14 minute read
Getting it right
We talk to Professor Simon Darcy from the University of Technology, Sydney about the obstacles that exist in mainstream tourism for travellers with a disability.
WORDS: SOPHIE CULLEN
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When it comes to commenting on accessible tourism research and practice in Australia, few are as qualified as Simon Darcy. Feathers in his cap include the first major study of Australian research into accessible tourism in 1995, extensive work with organisations as lofty as the UN World Tourism Organisation and, more recently, reports on employment and entrepreneurship in the disability sector. As an academic of high standing in his field, an environmental planner, an accredited access auditor and a power wheelchair user, Simon Darcy is in a unique position to shed light on the obstacles that exist in mainstream tourism for people with disabilities and the way forward for the industry.
“I’m a person with a disability who didn’t used to have one until an accident,” says Simon. “After I acquired my spinal cord injury, I found out how much more difficult travel was for people with disability.”
According to Simon, the industry’s issues spring from misconceptions about disability.
Simon at Sargood on Collaroy
“When we look at what makes something accessible, it is radically different for disability type and level of support needs,” he says. “[It is about equipping] the industry with the understanding that accessibility is not a single provision. It is a series of opportunities for the tourism industry to understand people’s tourism needs through their embodiment.”
“Tourism experience is very different depending on whether you have a mobility disability involving a manual or power wheelchair or other mobility aids, whether you are blind or vision impaired, whether you’re Deaf with a capital D or hearing impaired,
Above: Ettalong Beach & Auckland when you have some type of intellectual or cognitive disability and whether you might experience mental health issues,” he says.
This emphasis on embodied experience is important to Simon. He references tourism theorists like John Urry, who criticise the industry’s focus on the ‘visual’, and champions what is known as an ‘experiencescape’ or ‘sensory scape’. This means thinking about tourism not just through sight but also through tactility, aroma, audio and so on. Tourism destinations are made up of all the senses and of embodied memories. An experiencescape might include audio or Auslan interpretation, an immersive Virtual Reality experience, an interactive museum exhibit and of course great food, wine and song.
For some venues, it is as simple as being open to change and understanding what can be adapted.
“Until recently, we were still having trouble getting reasonable levels of access at the Sydney Opera House”, says Simon, by way of example.
“Now, it’s really one of the world’s leading cultural institutions on inclusiveness, from high-level performance in the visual and performing arts, through to the children’s programs they run. A cultural change occurred there … to make it understood that it is the whole organisation’s responsibility to provide an equality of experience. It is about being interpretive, innovative and considering reuse and upgrading facilities, not just as built environments but also as information communication technologies.”
Simon affirms that there is a lot to be optimistic about. Much has changed since he first began his journey in travelling and in research, when there were only four accessible rooms in the whole of Sydney with a harbour view.
To travellers seeking accessible accommodation, attractions and experiences in a big city, Simon recommends focusing on accessible ‘precincts’.
“It is no good saying Sydney is a wonderful accessible destination because it is not,” he says. “But there are pockets of Sydney that are extraordinary.”
The attractions sector in particular have innovated their approaches to customer service, with venues such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sydney’s
Qudos Bank Arena catering to those across all abilities.
“We’ve got a lot of good accessible products”, says Simon, “but we don’t really have an overall strategy to promote them. We need to recognise accessible tourism as both a market and part of every market segment. People with disability travel with their family and friends, just like everybody else.”
Simon, together with hundreds of experts from around the world, has recently contributed to the development of the International Standards Organisation’s Tourism for All Accessible Tourism standard to be published late in 2020. This is one step toward the industry-wide recognition of all aspects of accessible tourism - including built environments, transport, attractions and marketing - and will help make travel more inclusive sector-wide.
“This is the first time we will have a global approach to most things in the value chain around accessible tourism”, says Simon. “That’s a big effort.”
It sure is. The transformation that has already occurred in Australian tourism is the result of the efforts of many, from researchers, policy makers, planners and all the enterprises that make up the tourism industry in Australia. The fight to open up travel for people with disabilities, through research, education and advocacy, is not one Simon and others like him are likely to give up any time soon. So watch this space.
Simon at Sargood on Collaroy
Image: Destination NSW
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Image: Tourism Western Australia
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TOP ACCESSIBLE TOURISM PRECINCTS IN AUSTRALIA
We mined Simon’s extensive knowledge of top tourism precincts around Australia to find out some of his favourite activities. “They can’t all be done for all types of disabilities, but they certainly cater to a lot of people”, he says.
