Discussion about entry: Travel, Disability, and Universal Design: The Rolling Rains Report

by Scott Rains | Feb 21, 2008
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This is discussion about Travel, Disability, and Universal Design: The Rolling Rains Report.

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by Bill Hinchberger | Feb 22, 2008

Scott Rains and I have never met personally, but I guess we’ve developed a little mutual admiration society. I’ve been following his work on accessible travel for a few years now, mostly because he has special interest in Brazil. If I had the time and the guts, I’d steal all his good ideas and use them on BrazilMax. Actually Scott has been trying to encourage me get develop some quality content on accessibility. If it hasn’t happened, it is my fault. Scott is also keeping me in the loop on an initiative that he’s helping to push to improve accessibility on cruise ships and main ports of call in Brazil. Now that The Rolling Rains Report has joined the Challenge, I’m not sure that I’ll even be able to vote for BrazilMax anymore. Bill Hinchberger Founding Editor, BrazilMax http://www.BrazilMax.com

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Bill, There is quite a nucleus of adapted adventure tourism reaching critical mass in Brazil now: Dada Moreira at Aventura Especial Joedson Nunes and Ricardo Shimosakai at Turismo Adaptado. Ricardo just launched a new column in EcoViagems where he will constantly be weaving the "Universal Design complements green design" story in Portuguese at "Por Dentro do Turismo Adaptado". Joedson and Dada are both active in making Socorro a destination of choice for people with disabilities - now with federal funding and the partnership of the adventure sports safety certification movement. Dada has the extra project of Inclusive Destination Development at Serra da Cantastra National Park Another great geotourism story in the making. Anahi Guedes just sent me in Floripa just sent me this link on accessibility from Sentidos magazine. Eduardo Camara (cadeirante) and Bianca Marotta publish their travels in Mão na Roda

by Marta Gil | Feb 22, 2008

Great work!! It is innovative, unique and it is not a dream- it is beginning to happen. I haven´t met Scott in person yet but I sure hope this day will come. I admire him and his work. The combination of Travel, Turism and Universal Design is absolutely important and will make a differnce in people´s lives, in the economy, society and culture of countries that adopt this methodology. It envolves the whole chain: suppliers, providers of goods and persons: hotels, their staff, architects, engineers, guests; planes and other ways of locomotion, and so on.That is to say: it goes to the roots, it is not a superficial change. Keep rolling, Scott! Best luck ever! Greetings, Marta Gil Amankay Instituto de Estudos e Pesquisas Brazil Ashoka Fellow since 1989

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Marta, I didn't know you were an Ashoka Fellow! I thought you were one of the few social change geniuses that they had not discovered yet. I am looking forward to receiving the DVDs set of the Amankay Institute's film series. Being a "cadeirante" here in my wheelchair I particularly enjoyed watching the online version of "Dança em Cadeira de Rodas: Reabilitação e Arte" ("Dance in a Wheelchair: Rehabilitation and Art") If your rehearsals are all that energetic now I know why my friends in Axis Dance Company here in the San Francisco Bay Area are always so exhausted! By the way, congratulations on your anniversary at Bengala Legal. You have a unique multiple disability constituency informing you on the Brazilian scene. Do you know if progress ha been made on the city of Rio de Janeiro's promise to train 200 people with disabilities in tourism in 2008? What do you hear of other progress toward inclusive geotourism in Brazil recently?

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Oi Marta, O pacote acaba de chegar com os DVD "Vida em Movimento." Vou fazer pipocas e virar "couch potato" com eles! Scott RollingRains.com

by Gordon Rattray | Feb 23, 2008

I've also not yet met Scott personally, but feel like I know him well. He's advised on a couple of projects I have done regarding inclusive travel in Europe and Africa and his advice is not only useful but often inspirational. His initiatives like his daily blog and his global networking site (http://tournet.ning.com/) are excellent resources and are, I suspect, just the tip of the iceberg! Gordon Rattray www.able-travel.com

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Gordon, You forgot to tell people about your upcoming book on accessible safaris in Africa for Bradt Travel Guides. I read you announcement here at "Travel With Limited Mobility." I know there was a lot of fieldwork and research that went into the project. Did I ever introduce you to Jesse Owens the first wheelchair user to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? He has several inventions that could be appropriate in Africa on safari. You can look him up as a member at Tour Watch. I would be very interested to have you join in from your experience a public discussion here about how this Centers of Excellence in Inclusive Tourism project could build synergies with Noel's Open Africa project?

by Craig Grimes | Feb 23, 2008

This type of project is the only way forward for Inclusive Travel for people with disabilities. The tourism industry only sees the color green and by this I'm refering to dollars. As the promotors of Inclusive Travel we have inform the industry's leaders about the market value potential that comes with Universal Design. This project not only achieves this through various different mediums of web pages, media, conference etc, it also shows how integration of Universal Design can be accomplished from the very beginning of projects through creating inclusive infrastructure for the local community and tourists alike. For me this is crucial, in Barcelona the streets are heaving with tourists which have to move freely around the city mainly by public transport. This has a knock on effect for the local community as public transport services improve. When I first arrived in Barcelona 7 years ago few of the public buses or metro system were accessible for wheelchair users. Now, due to the effects of tourism and demands from the local community 100% of the buses are accessible and the metro system is getting better year by year. Studies and pilot schemes of this type are the only way that the tourism industry's leaders will listen to the Universal Design concept. First the theory of creating sustainable inclusive tourism, secondly pilot schemes and then releasing the facts and figures of the success of the project. This work is not just on a local scale but through networking and bringing different organizations together, the word is spread on a global scale with cooperation between different individuals. The private Web 2.0 innovation incubator, that is refered to in this entry does exactly this, bringing Inclusive Travel specilists from around the world together so that they can exchange ideas and create new contacts to further forward the goals of Universal Design. I for one wholy support this entry. Keep up the good work, global change for Inclusive Geotourism is not impossible. Craig Grimes www.accessiblebarcelona.com www.craiggrimes.com

