A study into the effects of holiday taking on the disabled person and the barriers they face in tourism activities

Abstract

Since the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act in 1995, people have become more aware of the needs required for someone with a disability and this includes taking part in tourism activities. This study has looked at disability and tourism and the different issues that are involved. The main aim of this research project was to look into the effects holiday taking has on the disabled person and the barriers they face in tourism activities. It discusses the effects that tourism has on someone with a disability and whether taking part in tourism activities is an important part of their lives. It also discusses the barriers that someone faces when taking part in tourism activities and to what extent they effect them. Literature produced by other authors was gathered from books and journal articles and the themes identified were compared to the results gathered from this research project. Results were gathered through structured interviews. Both disabled and able bodied participants were interviewed, allowing information to be gathered from both groups. Results were then compared to past literature. The results from the study have concluded that holiday taking has a positive effect on the disabled tourist. Participants taking part in the research project have used words such as confident, relaxed and happy in order to describe how tourism effects people with disabilities. It also enables the disabled person to experience different environments and to take a greater part in the community. It has also been concluded that there are many physical and attitudinal barriers that face someone with a disability when taking part in tourism activities; however, despite these barriers those with disabilities still continue to take part in tourism activities. All participants have stated that taking part in tourism can be difficult, not just the taking part but also the organising as there are many different issue that have to be considered. It is also evident that attitudinal barriers seem to have the biggest effect on the disabled tourist; nevertheless, it has not reduced the number of future trips they make.