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SYDNEY CBD
In particular, the precinct around Macquarie Street has lots of cultural attractions from Hyde Park, Hyde Park Barracks, State Library of NSW and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Art Gallery of NSW, for instance, runs great After-Hours Auslan tours and the Museum of Contemporary Art typically hosts a ‘Bella Plus Connect’ community drop-in program. Usually held at the Opera House, Opera Australia holds relaxed and accessible performances for patrons with sensory needs.
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MANLY
“Anyone coming from overseas, whether they’ve got a disability or not, should hop on a ferry and go to Manly.” Simon suggests grabbing some fish and chips, following the coastal continuous pathway from Fairybower to Freshwater and heading to North Head National Park to watch the Sydney to Hobart take off.
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FREMANTLE
Less than an hour south of Perth is the port city of Fremantle. Why not explore the markets, old pubs, boutique breweries and spooky history at the old Freo gaol?
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HOBART
The Tasmanian capital is a favourite of Simon’s for its
Image: Tourism Tasmania & Darren Dickson
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Image: South Australian Tourism Commission
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Image: Tourism and Events Queensland Image: Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria
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accommodation with a view and accessible experiences such as MONA and the Tahune Airwalk.
“Hobart has some really nice accessible rooms with amazing views of the Derwent and the main markets, which then give you a place to go to eat and drink the best of what Tasmania has to offer.”
Simon recommends a stay at Wrest Point Casino, or in the new rooms at Hotel Grand Chancellor.
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ADELAIDE
Simon is a fan of the predominantly accessible venues of the Adelaide Festival. He also mentioned the Adelaide Oval precinct, “where you go over the river on a beautifully designed new bridge that has really incorporated pedestrianisation.”
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CAIRNS
“Cairns has done a lot of work in vetting for accessibility and inclusion by the local government”, says Simon. “They have wonderful listings in accessible accommodation that they have matched with a whole series of destination experiences.” While there, it is worth looking into the Crocodile Farm, Cultural Centre, Kuranda Rail and trips out to the Great Barrier Reef. “We love staying at Palm Cove, just north of Cairns.”
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PHILLIP ISLAND
Phillip Island is a popular day trip from Melbourne and home to the most well known little penguin colony in Australia. The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Parks are an accessible and inclusive family favourite.
Bert & Marlena pictured
Sensory Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Vision Impairment
SURFERS – WAS, IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE – PARADISE
From the sleek high-rise of Surfers Paradise to the sprawling sands of Burleigh Heads, the Gold Coast has all travellers covered. We chatted to Marlena Katene about her top inclusive travel picks for visitors to the Gold Coast. WORDS: MARLENA KATENE
he Gold Coast has something for every traveller and it’s a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. Summer is my favorite though because you can T really make the most of the many things we have to offer here. As a local wheelchair user, these are five insider activities I would recommend. I welcome you to my backyard!
DAY OUT AT BURLEIGH BEACH
They say that “the best things in life are free”, which is definitely true of Burleigh Beach. This is my favourite place in the world. With its spacious pathways through tall pine trees, it has perfect access for any wheelchair user. A favourite walk of mine is from Miami to North Burleigh, which has ample accessible parking along the way and is close to public transport. On the weekends, the beaches roll out accessible matting and you can borrow accessible beach chairs free of charge. Be sure to ask at the Surf Club under the restaurant. When you’ve finished taking in the gorgeous view and need some food, head down to James Street. I recommend getting takeaway from Burleigh Heads Fishmongers and enjoying it in Justin's Park.
For some exercise after lunch, take the lovely nature walk through the trees around Burleigh Headland to Tallebudgera Beach. Stick to the bottom path along the ocean as the one going to the top has stairs. I have done this in a manual chair with some muscles and, if you are up for it, the view at the top is worth it.
INSIDER TIP: Come down to watch the sunrise at the top of Goodwin Terrace and your life will never be the same.
SHOPPING AT PACIFIC FAIR
Known locally as Pac Fair, with more than 400 stores to choose from, this is the ideal place for some retail therapy. The centre is situated in Broadbeach and the light rail is right at the front door so you can access it from most places on the Gold Coast. I love starting the day with a Gold Class movie when I go there. The staff can remove a chair if you require space for your wheelchair, or can provide extra cushioning if you like sprawling out like I do in their comfortable chairs. Remember that companion cards are valid for Gold Class here. After the movie, there are many dining options available to you. For anyone who isn’t a shopper, they have even added daybeds and an awesome seating area. Take a nap and leave the shopping to us experts! INSIDER TIP: leave the credit card at home or come prepared.
