Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

6-2010

Subject Area

Mobility - Disabled, Mobility - Accessibility Planning (Disability), Infrastructure - Signage, Infrastructure - Kerb ramp, Infrastructure - Low Floor, Mobility - Disabled parking

Abstract

The Ministry of Tourism of the province of Québec benefits from working hand-in-hand with a Montréal-based not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to make tourism and culture accessible to persons with limited physical abilities. Created in 1979, Kéroul is funded by its membership, donations and various government ministries and agencies. In 2009 the Québec Ministry of Tourism renewed a three years commitment to Kéroul, allocating it $100,000 of its annual budget. The key goal of Kéroul is to standardize development, implement and promote accessibility for persons with physical disabilities. Over the course of this presentation, I will introduce the major steps taken by the Québec Ministry of Tourism, working hand-in-hand with Kéroul, to improve and promote accessibility of the tourism destinations located in the province of Québec. Data on the importance of this market segment is slowly becoming available. This presentation will include as much data as possible in hopes that it will be useful in drawing your own conclusions as the importance of addressing this growing tourist segment of persons with physical disabilities. Having been, for the last 20 years, a member of the core team that oversees the roadway signage program of the Québec tourism industry, I have witnessed, again and again, the benefits gained from seemingly insignificant improvements to facilities, such as proper signage, designated areas, ramps and the like, and can only encourage you to do the same. Money well spent!

Rights

Permission to publish abstract given by TRANSED 2010, copyright remains with them.