The challenges experienced by wheelchair disabled holidaymakers travelling in and from the UK and the level of satisfaction within the tourism amenities in existence.

The challenges experienced by wheelchair disabled holidaymakers travelling in and from the UK and the level of satisfaction within the tourism amenities in existence.



Summary

This research is being conducted to establish accessibility of UK a s visitor destination by disabled holidaymakers.

Also to establish baselines against which progress can be measured.

To also raise the concerns based on the lack or limited wheelchair accessible facilities for the wheelchair holidaymakers in and from UK.

Research into views of disabled visitors in and from UK, based on the online survey being conducted over eight weeks during July and August, with an estimate of plus / minus 50 participants

Research aims and objectives

To discover the level of facilities whether they vary within the country and if these facilities are suitable or adequate for wheelchair holidaymakers in and from UK.

Establish if any improvements are taking place as far as the upgrade or implementation of these facilities is concerned.

What the wheelchair holidaymakers in and out of UK want to make their travel easier.

Bring awareness within the industry of providing suitable facilities for wheelchair holidaymakers are important.

The research is conducted with discreet given the principles researched, considering their vulnerability and safety, given their circumstances.

Introduction

I have met a few wheelchair users, worked with a couple within the UK and in UK, had the pleasure of accompanying them on holidays as their Personal Assistant Career.

Out of observation and communication, I have spotted the challenges they come across when they go on holiday in and from UK with the emphasis on transport. Lack of facilities like ramps, hoists, sliding sheets, proper pressure beds, accessibility in general and more, while doing the research on this topic I came across these two recent cases belong which are an eye opener on this research that I am conducting.

The Ross Case

This case decide by the court of Appeal on 21 December 2004, can unfairly be said to be the first high profile case .The case concerned the charges of £18 in each direction for the hire of a wheelchair made by Ryanair to Mr Ross. Mr Ross suffers from cerebral palsy and arthritis and finds walking for long distances and standing difficult. Mr Ross needed the wheelchair to travel from check in to the aircraft in particular because of the queues at the security point.

In case like these it's both unfair and unethical to wheelchair holidaymakers to be charged for services that should be rendered by the service provider in the first place, fortunately the Court of appeal held that; Both Ryanair and Stinted Airport were service providers in respect of the relevant airside parts of the airports.

The distance between check in and the departure gate made it unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make use of the service, so imposing an obligation on both defendants to provide a reasonable alternative method of making the service available.

A wheelchair was an auxiliary aid and it was ...