Tourism for All UK (TfA) provides information to disabled or older people on accessible accommodation and other tourism services in the UK and at selected overseas destinations. Every year they respond to thousands of people who may need help and support to enable them to take a break they may not have previously believed possible. Additionally, over 300,000 people have visited their website in the past 12 months.
TfA is a national registered charity, and its information service is backed by a website, www.tourismforall.org.uk, and supported by a helpline, 0845 124 9971. The aim is to provide lively, inspirational and comprehensive information that encourages people to try new things, see new places, and live life to the full!
As well as accommodation, travel, and attractions, TfA provides information about activity holidays for disabled people; equipment hire; places where care is available; escorts & carer services; and sources of finance towards the cost of a holiday for people on low income.
They are also working on a project called Open Britain which will provide a list of accessible places to stay around Britain.
How can you help?
They do need financial support to keep the service running – so please consider becoming a member of TfA for a small subscription, making a donation, or undertaking some fundraising – by shopping through their site, or supporting them through everyclick.com or maybe through sponsored activities perhaps?
But it’s not just about money. TfA would like to hear from you if you have come across anything that could be described as ‘wheelchair accessible’ elsewhere in the world. Much as they would like to, they do not have the resources that permit constant travelling around the globe, so all information that is fed back to them will be put to good use to provide disabled people with the tools to enable them to make an informed decision about whether a place or destination might be suitable to visit.
A web address or contact details or images would be very helpful if these are available, so that the links can be added to their growing database of information.
What should I look for?
Well it could be as simple as finding accommodation with a wheel-in shower. Many of their enquirers are looking for this specifically.
If there is an overhead tracking hoist, a Clos-o-mat douche WC or other access provision please do get in touch, they would love to hear from you.
Accessible transport and attractions are also important for those travelling abroad, so all information would be gratefully received.
Areas that have least coverage so far include: Africa, India, China, Japan, South America, Russia - although these countries are all developing accessible facilities.
If it is easier, please give the service provider the Tourism for All website link and ask them to submit the information, it would really be appreciated. At the end of the day, you would have enabled others to find the right place to stay.
As an indication here are some places that demonstrate what TfA are looking for:
www.mortonshouse.co.uk/access.asp
www.woodhallspa.com/access_for_all/access_for_all_main.htm
Tourism for All UK
7A Pixel Mill
44 Appleby Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6ES
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 0845 124 9971
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tourismforalluk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/TFAUK
Many thanks in advance from TfA if you are able to help enhance their services in any way.
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