A new call for proposals aims to support National Tourism Administrations in setting up national awards to reward best practices implemented in the tourism industry that have improved access to all visitors, particularly to people with disabilities.
The European Commission opened the competition on 22 May for the third “Access City Award”, the European Award for Accessible Cities. The annual prize recognises and celebrates cities that are dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all, and for persons with disabilities in particular.
Representing a wide coalition of European organisations acting on behalf of the transport industry and the transport passengers, we call upon the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to uphold article 43 of the Commission’s proposal for the development of the trans-European transport network.
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Eight cities have been shortlisted for the prestigious European Access City Award 2012. With 114 entries from 23 EU countries, the jurors had a challenging task identifying the finalists.
Co-hosted by the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Rick Hansen Institute, Interdependence 2012 is an international four-day conference and exposition with a focus on creating accessible communities and furthering spinal cord injury (SCI) research for a cure. Abstracts are now invited for presentations in the theme session on "Making Communities Accessible for All". The two sub-themes are "Accessible and Inclusive Tourism" and "UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities".
This spring, Certu (the Centre for Studies on Urban planning, Transport and Public facilities, France) will publish a study about practices improving access for all in 11 European cities. This analysis is part of a comprehensive review led by Certu to identify interesting examples of accessibility practices in Europe.
This summer the European Commission has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of passengers' rights. Although the European Union has made great strides in establishing common passenger rights for those travelling by air or rail, not every European is yet aware of what he or she is entitled to.
This campaign sets out to make all air and rail passengers aware of what rights they enjoy under European legislation and how to make use of them.
Three West Country businesses have been shortlisted for the first UK tourism award recognising attractions with access for disabled visitors. The new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards named the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, alongside the South Devon Railway and the Eden Project in Cornwall.
For long Vuokatti is known worldwide for its superb sports and leisure facilities. It has been a regular host for all levels of athletes and individuals who enjoy practicing a physical activity in a purely natural and friendly setting. The Elma project is focussed on developing a sustainable, Universally Accessible destination for all.
EDF considers that the developments of terminology and classification standards are necessary in these areas as a pre-requisite for any future initiative on access to transport and tourism services. Clarifying the definition of disability on one hand, and of accessibility to transport and tourism services on the other, is crucial. EDF underlines the importance of basing all standardisation initiatives on the social model of disability and on a human rights approach.