Burleigh Headland
Marlena exploring Tallebudgera Creek Marlena at Pacific Fair
AN EVENING OUT IN BROADBEACH
Broadbeach has it all, for tourists and locals alike. Broadbeach is an entertainment hub with many festivals, such as Blues on Broadbeach and Country Music Festival. Most weekends there will be a show on at the Casino or Convention Centre, but if not, there are always fine spots for a drink. My restaurant of choice is Valentino’s, with its great staff and great food. A good Sunday afternoon hang spot is Koi Dining - if you are lucky you might see the Koi Boys, who were finalists on The Voice a few years back. After dinner, head over to the Star Casino. The Star is often home to concerts from artists such as Beach Boys, Kelly Rowland, Human Nature and more. The smaller venue at the Star has very good access for concerts and you will really be close to the action in the wheelchair section.
INSIDER TIP: Check out the calendar of events in Broadbeach. If there is a concert you like at the Convention Centre, ask for decent floor seats.
SURFERS PARADISE
With its many high-rise buildings, shopping centres and nightclubs, Surfers is designed for the tourist market. As an adrenaline junkie, Surfers has a few options that cater to my love of a thrill. iFly is an indoor skydiving tunnel that gives the sensation of a real skydive in the safety of a smaller tunnel. Give the team a call a day or two in advance and they will ensure extra staff are on hand to accommodate any needs you tell them about. Surfers Paradise also has activities such as the Bungee Ball, or tamer rides such as dodgem cars at Timezone in the mall. The beach has amazing wide access paths and ramps. They are yet to get access mats, but I know people are working on this.
INSIDER TIP: Surfers Beach markets run Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 3 to 10pm along the beach path.
A DAY OUT AT THE BEACH MARKETS:
I have a stall at these markets, so I may be biased! The beach markets sell mainly locally owned and made products, with a wide range of arts and crafts available. They alternate between Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Burleigh every Sunday from 8 to 2pm. There is always live music and amazing food. My favourite is a cheese kransky from the German sausage guy, washed down with a homemade lemonade from my mate Jed. These markets have become my community over the last 10 or so years and are easily the best on the Gold Coast. We also have Carrara Markets, which are open all weekend, and a variety of other farmers markets scattered all over the coast.
INSIDER TIP: Come and see the Wheelie at the Jumping Castle and say g'day. She may try to sell you her book but if you say you read this article she will give your kids a free jump.
If you want, drop me a line when you’re in town and we can catch up for a coffee.
@aacjournalist @theaacjournalist marlena_katene@hotmail.com
Get out and about with getaboutable.com
Getaboutable is a Canberra-based social enterprise that empowers people with mobility, hearing, vision and other assistance needs, to experience mainstream travel and leisure activities. Getaboutable's goal is to make it easier for people with accessibility needs to find information about accessible infrastructure and activites. We work to encourage the travel and leisure sector to be more inclusive of people with disabilities.
Getaboutable’s main service is the getaboutable.com website, an information-sharing platform with listings and reviews of accessible and inclusive travel and leisure options. Think of getaboutable.com like a TripAdvisor for the 20 per cent of the population that finds it difficult to experience new places and activities, mostly because of a lack of information about accessibility.
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Getaboutable relies on crowd-sourced information. For getaboutable.com to grow as a resource, we rely on you – the users – to nominate and/or review inclusive activities and venues you have experienced. Become a member at getaboutable.com and join the Getaboutable Community at facebook.com/groups/getaboutable to share your experiences about accessible and inclusive travel and leisure activities.
HELPING BUSINESSES ATTRACT AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST TOURISM MARKET
Getaboutable is an award-winning platform for the tourism sector to showcase their inclusivity to the one in five people who have a mobility, vision, hearing, or other accessibility need. The market is huge, with accessible tourism worth more than $10 billion per year to the Australian economy.
Businesses that are inclusive and accessible have been proven to increase revenue and goodwill. It doesn’t have to be costly and time-consuming – being accessible and inclusive is as much or more about attitude and communication as infrastructure and regulations. Often, all it takes is common sense and being mindful to your customers’ needs.
For more information on how to promote your business and tap into the spending power of people who value venues that cater to their needs, visit getaboutable.com/businesses/ promote-my-business
Best Online Accessible Travel Guide 2020 – Australia
TOURISM RECOVERY
The accessible tourism market will be a valuable part of the tourism sector’s recovery from its devastation during this year’s bushfires and pandemic. So even though Covid-19 has upended our plans for a face-to-face accessible tourism conference & expo this year, we are planning online events to showcase accessible and inclusive travel & leisure options. To find out more visit getaboutable.com/apatce
