Under s.71B of the UK Railways Act 1993 the Secretary of State maintains a Code of Practice to protect the interests of disabled people travelling by rail. All passenger train and station operators are encouraged to use the document, and those who are licensed must follow its standards. Accessible Train and Station Design for Disabled people: A Code of Practice, published in July 2008, replaced the previous version published by the Strategic Rail Authority, and incorporates a clearer structure, more-up-to-date guidance, and standards mirroring new European rules. This new edition code of practice replaces all previous versions. It provides standards and guidance for accessibility at railway stations, and should be used by all train and station operators whenever they carry out works on their facilities.
Accessibility in tourism in a social right that concerns all citizens in Europe. In Europe it is estimated that 10% of the population have some type of disability, this means around 50 million people. And this number will continue to grow due to the inevitable process of demographic change as half of them are over 65. It can be deduced that accessibility is essential for 10% of the population, necessary for 40% and convenient for 100% of the population. In recent years the rights of disabled people to travel and to participate in tourism, leisure, sport and other activities away from home have been strengthened in a number of areas by legislation and regulations at international, European and national levels. This report presents an overview of the key legislation and the way in which the rights of people with disabilities are being extended and safeguarded. The report shows many examples of how the front-runners in sections of the tourism industry are beginning to respond to the increasing demand for accessible tourism products and services.
The European Union named 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities. In this context, a Group of Experts was set up by Mrs. Anna Diamantopoulou, Member of the Commission in charge of Employment and Social Affairs, with the mandate to address accessibility within an increasingly diverse and ageing society, and to put forward concrete proposals.
As part of the two year ENAT work programme 2006 – 2007, a study of services and facilities for accessible tourism in Europe was conducted by Toegankelijkheidsbureau (Belgium). This report presents definitions of accessible tourism, the target public and their specific needs, leading to an overview of services and facilities that tourism providers can adopt to improve accessibility.
The latest newsletter published today by the Standards Unit of Ireland's National Disability Authority (NDA) shows a lively state of activity in new and forthcoming standards which target accessibility for everyone in tourism and at heritage sites.
Following the invitation of the ENAT international Board, travel writer and educator, Dr. Scott Rains has been made a 'Lifetime Honorary Associate Member’ of the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT).
The Design for All Foundation, based in Barcelona, (Spain) and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ensuring long-term cooperation between the two associations for the promotion of better access for all citizens in Europe.
The draft document, BS 8300 on the Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice, is now open to the public for comment.
Access Israel announces its "Access Israel Folder", said to be the first of its kind and size in the world and including a collection of over 160 sketches, illustrations and architectural items from the different fields of accessibility. The folder's purpose is to help every architect, designer and accessibility specialist in the planning and consulting work.
Two new studies produced by ENAT research staff are now available for download from the ENAT website. The first report, " Rights of Tourists with Disabilities in the European Union Framework" examines the key legislation and the way in which the rights of people with disabilities are being extended and safeguarded. The second report, "Services and Facilities for Accessible Tourism in Europe" presents definitions of accessible tourism, the target public and their specific needs, and an overview of services and facilities that tourism providers can adopt to improve accessibility. Both reports include many examples of good practice drawn from several European countries, illustrating a range of accessible tourism and travel services.
The "Flag of Towns and Cities for All" offers to municipalities the opportunity to join a growing group of towns and cities that have committed themselves to improve ther public space, their facilities, transport, buildings and services, improving the life quality of their citizens and visitors.
Why should venue owners consider accessible tourism? This website provides links to a range of resources that tourist venue owners can use to gain insight and develop their services for disabled and elderly tourists. The information was compiled as part of the EU funded 'Happy Tourist' project.