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Craig, You clarified the core issue well. Short term thinking and myopic emphasis on "heads in beds" is essentially fearful and conservative of the status quo which, in the case of our community, too often means inaccessibility by design. I know you are leading the way in barrier-free design with projects such as this barrier removal project of yours in Barcelona By undertaking your project you created a new venue for tourist lodging but by documenting and disseminating the project you multiplied its impact many times. It is that multiplier effect -- that stimulus to the imagination -- that we want to have with Centers of Excellence. You proved that inclusion and Universal Design thinking can permeate a destination with your work in Barcelona. You are doing it again in Nicaragua. I am privileged to be partnering with you in your pioneering work. Keep the conversation going by sharing your insights on how to make this these Centers as successful as they can be.

by jill browne | Feb 23, 2008

For years, Scott Rains has been leading the way in making accessible travel something people actually think about and discuss. The Rolling Rains Report, and specifically the blog, is my main window on his work. Accessibility can be such an invisible topic, yet almost every one of us will face some kind of accessibility issue in our lives and our travels. Dr. Rains has been working tirelessly and consistently for years to make the world of travel and tourism take notice that not everyone fits the standard template for a human - whatever that may be! On the website Suite101.com, Dr. Rains contributed numerous articles on the topic of "Travel and Disability". This was at a time when the website paid nothing to its writers. I met Scott when I took over the topic, and he has always been generous in sharing information with me. The Rolling Rains Report is a great resource for anyone who has an interest in accessible travel. The breadth and scope of knowledge that Scott Rains has provided and continues to give to the world of travel is amazing. The Rolling Rains Report never fails to surprise and please me with its range of coverage and sensitivity to the needs of people who experience barriers to travel. Reading about the numerous ways in which Dr. Rains and his network of friends and colleagues around the world campaign for and promote universal design and accessibility is always inspiring. His type of effective, consistent leadership is rare and much needed. www.accessibletravel.suite101.com

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Jill, Thank you for your support. My time writing for Suite101.com was very productive and I am glad to see you carrying the torch forward so well. Your comment that "almost every one of us will face some kind of accessibility issue in our lives and our travels" reminds me of what we used to say in the 1970's - "Disability is the only minority group you can wake up tomorrow and be a member of!" And, with the tsunami of aging Boomers, that is happening much more frequently than it was 30 years ago. This morning I noticed that you have joined up with Laurie Ringaert's Measuring Up the North Project on building livable communities through Universal Design in Northern British Columbia. What a beautiful part of the world that is to be opened up to Inclusive Tourism through her work. Together with the work being done on accessible bus and medical transport in the province, Ken Wilson's planned Mobility Air Transport, and Sherri Backstrom's accessible yacht brokerage, Waypoint Charter Services, out of Bellingham we've got accessible maritime, air, and overland transportation coming online. An Australian colleague who specialized in Inclusive Travel downunder disappeared into the BC bush a little over a year ago to try her hand at launching a resort. Come Spring thaw she may emerge from hibernation with a new accessible venue as well. Western Canada is taking off! What the news out toward the prairie? What could a Center of Excellence contribute in your corner of the world?

by jill browne | Mar 01, 2008

Hello Scott, Your last question reminded me of something. I do not personally know Dr. Brent Ritchie of the University of Calgary, but your question reminded me that his brief online biog mentions that he was the inaugural chair of the UN World Tourism Organization Tourism Education Council. U of Calgary has a World Tourism Education and Research Centre, http://www.haskayne.ucalgary.ca/haskaynefaculty/centres/wterc/members although in a quick review I do not see any mention of accessible tourism as a present research interest. I think the Centre's designation as a "World" centre was bestowed by the UNWTO, though that is more of a guess than a fact. Cheers, jill

by jill browne | Mar 01, 2008

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Thank you, Jill. I will definitely look into this. WTO has not yet become engaged in Inclusive Tourism. The World Bank and UNESCAP, on the other hand, have been increasingly helpful partners. I would hope that National Geographic, IATA, PATA, and the cruise lines will step up to the issue now that Brazil, Thailand, and Australia have proven their commitment.

by Wayne Lloyd | Feb 23, 2008

I am writing in support of Dr. Scott Rains’ entry. I was the Resident Manger of Maho Bay Camps, an eco-resort in St. John USVI, when my employer Stanley Selengut, in collaboration with Multi Design For People, hosted the seminar “Building A Destination For All 2005.” The project was an invitation to the Virgin Islands Government, The Virgin Islands National Park and the entire tourist industry in the islands to begin an exploration of the potential for creating an accessible tourist destination in there. Much excitement was generated that week. While it was obvious that the $13.6 billion in discretionary spending available to people with disabilities living in North America was a major motivating factor in considering this investment, I was pleased to hear one participant after another acknowledge that, “This is also the right thing to do.” A memorable moment for me came when the Island Administrator pointed out that the islands weren’t doing enough for the local people with disabilities and that any investment in creating an accessible infrastructure, while aimed at inviting visitors with disabilities, would positively impact the local community as well. Before a year passed, the legislature had set aside money for a survey and recommendation of next steps for the initiative. The energy begun that week in July 2005 has been slow to move forward for want of a full time local advocate working to keep the attention of the government and the industry focused on the project. The educational and networking efforts of Dr. Rains and The Rolling Rains Report are important to the development of that local organizing effort. It is my hope that his work finds all the support it deserves.

