To physically challenged tourists

Question 6 – What are the challenges you have faced throughout your tour?

Respondent – Rashid

As like all other destinations, Ernakulam also gave some bitter experiences to me in my trip. The
destinations like Dutch palace, paradesi synagogue etc. are not at all accessible friendly. And I
know that as they are heritage buildings there is some limitations for modifying in to accessible
friendly. The main challenges that we are facing throughout our journey is the non-availability of
accessible friendly toilets and other basic facilities like ramps etc.

Respondent – Althaf

The main challenges in our tour is can be said that the absence of basic infrastructure like ramps.
The problems we face in the places were these infrastructures, is that the poor maintenance of this
facilities. Most of the destinations have at least some accessible friendly infrastructure here. But
the problems is that it is only for name sake.

Respondent – Arshad

Every tour we made so far was not easy. But the energy we got through the trip, by seeing and
experiencing the outdoors is enough to overcome these hurdles. The basic infrastructures like
ramps and wheelchairs are not available in most of the destinations. Fort kochi promenade and
marine drives should be more accessible friendly. Because most of these kind of tourists are
interested in seeing and experiencing outdoors. This occasion of mingling with crowd will help us
to get energized.

Respondent – Rahul velimuttam

The absence of basic accessible friendly infrastructure is the main challenges we faced throughout
our trip. Now we need one or two helpers (care takers) to go outside and visiting places. This make
difficulties. As like all others we will be happy if we get the chance to roam around the public
places by our self freely. This is possible in many developed counties, because they have well
advanced accessible friendly infrastructure.
Respondent – Arshad sabu

A disable person, need more aid to make his journey smooth and unforgettable. The aids is not
limited ramps or wheelchairs. It means braille and audio signages , written directions for the deaf
and mute etc and etc. The main challenges can be say that the unfavorable attitudes. People need
to change their mentalities us and our tour.

Question 7- Are you aware about the accessible tourism projects that are
implemented / going to implement in this district?

Respondent 1

Yea, but not about Ernakulam. I am well aware about the “barrier free Kerala” project. And
recently tourism department of Kerala is going to conduct a workshop on accessible tourism
development.

Respondent 2

I am well updated about the accessible tourism projects. Recently I got an invitation to a workshop
on accessible tourism development. And at the same occasion barrier free Kerala project will
inaugurate. About this district’s accessible tourism, I think there is only few projects on accessible
tourism and these projects are in initial stage.

Respondent 3

Actually I don’t know more about accessible tourism projects. Even though I made a lots of trips
with help of Green palliative. And I don’t about accessible tourism projects in Ernakulam district.

Respondent 4

I know only little about accessible tourism projects. Specifically about Ernakulam I don’t know
more about the barrier free projects.
Respondent 5

I don t have a clear idea about accessible tourism projects in the district. But recently I came to
know that state government has a plan to develop 100 accessible friendly destination. Obviously
it is a good news for us.

Questions 8- What you think about accessible tourism initiatives, are they enough to
meet the needs of differently abled tourists?

Respondent 1

We are very excited, and hopefully waiting for its completion. Actually we can’t say now about
the projects. But features about the projects is giving expectations.

Respondent 2

The accessible tourism projects are featured with various facilities. It considers the tourists with
various kinds of disabilities. But the project lacks some essential facilities like accessible toilets,
trained staffs, accessible websites etc.

Respondent 3

I was not aware about the accessible tourism projects. As per the information you have given, it
will be a great support to us. As it is the first level, it is ok. But the features is not enough to cater
the needs of disabled tourists.

Respondent 4

It is very happy to hear that government is started to doing for disabled people. But the features is
not enough. But we can expect more. Destination should have basic accessible amenities like
accessible toilets, accessible rest rooms etc.

Respondent 5

I am a blind, for me this features of projects that you have described is pleasing. Usually the
authorities gives only ramps and that kind of facilities as barrier-free infrastructure. It is essential
in a destination but the authorities should consider all kind disabilities while developing a
destination as barrier free.

Questions 9-Do you feel comfort and safety in destinations of Ernakulam district?

Respondent-1

There is no issue of safety. When it is about comfort, obviously we are not at all comfort in any of
the destinations in the district.

Respondent 2

In the current status we are not secure and comfort in the destinations of Ernakulam and the almost
all destinations if Kerala. Tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city is comparatively secure
and comfort.

Respondent 3

Safety and comfort is always a problem while disabled people like us made a trip. The development
in accessible tourism may help to reduce the risk and gave comfort. The ongoing development is
motivating us to make frequent trips.

Respondent 4

We are not safe and comfort in the destinations of Ernakulam district

Respondent 5

As per the current status I can’t say that we are safe and secure in the destinations of Ernakulam
district.