Accessibility to be graded
2007-08-16
THE Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) recently celebrated the long awaited Universal Accessibility Grading Scheme.
The scheme was launched at this year’s Tourism Indaba and outlines the accessibility requirements of travellers with mobility, hearing and visual limitations.
The aim of the Accessibility Grading Scheme is to help South African establishments understand and address the needs of tourists with physical limitations.
It is estimated that 600 million people around the world are disabled in some way, 2,2 million of those living in South Africa. With technological advances, more disabled people are able to access tourism: 9% are travelling overseas, 5% on a frequent basis.
With SA being a rapidly growing travel destination and the host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, disabled travellers represent an important sector of the market.
The accessibility specifications will make travel in and around the country easier, not only for international, but also for local travellers with limitations.
Tourism establishments throughout the country can apply for the optional assessment for Accessibility Rating when they apply for a 1-5 star grading.
The Rating Scheme comprises of three categories (mobility, hearing and visual) with four levels from Bronze to Platinum for each category.
The sub-levels correspond with global standards already used and understood by those living with a disability to promote universal understanding.
Assessment includes inspecting a comprehensive list of criteria that would look at things such as the level of slip resistant surfaces, ramps, the tiling, carpeting, size of door openings and lettering on signage, flashing lights on phones and voice amplification, all of which to establish which level of rating under which category an establishment chooses to be assessed.
As with the star grading scheme, the Accessibility Rating is reviewed annually and can be improved upon with investment by the accommodation owner or operator.
To further assist the South African tourism venues, the TGCSA has also introduced a Disability Sensitivity Training Programme for front-line hospitality staff.
This training programme will be available to tourism businesses with Accessibility Ratings to enhance their service delivery to disabled travellers.
Tourism businesses eager to apply for an Accessibility Rating are urged to contact their local assessor or the TGCSA directly,” says Senzeni Ndebele, Marketing and Communications Manager.
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