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Wayne, I was so pleased to discover your letter of support here. Whenever I get the chance in my talks I brag about the excellent example that Maho Bay Camps is to the rest of the world. In fact, here's at least one bit of press on the Multi Design for people seminar. Did the video documenting the project ever get posted online? It was very impressive to listen to the island's leadership talk about the impact that your project has on them and on the economy. I have to admit, the leadership that you, Stanley, as well as Roseanne Ramos and Kat Darula with their Rhode Island School of Design students showed was a great impetus to formulating this proposal. Unfortunately, the loss of momentum that you report in St John's USVI is too common in this field. I would welcome your ideas on what specifically we could build into these Centers for Excellence that would help projects retain energy and focus. Share you ideas here so others can join in and we'll build the best model.

by Mark Felling | Feb 24, 2008

Scott, Few could have said it better in your and unique articulate way! As a disabled fellow myself used to travel extensively, often internationally prior to my airplane crash, I personally thank you for the work you've done! Professionally, as I was researching travel applications for my patent pending Comfort Carrier Travel, Recreation Transfer Sling, your work and writings was some of the first I found and pointed me to many new resources. The new forum you created I have found invaluable facilitating many new powerful relationships in the travel industry worldwide. You've made a profound impact and I have no doubt as to anticipate powerful growth opportunities impacting culture and communities worldwide through the perception of and inclusion of the disabled! Mark Felling Quadriplegic Engineer & Inventor, MBA President, GimpGear by Broadened Horizons www.GimpGear.US or www.BroadenedHorizons.com

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Mark, As an inventor and entrepreneur with a disability you have firsthand knowledge of the challenge we are addressing through Inclusive Tourism. In fact, your Comfort Carrier is one of the solutions. We have talked about promoting it in Asia and South America. Do you see a possible linkage with Noel's Open Africa project and the extensive network that Gordon Rattray has developed to write his Bradt Guide to African safaris for those with limited mobility (due for publication in June 2009)? It seems important at this point in time that we not only introduce Inclusive Tourism as an external idea but remain and listen carefully for how it interacts with local values and ingenuity. That is what I was trying to say in "Culture in the Future development of Universal Design". My sense is that there is not only a market opportunity for what you have invented but a market-changing opportunity for you to bring your gifts in practical problem-solving into dialogue with African creativity. Besides working with Noel and Gordon look into what MacArthur Foundation Fellow Ralf Hotchkiss is doing with Whirlwind Wheelchairs in Africa and elsewhere.

by Christian Park | Feb 24, 2008

I was fortunate enought to meet Scott last year in Seoul, Korea. I was part of the organizing committee for DPI's World Assembly in Seoul Korea, a gathering of persons with disabilities world wide. I asked Scott to help us plan accessible tours for international participants coming to Korea. We also organized a talk with independent living center leaders on Universal Design. It was a very inspiring meeting. Based on a solid ground of Universal Design what Scott talks about inclusive tourism is not just theories but concrete experiences and success. As many people believe, it is not a dream nor a way for the future. It is a strong phenomenon building its momentum worldwide TODAY. His inclusive tourism network worldwide and the Rolling Scott Rains Report are a great contribution to the development of Geotourism. I am glad to be part of the movement. Christian J. Park, Ph.D. Tourism Anthropologist based in Seoul, Korea

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Christian, I enjoyed visiting with your in Seoul in preparation for Disabled People's International's World Assembly. You sure know how to organize a tour - and the press! I think I counted seven newspaper articles published about my visit. When I got to the airplane even the flight attendants knew who I was and thanked me for the good press about their airline. You probably saw the paper I did recently "Culture in the Further Development of Universal Design." It might be very interesting for others reading through the Changemakers Geotourism section to hear a Tourism Anthropologist's approach to geotourism defined as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical characters of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents." I am wondering if what we did with the World Assembly made any significant contribution to geotourism besides holding a worldwide forum on the

by Noel de Villiers | Feb 24, 2008

Scott at Open africa we would be very keen to learn from you on this important subject and to spread your message as widely as possible.

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Noel, And I am keen to learn from you! Let's make the mutual mentoring very public by posting it here and allow anyone else who is interested to join in. The Changemaker's site is a privileged place to hold this conversation because of the community behind it. I am glad to have introduced you to Gordon Rattray our specialist on accessibility in Africa and I look forward to meeting your local collaborators. Geotourism asks two good questions to the Inclusive Tourism and Inclusive Destination cadre supporting the "Travel, Disability, and Universal Design" proposal:

How does Universal Design applied to tourism provide social benefit to more than people with disabilities?
How do green values and Universal Design intersect and complement each other?

I think that our collaboration best demonstrates answers to the first question. Two aspects of your project attracted me immediately. First, Africa is only starting to embrace the cornerstone of Inclusive Tourism (Universal Design). Second, your radical vision of community ownership of tourism routes is deeply aligned with disability culture and our community values. "Interdependency" - as well as humor, resiliency, and resistance - are prized cultural values in the disability world. Community ownership in your model resonates with our observation that we thrive as people with differing abilities when we contribute to those around us what we do best and ask for what we need. This advocacy for interdependency comes from a political analysis of disability. We talk about three "models of disability":

The Charity Model responds with pity and assigns us the status of permanent childhood dependency in a one-way relationship of goodwill on behalf of power.
The Medical Model assigns us the primary identity of patient and relegates us a wards of the medical profession and as medical problems.
The Social Model (or Social Interpretation of Disability) acknowledges our difference but locates the problem as a poorly adapted social response to normal human variation in function. Disability in that model is an interaction between difference (functionality) and social response.

