Introduction: Tourism is an important occupation for people with disabilities. For some, reduced capability can be permanent and accompany them their whole life. However, during a certain period of life anyone can be temporarily impaired and in such a state wants to (co)operate in their environment. In accessible tourism, a universally designed environment plays a key role, enabling the implementation and inclusion of the permanently or temporarily functionally impaired. We were interested in the universal accessibility of the herbal route in the Upper Savinja valley, so we decided to analyse the accessibility of the tourist spots included in it. Purpose: Based on legal requirements, recommendations and a review of the actual situation, we analysed the accessibility of facilities and the environment included in the mentioned tourist product. Following the guidelines and principles of universal design, we then proposed potential adaptations for two universally accessible tourist facilities. Methods of work: With the assistance of the assessment instrument for the assessment of universal accessibility of the environment, we performed an inspection of the actual state of tourist attractions and a comparison with legal requirements and recommendations in the field of universal planning. Based on the findings, we made a proposal for the potential adaptation of the two stations based on a sample of six steps of universal planning. Results: Most universally accessible elements were found in newer facilities, however we concluded none of the tourist spots are completely universally accessible. In addition to physical inaccessibility, there is a general lack of universally available information. The six-step universal design proposal contains potential adjustments in the field of physical and informational accessibility: arranging paved access routes, installing anti-slip strips, recording information in easy reading, enlarged and contrasting fonts, as well as placing braille nameplates for plants. Discussion and conclusion: Unavailability of the tourist offer in the Upper Savinja valley is no exception, as it is not easy to find a tourist offer in Slovenia adapted to all types of reduced abilities. Universal six-step planning is suitable for application in all stages of planning an accessible environment, as it creates an environment that is useful and accessible to all people, regardless of their capabilities. The occupational therapist is also aware that involvement and participation in the occupation of tourism is extremely important for users with reduced capacity, as it contributes to many positive experiences and feelings.
|