This project aims to make tourism activities more accessible for people with disabilities.
Service users and businesses in Wexford reported on a Europe-wide project that aims to make outdoor adventure activities and tourism more accessible to people with disabilities. The ONAT4ALL project is run in Ireland, Spain, France, Belgium and Italy by the Irish arm, run by Hazel Nicol from Wexford.
Hazel, a researcher and consultant with I&F Education and Development Limited, worked with a number of local organizations when working on the project and used their input to create a special event to be held at the Talbot Hotel in October 2016. We helped create a series of online tools that will be showcased at. January 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Co-funded with the European Union (EU), ONAT4ALL's objective is based on reinvigorating EU tourism by providing small and medium-sized enterprises with the necessary skills, competencies and knowledge to address accessibility requirements. The project revolves around achieving a more inclusive society by promoting access to adventure and outdoor tourism for people with disabilities (PWD).
“We ran focus groups and gathered information over two years to create these free tools,” Hazell said. “Service users from the Windmill Therapeutic Unit participated and provided their insights. It was invaluable to get first-hand information from them. Carmel at the International Outdoor Adventure Center (IOAC) in Tagoth The tenants also provided valuable support as destination operators.
“The aim of this project is to provide organizations with tools to make their businesses more accessible to people with disabilities. It will help businesses educate themselves about the changes they can make. There are free online training courses you can take to help you.'' And this is happening not only in Ireland but throughout Europe. It is hoped that businesses across the country will take these courses and make themselves more accessible.
“The ONAT4ALL project is an important step towards achieving a more inclusive society by ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities in outdoor adventure activities and tourism.”
The event at the Talbot Hotel will offer businesses and service users the opportunity to learn more about the ONAT4ALL project with the day's guest speakers.
“We also want to act as a networking place for organizations and services to collaborate with each other, so people from across Wexford and around the world can participate,” Hazell said, adding that everyone at the Windmill Treatment Unit He expressed his gratitude. He was also assisted by staff from Rag Tree Equine Assisted Learning, Nathan Nicholl from Mountain Mischief, Farm Tours Ireland, Wexford County Council, QuadVenture, Blackwater Open Farm, Johanne Murphy from Irish Sailing, and staff from IAAT. .