We can change the social response through projects like Open Africa.

by Noel de Villiers | Mar 03, 2008

Scott You credit us with too much I think, especially since you are undoubtedly way ahead of us intellectually and it is we who can learn from you rather than the other way around. I wish it were true that Africa is embracing the cornerstone of Inclusive Tourism (as it applies to both the supply and demand sides of the equation). Many are those who would like to see this happen and at Open Africa we specifically mean this to include everyone. A few days ago I was asked by the chief executive of a government agency that controls a large sum of tourism development money, where Open Africa saw itself on the development ladder. Right at the bottom, on the very first rung I answered, among those who being rurally located or marginalised for whatever reasons are excluded from the benefits of this industry. Unimpressed, he asked whether that was a valid proposition, given that the market in these areas is so small and that they would probably never be free of the handicap of poverty. The reason I mention this little altercation is that that the discussion really goes to very root of Universal Design. Tourism could and surely should mean much more than the roller coaster money spinner it has become, as you so pertinently observe in saying “that we thrive as people with differing abilities when we contribute to those around us what we do best and ask for what we need.” Generally the communities we work with have long since come to accept that they have little going for them; that little can be done to change their situation. Consequently they lack confidence and are burdened among other things by a negative mindset. Their tendency is to want to dwell on their shortcomings, but we tell them that our initiative deals only with strengths, so to begin with we whip out a flip chart and ask for suggestions as to what these may be. This simple exercise never fails to have amazing results. After a hesitant start suggestions from the floor quickly begin revealing features and characteristics that first surprise and then excite those present and the list gets ever longer. It is this exercise that provides the seeds of rejuvenation, though of course germination is sometimes a slow process and each of the hurdles as they arise has to be overcome. There are those who persist by pointing out that perhaps they don’t have decent roads, or they lack education, or whatever. To them we say that tourism is not about being the same as everybody else. Quite the opposite, it is because people are interested in who you are, where you are, what you do, how you do it and so on. This will probably be the first time anybody has said to them that they are okay, that their uniqueness is distinct and has a value, and that the very evidence of their survival makes them special. This in the end therefore is what life is all about and that is how we see tourism ie, as a mirror that reflects what life is about.

by Scott Rains | Mar 04, 2008

Noel, There is going to be a follow-up to the 2002 Cape Town conference n responsible Tourism next month in Kerala. I see some topics under discussion that might be relevant to what you are doing. A colleague has proposed that she and I attend. I will let you know if I do and I come across something useful for you. In the meantime you may find the disability and development resources at the World Bank and the listserve at the Global Partnership for Disability and Devlopment (GPDD) are helpful. Scott Rains http://www.RollingRains.com

by Davey Schmidt | Feb 24, 2008

I met Scott Rains online this past year and through that positive experience, fully support his nomination to the Geotourism Challenge. His Rolling Scott Rains Report brings to the forefront topics on accessible travel, disability and universal design. One of Scott’s biggest strengths is his networking activities. He is a bridge to many initiatives that revolve around accessible tourism. For several years I have developed a Web site that focuses on accessible trails in Washington State. Scott has offered encouragement and suggestions. He has provided contact names that I might have otherwise overlooked. Through Scott’s input and comments from my online audience, I have began expansion of that site to include the entire Northwest. Scott is definitely a major player in the accessible tourism industry. Davey Schmidt http://accessibletrails.com davey@olypen.com

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Davey, If only there were more people with the dedication and insight you have that were meeting the need for public information on outdoor accessibility. It would help so much in creating wider awareness of the linkages between Universal Design and environmental values. Just today my colleague Laurie Ringaert, former director of the Center for Universal Design in North Carolina, told me of a new web site for participants and supporters of a project she runs in British Columbia: "Measuring Up The North" Inclusive Destination Development project. The site is here: http://measureupthenorth.ning.com/ Have you found new resources by individuals (as opposed to parks themselves) on trails accessibility recently? I am aware of these two:

Davey Schmidt at Accessible Trails http://accessibletrails.com
Loren Worthington at Accessing Arizona http://www.accessingarizona.com/

A Wheelchair Rider's Guide: San Francisco Bay and the Nearby Coast

Northern California

http://www.accessibletrails.com/links.htm

by Akram Muhammad | Feb 24, 2008

For me tourism is not just a fun time for a person but it has a big impact on the world, it can raise understanding among different culture. When we travel to country we see the real things ourselves, its is not what media want to show us for some political reasons. I personally believe that tourism can raise Love, Peace and Friendship among different nations and cultures, because common people always stand for Love, Peace and friendship and interaction between cultures through tourism can help a lot. being a persons with disability, I strongly support Dr. Scott's approach for inclusive tourism. and Universal Design is one of the hope to make things accessible, universally. Lets hope stake holder will understand the mutual benefits of inclusive/accessible tourism and cooperate in implementation. I too working for same issue from the perspective of deaf and hard of hearing persons, you can read my paper/talk presented at Int'l Conference on Accessible Tourism (ICAT) at UNCC - Thailand. http://danishkadah.brinkster.net/activitiesProjects/papers_publications/... and one thing I'd like to admit that I learn new strategy in working on accessibility, his "business approach" for motivating the tourism industry is something new for me.

