU Disability Strategy 2010-20.

http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=5356&langId=en

Education, Employment, Access to buildings. Vladimir Špidla’s speech, Commissioner for

Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/07/386&format=HTML&aged=1&language=E

N&guiLanguage=en

Opportunities, access and solidarity: towards a new social vision for 21st century Europe. The renewed

social agenda completes the Lisbon Strategy for the period 2008-2010.

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/employment_and_social_policy/social_agenda/em0010_en.htm

Barrierefrei für alle. (Accessibility for All) Information under the coordination of the Hesse Ministry of

Work, Family and Health and main focus of Sozialnetz Hessen (Social Network Hesse). www.barrierefrei-

fuer-alle.de

DESIGN FOR ALL

Design for All Europe EIDD is the joint European platform for social planners, architects, designers

and others who believe in the potentials of their professions to play a vital role in the necessary

transformation of our societies into more cohesive, innovative and sustainable ones.

www.designforalleurope.org

Design for All Foundation offers advice and services on Design for All to companies,

organisations and administrations at national, European and international level with the aim that the

ethical values that Design for All promotes are integrated into quality processes www.designforall.org

Europäisches Institut Design für Alle in Deutschland e.V. (EDAD) is part of a European network,

the "European Institute for Design and Disability" (EIDD).

EUROBAROMETER

A public survey regularly performed in the EU member states on behalf of the European

Commission, http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm

GOOGLE INSIGHTS FOR SEARCH

With Google Insights for Search, you can compare search volume patterns across specific regions,

categories, time frames and properties, http://www.google.com/insights/search/?hl=en-GB#

LIFELONG LEARNING

EU education and training policy focuses on collaboration on education and training among the

Member States and the EU institutions in order to make Europe a world-leading knowledge-based

economy. The Lifelong Learning Programme, lasting from 2007 to 2013, is the flagship European

funding programme. http://ec.europa.eu/education/index_en.htm

Blended Learning is a training concept based on a didactically expedient link of face-to-face-

seminars and virtual learning including new information and communication media. The concept links

effectiveness and flexibility of electronic learning platforms with the social aspects of face-to-face-

communication and the practical learning of tasks.

MIT! MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE: Training course via Blended Learning http://62.1.159.233/MIT_Moodle/

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CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (UNCRPD)

In December 2006, the United Nations general Assembly has adopted the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first international convention on disabled people’s rights to

govern human rights protection from the specific point of view of disabled persons.

www.bildungsserver.de/zeigen.html?seite=8528

Following formal ratification, it is the first time in history the EU has become a party to an

international human rights treaty – the United Nation's (UN) Convention on the Rights of People with

Disabilities.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/4&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&g

uiLanguage=en

UNCRPD, adopted on 13 December 2006 during the sixty-first session of the General Assembly

by resolution A/RES/61/106: Full text. Website of The Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), www2.ohchr.org/english/law/disabilities-convention.htm

UNCRPD: Status of ratification.

http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-

15&chapter=4&lang=enDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&id=1&chapter=4&lang=en

Information Note from the European Commission on progress in implementing the UN Convention

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (The current situation is: All Member States and the EU

have signed the Convention. 21 Member States have signed the Optional Protocol to the

Convention. 14 Member States have ratified the Convention. (Austria, Belgium, Germany, France,

Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom the Czech Republic, Denmark

and Latvia) http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=5071&langId=en

WEB ACCESSIBILITY

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community that develops standards to

ensure the long-term growth of the Web. The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) develops strategies,

guidelines, and resources to help make the Web accessible to people with disabilities.

www.w3.org/WAI/gettingstarted/Overview.html

The BIK project supports the realisation of accessibility at work in companies and administrations

developing testing methods to evaluate the accessibility of internet and intranet applications, in

Germany. The BITV test is a testing method to comprehensively and reliably evaluate the

accessibility of websites. www.bik-online.info

Simplicity for All (Einfach für Alle EfA) addresses website provider and agencies to convince them

that they also benefit from accessible internet. www.einfach-fuer-alle.de

SELF-HELP ORGANISATIONS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Disabled people contacts. Directgov, the UK government's digital service for people in England

and Wales, delivers information and practical advice about public services. It also lists the contact

data of a range of organisations that offer advice and information

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/UsefulContactsByCategory/DisabledPeopleContacts

Federal Co-operative Self Help for the Disabled and People with Chronic Diseases

(Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Selbsthilfe von Menschen mit Behinderung und chronischer

Erkrankung und ihren Angehörigen e.V. BAG SELBSTHILFE) is the association of self-help

organisations of disabled people and people with chronic diseases and their families in Germany.

You can find contact details of member associations and organisations at: www.bag-

selbsthilfe.de/61/mitglieder

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TARGET AGREEMENT ON MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE CATEGORISATION OF ACCESSIBLE HOTEL AND

RESTAURANT ENTERPRISES IN GERMANY

German law on equal opportunities for people with disabilities (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz

– BGG) www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgg/BJNR146800002.html

The BGG defines for the hotel and restaurant industry accessibility as condition for the

concession. Furthermore, the BGG stipulates the celebration of voluntary target agreements

between recognised disabled people associations and business associations. www.einfach-

teilhaben.de/DE/StdS/Mobilitaet/Barrierefrei_reisen/Hotels_Gaststaetten/hotels_gaststaetten_node.html.

Target agreement on accessibility in hotel and restaurant industry and minimum standards in the

categories A-E, www.dehoga-bundesverband.de/branchenthemen/barrierefreiheit/

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IDEAS - SUGGESTIONS - CONTACTS

S P A C E F O R Y O U R O W N N O T E S

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MIT! MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE:

T H E P R O J E C T P A R T N E R S

MIT! - Make it accessible! - Promote barrier-free travelling for senior citizens and people with

handicaps through innovative marketing strategies based on awareness of specific

requirements, needs and active interest in social inclusion

504655-LLP-1-2009-1-DE-LEONARDO-LMP

TELEHAUS WETTER / VeFAR e.V.

(Project coordinator)

Schulstraße 76, 35083 Wetter

[email protected]

www.telehaus-wetter.de

Allweb Solutions S.A.

Chalkida, Griechenland

[email protected]

www.allweb.gr

Humanpolis Rokua

Centre of Expertise, Oulu, Finnland,

[email protected]

www.humanpolis.fi

IPT - Instytut Postepowania Tworczego

Lodz, Polen

[email protected]

www.ipt.pl

NTA - National Tourist Association

Ljubljana, Slowenien

[email protected]

www.ntz-nta.si

guide to accessible tourism develop successful products europe

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