May 23, 2019
The second phase of the Kerala government’s Barrier-Free
Tourism project is starting with a bang. There are some great new
features to look forward to.
Get set to experience God’s Own Country in a whole new
way. The second phase of the Kerala government’s Barrier-Free Tourism
project will have additional features for tourists with disabilities who wish
to experience the magic of this state.
The government is working on making all tourist spots disabled-friendly and
accessible, and this is a first in India. Wheelchair ramps have been
introduced in the first phase and the second one will see support staff
trained in Indian sign language.
The measures have won the government much support from the disabled
community. Sujesh Anspaul, who coordinates trips for people
with disabilities for the All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation
(AKWRF), says this will enable tourists to experience the state in a
complete way. He hopes that the government will also look at ensuring that
hotels follow suit with accessibility measures.
Introducing sign language interpreters and other customised facilities is a
great initiative of the tourism department. It is high time that the
government ensures to make hotels and restaurants accessible as well. A
wheelchair user, who goes out with his family, is unable to go to a decent
restaurant to have food due to lack of accessibility. But I must say that
the efforts taken by the government are to be appreciated. –Sujesh
Anspaul, Tour Coordinator, All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation
Each tourist spot in Kerala has unique tales and a history that goes back
centuries. So, to have a trained staff that can explain this to disabled
travellers in sign language will surely enhance the experience. There will be
Braille signage and audio-visual guides installed
at prominent locations. There will be alarms placed as well so people with
disabilities can alert authorities in the event of an emergency.
Rupesh Kumar K, Coordinator, Responsible
Tourism has promised to introduce these without delay. Simon
George, Founder, SpecialCare Holidays and the man behind the
Barrier-Free Tourism Project is happy at the initiative taken by the state
government. It was George who in 2016 had submitted a report to the
government on making tourist places accessible.
“Barrier-Free tourism project is a great initiative. It is high time
disabled people have access to tourist spots because that is one way of
becoming part of main stream society”, he says.
Reports are that work on the project will begin once election results are
out. There are plans to employ people with disabilities as guides which is a
great way to include them in the programme and offer them employment. Each
tour will be customised according to the number of people, their needs and
requirements. More volunteers can step up to learn sign language, which is a
great tool for communication as well.
ALSO READ: Anuprayaas is making railway stations inclusive & accessible
for visually impaired people
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/22328
