Five steps to providing accessibility information for tourist facilities

1. Complete accessibility factsheet PWDs require information on a number of factors to assess whether a tourist facility is accessible to them. This guidance shows facilities how to provide this basic information in a standard accessibility factsheet.

2. Submit completed accessibility factsheet to tourist information offices. Tourist information offices provide a central point for tourists to find out about the range of facilities available at a destination. Providing tourist offices with information on the accessibility of facilities, along with prices, opening hours, location, etc., will improve the service provided to all tourists.

3. Provide photographs of key features. Although self-assessment is a low cost option for facilities to provide information on access, it may not be the most reliable option. Providing photographs or plans of key features, such as the entrance, WCs, bedrooms and routes, allows disabled people to understand better the information provided in the accessibility factsheet.

4.Obtain independent verification of accessibility information. 

Independent verification will ensure the reliability and accuracy of the information provided by the facility. In some countries formal schemes operate, but in all countries there are likely to be disability and/or access organizations that are able to check the validity of the information. The accessibility factsheet allows facilities to provide details of independent verification.

5. Participate in a national accessibility scheme Some countries have developed national schemes which provide an independent assessment of accessibility and enable facilities to use a recognized label to indicate the level of accessibility achieved (see inside the back cover for contact details). This will provide increased marketing benefits for facilities which have reached a high standard of access, and provide further reassurance to PWD tourists when making decisions. How- ever, tourists require comparable information to make decisions, so facilities participating in national schemes should still consider providing a completed accessibility factsheet. The factsheet allows facilities to provide details of participation in other schemes.