Topic > Travel and Disability - 593

In 1985, Durgin, Lindsay and Hamilton estimated that 13% of ill travelers had some form of disability and this figure was expected to increase, particularly as baby boomers aged. in medical science that had become more adept at saving lives and with greater access to travel for a wide range of people. However, people with disabilities have a significantly different tourism experience to their fellow Australians (Darcy 1998). This article explores these issues and presents recommendations for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in tourism experiences. The following three observations from a recent study highlight the range of experiences that people with physical disabilities encounter while traveling. Recent research by Darcy (1998) presented the first quantitative empirical research investigating the constraints and barriers that people with physical disabilities experience when travelling. Research shows the many constraints and barriers that exist and general physical access is still the main constraint faced by people with physical disabilities...