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Akram Bhai, You have a pilgrim's (or should I say a true haji's) heart toward travel - but I also know you have an engineer's mind. Not only that but as a Pakistani who is deaf you bring such a rich set of personal resources to all the global conversations on inclusion in travel that you contribute to. I hope that many people read your paper and visit your site. By the way, thank you for also making my ICAT 2007 address available at your site. Your approach here has been to emphasize the human, interpersonal, and cultural value of inclusion through tourism. To encourage others to share their experiences with tourism as promotng peace, love, and friendship do you have any stories from your own experience that you can share here to demonstrate what you mean?

by elle isney | Feb 24, 2008

Nowadays where we have elearning and virtual communities, we are no longer constrained by geography but where we can meet people virtually. I feel like with the Rolling Rains Report, I have met a kindred spirit in Scott with his support for universal design and travel for disabled people. It is not just because I am an access auditor here for inclusive environmen t in the UK with links back to Europe and the USA and an information specialist specialising in web accessibility but Scott has also given me contacts back to Malaysia my home country. And Rolling Rains have integrated all these strands of my proffessional interests with my personal love for travelling and exploring differnt cultures as a disabled person. Linked into the rights of people with disabilities to travel and have access to facilities as tourists is the the undeniable fact that it makes economical sense for these facilities to observe accessibility because of the ageing population of travellers. Rolling Rains is putting that message across that universal design makes economical sense and with that, hopefully the message of accessible accomodation may filter down in host countries where tourist industry is important and awareness of universal design may take root.

by Scott Rains | Mar 01, 2008

Eleanor, It is true. Without the Internet we would never have met and I would be lacking a valuable colleague as well as links to some rather amazing people you know in Europe. I think the fact that you and I, like so many who have commented here, have never met in person says volumes about the difficulties we face as people with disabilities when it comes to travel. We are resilient and find alternatives - but expend lots of work in the process. A sea change in attitudes, business processes, and vehicle design by the travel industry would certainly alleviate that! I am wondering if you see a particularly European need for or expression of inclusive geotourism. Thoughts?

by Zen KOH | Feb 24, 2008

I am writing in support of Scott's entry. I am the CEO of Singapore's START Centre and we have been working with Scott in the promoting of Universal Design and Accessible Tourism in Asia. The Singapore Therapeutic, Assistive & Rehabilitative Technologies (START) Centre was formed to promote Biomedical & Healthcare technologies for the elderly and for the people with disabilities. Particularly, we focus on Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology and the promoting of technologies for the aging and the people with disability in Asia. In 2007 we launched the international Convention for Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology (i-CREATe) and the event was formally launched by Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Kingdom of Thailand, and Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), on 24th April 2007. In May 2008 (13 – 15 May 2008) we will be organizing i-CREATe 2008 (www.start-centre.com/i-create2008) with our Thailand partner, NECTEC, in Bangkok. In 2009, we will be working with Scott and other experts to launch the International Conference for Accessible Tourism (ICAT) in Singapore. We believe through efforts from people such as Scott, we can jointly achieve much in promoting accessible tourism through implementation of technologies.

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Zen, I am very much looking forward to leading a panel at i-CREATe 2008. With my partner from King Mongkutt's University on extended fieldwork I may need to rework the additional presentation I planned on Universal Design in destination development. I have seen photos of amputees with prosthetics serving as tour guide up temples in Angkor Wat or as musicians around the region. In Ayutthaya there are wheelchair users building wheelchair-accessible three-wheeled motorcycles and renting them to tourists. There is an American who has given me a lightweight sling for transferring people out of their wheelchairs so they can participate in outdoor sport and adventure activities and another who has invented (and uses in this home) a hand-powered elevator. Both inventors are wheelchair users. I met an engineer in Florida who specializes in inventing or adapting technologies specifically to enable travel by people with disabilities. Her latest is a satellite enabled GPS locator that is being tested by a paralyzed outdoor adventurer. It would be very interesting to organize a tour bringing these sorts of innovators from the disability community together with your engineers. Do you do something like that already? Do you think that will be one of the outcomes of i-CREATe 2008?

by Brian Wright | Feb 25, 2008

In support of Dr Scott Rains entry. I attended the ICAT Conference in Bangkok in November and was impressed by the speed at which I was included in an extensive network sharing information and ideas. The concept of Universal design needs to be accepted by all, especially in the tourism industry. I have witnessed a boom in hotel development over just a few short years in Thailand and have to say a chance has gone by where the concept of universal design could have been promoted by Thailand as a way forward in sustainable tourism development. Scott has encouraged me to spread the word about universal design here in Thailand among hotel and resort operators as well as look at the services provided by the company I work with.

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Mr Thaibri, What you experienced at ICAT in Bangkok was the dynamic of economic development professionals, travel experts, and disability culture (represented by disability rights activists) gathering from all over the world and all focused on one issue -- sustainability in tourism. We were agreed on a set of fundamental principles -- Universal Design We were agreed on the urgency of the need and the timeliness of the call. Some are naming what you walked into at ICAT 2007 as "social entrepreneurship", "venture philanthropy", or "open source social solutions". I have noticed that the spirit of "coopetition" (innovation-directed cooperative competition)that repeatedly reinvents us here in Silicon Valley has given way in many business sectors to scarcity thinking and turf-protecting competitiveness. That approach breaks trust. It stifles imagination. The underlying fear in it reinforces, through inaction, the position of people with disabilities at the margins of society. It may be that cultural gap that made it seem like you were so quickly accepted into the world of Inclusive Tourism. Or it may have been that excellent educational pedigree behind your own professional accomplishments.

by Prasad Phanasgaonkar | Feb 25, 2008

We have started wheelchair accessible car rentals in Mumbai- India. http://www.samarthatravels.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qaj3cs6SRM We didn’t have any guidance to start such services. We knew our ideas would work but had a fear; project could be scrap if we fail. When we had hurdles making our ideas work, it felt playing with money. The experience & knowledge of services for PwD from developed countries can help save time directly implementing services for PwD in Asia, rather than wasting time on thinking & trying ‘what should be done?’ Dr.Scott’s http://tournet.ning.com/ group has many members who are Gurus in Universal Design & Inclusive Tourism. The members also guide PwD with fighting for their rights. Some normal people will laugh at concept of Inclusive Tourism saying “ Why do people in wheelchair have to travel” For those who think PwD shouldn’t enjoy life please try sitting in a chair for twelve hours without moving. Dr. Scott’s vision & ideas can truly make impact around the World. In support of Dr. Scott from India

