Accessible Tourism” (also known as “Access Tourism”, “Universal Tourism”, “Inclusive Tourism” and in some countries such as in Japan “Barrier-free Tourism”) is tourism and travel that is accessible to all people, with disabilities or not, including those with mobility, hearing, sight, cognitive, or intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, older persons and those with temporary disabilities.Now in the context of Singapore, why is it important to make it a barrier-free country that is accessible to one and all, including tourists and locals alike?
For 2011, the number of Singaporeans aged 65 and above stands at 9.3% of the total population. With increasing life expectancy rates, this number is expected to continue to rise. In developed nations, average life expectancy at age 80 is projected to increase by 27 per cent. This means that not only are more people surviving to old age, but once there, they tend to live longer too.
Now don't take this to mean that mobility aids are restricted only to use by the elderly. People who require the use of wheelchairs or scooters include those afflicted by physiological or physical disabilities, such as inflammable diseases like MS or spinal cord injuries such as transverse myelitis. Some are born with such disabilities and have learned to get around with mobility aids all their life. More people living longer only means a larger pool of people in which physical disabilities can occur.
Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, seen here floating in a zero-gravity jet, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 21.
With the world economy finally shaking off the dust of the global crisis, a strong outlook is expected for tourism growth in 2011. 2010's strong recovery in world tourism combined with inbound travel growth driven by markets in Pacific Asia will see more tourists traveling within the region. A main issue is that developed destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong, and popular developing nations like Thailand, India, Indonesia and China, are not required by law to uphold specific accessibility measures.
This means that even modern countries like Singapore may not have the sufficient provisions for "the ability to access" to create an environment that is available to as many people as possible. Unlike America, which upholds the Americans with Disabilities Act, buildings and businesses in Singapore are not required by law to build their spaces according to standard disability requirements. Though more recently erected buildings may follow the Code on Barrier-free Accessibility, the mandatory measures are usually incorporated only in common spaces or areas with high traffic.
This leaves a lack of barrier-free inter-connectivity between buildings, landmarks and transport systems. A property that has taken the time to measure and plan the design of a facility for optimal accessibility would have ensured any person can access it's premises independently. One should be provided with the freedom and ability to enter a building without requiring a second individual to guide their mobility aids or hold open doors. Building entrances with ramps can appear to provide accessibility, but non-automated doors would still hinder one's ability to independently enter and exit the premises.
This ramp leading from the car park appears functional, but still does not establish complete accessibility for the facility. A person in a electric wheelchair or motorized scooter would have to wait outside for a second person to enter/exit the premises to hold the door open for him/her to enter.
Additionally, these codes act as mere design guidelines, and are incorporated based on the initiative of building developers. This leaves an undesirable disparity between sufficient accessibility and locations with facilities that are merely more user-friendly. User-friendly does not equate to barrier-free accessibility.
The importance in creating direct access for all, including people with and without physical disabilities, is of vital importance surrounding the idea of universal design. Providing proper design of all essential products and the built environment so that it is aesthetic and as usable to the greatest extent possible is a utilitarian idea that would be of benefit to all Singaporeans and visitors alike.
Why is accessible tourism important? And why should Singapore designate full accessibility to more than just hospitals, train stations and major shopping malls? Though there may be up-to-standard provisions for mobility aid users, is it sufficient and convenient according to the elements of universal design? How does this concern people without physical disabilities?
The answer lies in one's basic human rights. The ability to choose where to visit or travel anywhere is a fundamental right that should be both universal (applicable all over the country) and egalitarian (the same for everyone). Failing to provide access to any person or in all necessary locales, can mean that some individuals can access services or amenities that others can not. Essentially, this unequal treatment of the physically disabled is a form of (unintentional) discrimination. Individuals requiring the use of mobility aids deserve to regain or maintain a level of independence that would allow them to age in place and engage in life.
The role universal accessibility plays can not only bring convenience to the lives of those in need, but also allow them to lead a life as unencumbered by their disabilities as possible. By restoring a measure of self-reliance on the wheelchair or scooter user, it also removes their suppliant status, allowing them the freedom to carry on their lives without requiring the aid of family members, maids or travel aides.
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