Travel by People With Physical Disabilities

Abstract

It is acknowledged that access to tourism by persons with disabilities continues to be shaped by a variety of constraints that are not being clearly or consistently addressed by those in charge of tourism planning and management. Based on these assumptions, this chapter is focused on the identification of structural constraints and negotiation strategies that influence the decision and participation to travel for people with physical disabilities. To achieve these objectives, the chapter used a qualitative methodology, with the analysis and discussion of the information collected through in-depth interviews. Results may ultimately contribute to deepen the knowledge about the factors that influence people with disabilities travel choices, allowing to identify specific recommendations for improving the tourist supply chain and, consequently, for the overall tourist experience quality.

Traveling with special needs: investigating constraints and negotiation strategies for engaging in tourism activities

“…Blichfeldt and Nicolaisen, 2011; Daniels et al , 2005; Devile and Kastenholz, 2018; Yau et al , 2004). It was also possible to confirm the attention given by respondents to other details regarding travel organization, such as support services, packing, medication, and food provision as was also noted by Blichfeldt and Nicolaisen (2011), Devile and Moura (2021), among others. The following testimonies presented some examples, which illustrate different travel requirements and concerns:… to take all my medication.…”

“…For this, PwSN have to do an intensive information search, especially regarding the requirements to meet their specific needs. Thus, it was found that rigorous and thorough planning of the whole trip (from the time they leave home until they return) is the main key to a satisfactory tourist experience (Daniels et al , 2005; Devile and Kastenholz, 2018; Devile and Moura, 2021; Nyman et al , 2018). This is transversal to all respondents and covers both issues about tourism sector and other services (e.g.…”

“…These negotiation strategies, like the constraints, are also dynamic, interactive, and evolving, influenced by a wide variety of personal (perceptions and motivations of the PwSN) and social factors (e.g. the environment, travel companions, caregivers, service providers) (Devile and Moura, 2021) and even by the lessons learnt throughout PwSN's travel “career” (Moura et al , 2022).…”

“…Thus, the literature concerning this issue is still limited (e.g. Daniels et al , 2005; Devile and Kastenholz, 2018; Devile and Moura, 2021; Landby, 2019). Despite the limited literature concerning the negotiation strategies used by PwSN to overcome travel constraints (Devile and Kastenholz, 2018), some examples of negotiation strategies may be highlighted.…”

“…A great number of strategies focus on the organizing and planning of a tourism trip, such as travel preplanning and information searching on service providers (Blichfeldt and Nicolaisen, 2011; Daniels et al , 2005; Devile and Kastenholz, 2018; Devile and Moura, 2021; Yau et al , 2004). Technology can play a significant role in overcoming some of the travel constraints mentioned (Asghar et al , 2020; Eusébio et al , 2023; Iftikhar et al , 2021; Singh et al , 2021), facilitating planning and participation in tourism activities and improving safety and independence (Asghar et al , 2020).…”