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Prasad, I liked the title about not "reinventing the wheel" from someone who is inventing wheelchair accessible transport and a business to rent it out in Mumbai. If what we do together gives you more time to make positive impact on the world then it is a success! The Geotourism Challenge is about work that "sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place" including "the well-being of its residents." It seems to me that is what you do by making wheelchair accessible vehicles available to residents and visitors in Mumbai. It would be interesting to read here some stories of the impact that work has had on people's lives. Do you have any to add? What form might a Center of Excellence such as I outlined take in Mumbai?

by Prasad Phanasgaonkar | Mar 05, 2008

Dr.Scott, We haven’t been interacting with wheelchair users renting our vehicle because at present its too early, too little and we have to do many things to be perfect. I will give an idea of situation in Mumbai and experiences we had. In Mumbai there are many buildings without elevators or elevators are small to fit wheelchairs. PwD have to be carried three-four floors up and down every time they plan to go out of their houses, whether it’s a visit to Doctor, attending meetings, shopping, traveling etc. Gathering and managing people to carefully lift PwD on stairs is hassle and PwD hardly go few times a year. For PwD who travel once a blue moon it must feel fresh to be out of four walls. There was a wheelchair user who got out of his house after 8 years and looking at accessible vehicle was laughing with disbelief. Because of easy travel, caregivers too don’t worry and are relaxed. Some PwD travel alone carrying out their meetings and drivers help them. With more PwD coming out in real world it may impact other PwD who are shy to come out of their houses and may feel part of society. Whole lot of things will happen, for good if we try sincierly and sounds common sense. Regards, Prasad

by Scott Rains | Mar 05, 2008

Prasad, The social transformation that you are working in Mumbai by eliminating the barrier to independent transportation is probably difficult for someone with a mobility impairment to imagine. Your story captures it well. I have been asked by the Assistive Technology Alliance of California to produce a short film in April. I would love to include the story of the impact you are making. Is it possible for you to interview the person you described on video? I just need a short bit to capture the excitement of someone free to go out in the real world. Scott Rains www.RollingRains.com

by Prasad Phanasgaonkar | Mar 10, 2008

Dr Scott, I will talk to users who have been renting vehicle. I think everyone has something exciting to capture. Prasad

by Judith Bendel | Feb 26, 2008

As a leading professional in the field of Tourism For All and Universal Design, and author of a tour guide for people with disabilities "Access Unlimited - Your Guide to Israel", I am very familiar with a wide range of information providers for customers and stakeholders in the industry. I found the Rolling Rains Report the most innovative, comprehensive and reliable of existing information providers. The project has proved social impact. From my personal and professional acquaintance with Dr. Scott Rains, I am convinced he will successfully follow up his ideas and vision to promote Universal Design and Tourism for All as described in this proposal. Dr. Judith Bendel Access Unlimited Bendelj@hotmail.com

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Dr. Bendel, It is an honor to receive your endorsement because of the depth of your involvement in this field. I want to thank you also for making your custom software available to our international efforts at harmonizing and presenting accessibility guidelines. You could not be there in Bangkok unfortunately just as I could not be at the European conference on Inclusive Travel in Seville two days before but one of the points I emphasized is that there will be standardization of business practices toward people travelers with disabilities within one year. The only question is whether or not they will be good standards and the only way to be certain that the interests of the disability community are represented around the negotiating tables - or behind the closed doors - as those standards are adopted is if we become literate in the legal guidelines, competent in best practices, and both articulate and consistent in communicating good standards on a global scale. That seems to be one reason why we are seeing united action between advocates for the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) and activists fighting global warming who advocate Universal Design as the social inclusion sustainability parallel and complement to green design's environmental sustainability solution. I think your software tool for comparing diverse accessibility standards and making them intelligible to travelers anticipated the stage we are at now by several years. Something that might be of interest to others interested in Geotourism is how progress for people with disabilities translates into benefits for those who are not yet disabled. Have any observations and thoughts on that?

by aiko akiyama | Feb 26, 2008

Hi, my name is Aiko Akiyama, working at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand. I am doing disability work, I personally support Scott’s project, as I think that it would be a tremendous asset for our region, as accessible tourism is an emerging area of interest for governments, disabled people’s organizations and travel industry. To begin with, travel industry itself is a growing industry here. The region has enjoyed a steady growth of market share of tourism during the last decade while that of Europe went down (I do not have details handy right now, but can provide if needed). Some countries, which heavily rely on tourism, used the revenues for social development causes such as education. While disability movements of all types in the region grow rapidly, they become all the more aware that their environment, services and information are not even minimally accessible and persons with disabilities are not enjoying basic mobility and leisure activities, and participating in other economic and social activities. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in 2006, has given them another impetus to voice their needs. Aging society in the region also call for more accessible environment. In fact, by 2050, the region’s population of older persons (older than 60 years old) would constitute 62 per cent of that of the world. Places like Takayama city, in Gifu prefecture, Japan serves as a good model for other cities in the region can follow as the City improves accessibility and the tourists increased dramatically over the last ten years. The region needs this type of model cities that other developing countries and least developed countries can follow. The region also needs clear concepts on accessible tourism, information on good practices and know-how on how to make tourism more accessible from every possible thinkable ways. Scot’s work would be really helpful.

