UNIVERSAL ACCESSABILITY TEST FOR BAY

Tourism (NMBT) experience the Bay from a different point of view as they participated in the Wheelchair Wednesday campaign run by the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (APD). The campaign not only assists in the plight of awareness for those who use wheelchairs but was also able to raise funds to donate 100 wheelchairs in 2014 alone and in the 3 year existence of the campaign 250 in total.

Mr Brian Bezuidenehout from APD, expressed his gratitude saying, “It has been amazing to see how the businesses and citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay have been able to unite in this cause to affect change in peoples mindsets and contribute wheelchairs to those in need.”

NMBT participants spent 4 hours in a wheelchair undertaking various daily tasks which included shopping, going to the post office as well as experiencing a restaurant and the work environment whilst in a wheelchair and with an assistant. Ms Sadie Isaacs and Ms Reuann Smith shared that this was an experience that should be undertaken by various citizens and business people especially those in public service as it makes you aware of challenges the wheelchair bound person experiences that you would not ordinarily consider.

Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, NMBT CEO confirms, “We work very closely with APD as well as the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) to strive to a high standard of Universal accessibility for all disability types. We have come to realise that there is a large market and need for destinations which have universal accessible facilities and would like to be a destination which caters for all markets.”

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa has integrated universal accessibility into its grading criteria. This aims to encourage compliance by the hospitality sector with international standards, especially those related to access, signage, and ease of general daily tasks.

Although the day was a challenge for all participants from various organizations that took part, the feelings were all the same that the project was a great way to highlight the challenges and where businesses and the destination can improve. NMBT wishes to congratulate APD in the successful campaign and was proud to be part of the movement to create awareness.