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Aiko, You are in a privileged position to see both the broad trends and the behind-the-scenes mechanics of economic development in the region. Thank you for the endorsement and your leadership on the 2007 International Conference on Accessible Tourism at the UN in Bangkok last November. The document you drafted, ICAT 2007 Conference Recommendations, strengthened Ivor Ambrose's testimony on behalf of ENAT in front of the European Union and I know that it has inspired the Tourism Authority of Thailand to action. I wish I could have been there with you and Saowalak in Bangladesh this week as you continue the work. I think you caught the spirit of the proposed Centers of Excellence when you suggested the need for accessible public restrooms as tourism development. Here are photos of an example that could serve as a prototype (if we include some additional green and clean water features). It is at a gas station on the drive from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Do you think there would be support for such a project in Thailand? I think it has potential in all six Greater Mekong Region states. An academic colleague is spending the next four months teaching and researching accessible heritage tourism in Yunnan province at the Mekong headwaters. She will be able to advise on a project of larger scope like that.

by Jill Paradis | Feb 27, 2008

Scott Rains has been a great mentor, encouraging me to keep realizing my dream of creating an accessible tour operation here in Northern Italy. I appreciate all the support and advice that he gives me as I work towards creating an amazing accessible travel/cultural experience. I have found accessible ski programs in the Alps of Northern Italy and an organization that is willing to give us an accessible class room to provide Italian language lessons. I also found a commercial kitchen that is willing to provide accessible cooking lessons too! Torino held the 2006 winter Olympics which proved that this city can be accessible and enjoyed by all. Thank you for the encouragement Scott!

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Jill, All this time I have been cheering your move from Colorado to Northern Italy to open up travel options for English-speaking travelers with disabilities but it wasn't until I read your comments here that it occurred to me the part that the Olympic Committee's commitment to disabled athletes played. In a sense, your business there became possible because the games in Torino first made the physical and attitudinal changes needed to put it on the mental maps of our community. Then the images of Paralympic athletes (I have a photo of an amputee skier in Torino on my blog from that era) broadcast around the world established it as a destination-of-choice because we began to see ourselves there. Among the purposes of the Geotourism project are to enhance the heritage, culture, and aesthetics of a location. I have not been to Northern Italy. From your observations were the architectural changes made to accommodate us in and around Torino enhancing to the heritage, culture, and aesthetics of the place or were they purely pragmatic?

by Ivor Ambrose | Feb 27, 2008

The European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) is a non-profit association of organisations and individuals from the private, public and NGO sectors. Our mission is to make European tourism destinations, products and services accessible to all visitors and to help promote Accessible Tourism around the world. As Managing Director of ENAT, I wish to show our support for the work of Scott Rains, who is a leading light in our field. Scott's regular 'Rolling Rains' report testifies to his distinguished track record, reflecting his unique combination of talents for gathering and communicating ideas, organising and stimulating action around the globe. European tourism entrepreneurs, decision-makers, lobbyists, academics, and not least, tourists with disabilities are already deriving benefit from Scott's leadership and the changes he has stimulated. His new proposal to build links between world regions for the advancement of accessible tourism is innovative and timely, and we welcome and support his project wholeheartedly. Ivor Ambrose. www.accessibletourism.org

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Ivor, Your premature eulogy makes me think of the famous line by Mark Twain, "Rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated!" I am looking forward to building on your recent work to bring European Union nations toward convergence on accessibility legislation. I was to be in Dhaka today at the request of South Asian NGOs to unite them regionally and internationally on legislative convergence but my Indian sponsor was not able to arrange my trip at the last minute. We will progress via email. I know that the next ENAT conference on accessible tourism is scheduled for 2009. The Asian conference will be in Singapore April 2009. Be sure to schedule ENAT at a time that allows you to come to Singapore (and me to attend in Europe). As Aiko hints below there will be a conference in Takayama as well to showcase the remarkable work the municipality has done by applying Universal Design to cultural preservation and destination management. As I wrote in Dr Bhatia's Design for All India this month I believe that the "next big thing" in the evolution of Universal Design (after adoption by hotels, resorts, and cruise ships)is the cultural adaptation taking place as it gets introduced into new parts of the world through the travel & hospitality industry. It may turn out that the work to harmonize accessibility and anti-discrimination legislation will benefit greatly by taking place at the same time as new voices are bringing different cultural approaches to the conversation on social inclusion. It is encouraging to think that these Centers of Excellence could facilitate and focus that dialogue.

by Patricia Medina | Feb 28, 2008

We count on Scott to guide us here in Brazil! Brazil has new laws in accessibility since 2004: Laws 5296, 10.048/2000 and 10.098/2000. As of yet most of our parks, resorts, hotels, theatres, and restaurants are not prepared to deal with people with special needs. The new legal mandate, together with rising industry awareness of the profit potential of this market niche, and public demand for leisure opportunities by Brazilians with disabilities make this a time when the knowledge and skills are in high demand by government and industry here. Tourism and leisure research demonstrates that a great number of people with special needs have the resources and desire to travel. They are persistent loyal customers in spite of the scarcity of accessible destinations. They have created demand for trained staff and for services of quality. The tourism trade can and must contribute significantly to this new form of social inclusion promising increased quality of life, generation of income, and new chances of work the people with disability. I have been part of a consulting team at GKN Driveline - Brazil since 2006. We recruit and train developmentally disabled, deaf, blind, and physically disabled people to work inside the company. Our team also works with tourist establishments to certify their professional staff in the skills they need to work with this market, to modify their facilities for accessibility, and to use assistive technologies. That is, we provide many of the services that are necessary for a Center of Excellence in Inclusive Tourism: accessibility audits, Universal Design, ergonomics and security consulting, and project management. Successful clients are then certified and allowed to display the Pestalozzi Institute Logo of Accessibility Pestalozzi Institute, in accordance with the levels of accessibility they have achieved. Some other achievements organized by our team work with Scott´s helping hand: * I Simpósio Regional Sobre Inclusão e Acessibilidade ( 1st Regional Symposium on Inclusion and Accessibility) Focus: Accessibility and Inclusion from the Experience of Specialized Institutions (March 2004) PUC- POA, RS, Brazil Partners: National CORDE- Coordenadoria for Integration of the Person with Disability; SEDH- Special Secretariat of the Human Rights Gov.Federal; Municipal city hall of Canoas; PUCRS, Fenasp, Hotels Holiday Inn, TRIBECA Events. * I Congresso Ibero Americano de Acessibilidade no Turismo ( 1st Latina American Congress on Accessibility in Tourism) Focus: The Market Potential for a Tourism without Barriers (November 2004) Canela, RS, Brazil Partners: Ministry of the Tourism; Ministry of Cities; CORDE- National Coordenadoria for Integration of the Person with Disability; SEDH - Special Secretariat of the Human Rights Gov.Federal; SETUR - State Secretariat of the Tourism Sport and Leisure; Municipal City Hall of Canela; UCS-Universidade de Caxias do Sul; ABIH-RS; Villa Bella Hotel; Design Scomazzon, This model works. It is having measurable impact even with a small-scale implementation here in southern Brazil. It deserves to be better known and widely available. If the goal of the Geotourism Challenge is to "identify and showcase innovators-individuals and organizations that support . tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents" then we strongly endorse this model for its timeliness in our part of the world and Dr. Rains as an innovator for developing it!

by Scott Rains | Feb 29, 2008

Patricia, Watching your work over the years - and getting an even closer look at your qualifications as we worked on your Fullbright application - has been impressive. I look forward to doing a second Congresso Ibero-Americano. Your experience with developmentally disabled adults gives breadth to Inclusive Tourism training and consulting in Brazil. The work you did with Instituto Pestalozzi creating a rating and certification system of the accessibility of hospitality and tourism sites was years ahead of what other countries are just starting. Do you know if Brazil's Minister of Tourism Marta Suplicy is going to use your rating system in Socorro for the Socorro Acessivel Project. She may be too busy to answer that question but Dada Moreira at Aventura Especial should know. He launched the whole project there several years ago. His site is here: http://www.aventuraespecial.com.br/ I think people who read your comments here might also be people who could apply your system in their own countries. See if you can get details up onto the Internet to share with others.

by AJITH PERERA | Mar 01, 2008

“Geo-tourism accessible for EVERYONE” BY: DR. AJITH C. S. PERERA We from SRI LANKA, Vehemently support Dr. Scott Rains’ entry at a time when there is an urgent global need to identify, encourage and promote innovators, individuals and organizations that actively support geo-tourism. Scott’s outstanding work are indeed invaluable contributions to achieve this goal. I and Scott are both wheelchair users. We are yet to meet and see each other, but are working together even though we are a half a world apart on a post-disaster project that the rest of the world has forgotten and using an approach that has such potential to be economically viable. When ‘Travel and Tourism’ combines with ‘Disability and Universal Design’ goes to the roots having the potential to make a big difference in ALL people’s lives, in a country’s economy, image, society and culture. It involves a wide range: hoteliers, tour promoters, suppliers and good providers, professionals in all inclusive design including the disabled people, architects and engineers, media men, tourist officials. It is not a superficial change. IDIRIYA is a registered group of professionals in several fields, working voluntarily in Sri Lanka to promote and help our emerald island with rich diversity of resources, benefit from ‘accessible tourism’ as ‘ NEW PROFIT’ whilst protecting the rich assets that make our country unique. Our MISSION is focused on empowering communities through creating more opportunities in daily living activities. By accident, through Internet we came to know SCOTT last year. We are compiling a ‘MIND OPENER’ on ‘Accessibility at built environments’. I convinced SCOTT to find time and mind to devote for ‘Services for FREE’, in compiling two thought provoking articles here on ‘Accessible Tourism for Everyone’. This he did beyond our expectations and convinced potential readers that even a small venue as Sri Lanka, have the capacity to win market share and customer loyalty. It also enabled us to discover that Dr Scott Rains is definitely a major world player in ‘accessible tourism industry’.

Take action:

Links:

The Rolling Rains Report Rules!

The Power of Collaboration

Travel, Disability and Universal Design

Amankay e Legal!

Obrigado!

Travel, Disability and Universal Design

Herding Icebergs!

The Only Way Forward

Moving Geotourism Forward Through Inclusion

Rolling Rains' Substantial Contribution to Accessible Travel

Reminiscing - And Pushing On Forward

University of Calgary - Dr. Brent Ritchie

University of Calgary - Dr. Brent Ritchie

U of Calgary has a World Tourism Education and Research Centre

In support of Dr. Scott Rains’ entry

A Stellar Example of the Convergence of Green & Universal Design

Well-deserved success and profound growth potential!

Networking in Africa

Inclusive Tourism and Universal Design

Tourism Anthropology

Collaboration

Collaboration With Open Africa: Basics on Inclusive Tourism

Answering yours

Second International Conference on Responsible Tourism: Kerala

Three Cheers for the Rolling Rains Report

True to Form : Here Are More Resources for You!

Tourism can promote love, peace and friends ship

Tourism as Spiritual Practice and Transformation

The Rolling Rains Report

Kindred Spirits Rolling Out Social Innovation

Accessible Travel

An Innovation Destination?

Accessibility in Tourism

Welcome to the Open Source Approach to Geotourism

If Dr. Scott guides us, We Won’t Waste Time Reinventing Wheel

Making More Time to Change the World!

Outside four walls

A Film on People With Disabilities

Dr Scott, I will talk to

The Rolling Rains Report meets the Challenge

Dr. Bendel, It is an honor

Accessible tourism in demand

Social Inclusion as an Intended Consequence of Tourism Growth

Accessible Tours in Northern Italy

The Olympics: A Force for Inclusion of the Disability Community

European Network for Accessible Tourism Supports Scott Rains

Leadership by the European Network for Accessible Tourism

We count on Scott to guide us here in Brazil!

Impressionante!

Emerald Island Sri Lanka: