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Lecture1.1
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Lecture1.2
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Lecture1.3
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Lecture1.4
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Lecture1.5
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Lecture1.6
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Lecture1.7
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Lecture1.8
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Lecture1.9
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Quiz1.1
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Visitors with Motor Impairments
Motor impairment is the partial or total loss of physical faculties that include walking, balance, holding and manipulating objects, pulling, pushing, lifting and reaching. Many activities involve simultaneous use of more than one of these skills. Disability in mobility can be either an in-born or acquired with age problem. It could also be the effect of a disease. People who have a broken bone also fall into this category.
Catering for the access requirements of visitors with motor impairments may require:
- clear pre-information about possible handicaps in all means of information (social network, internet);
- access to accessible facilities should be direct and unobstructed;
- a “barrier-free” environment and accessible parking;
- building adjustments and special equipment or installations.
N.B. It is a very varied group differentiated by the type and scope of their impairment.
Sources, to learn more about the topic
Other sources. We offer you to visit these links to understand practical issues, people with motor impairments have to deal with:
https://www.sagetraveling.com/amsterdam-disabled-access
https://wheelchairtravel.org/inaccessibilitymeans-hashtag-exposes-barriers-to-equal-access/
Walking, Balance and Stamina
Problems with walking can have different scope, can be caused by different impairments or other reasons. People with impaired sense of balance, reduced stamina and coordination are typically older people but also include children. This can be manifested in not being able to walk a long way or even stand up for a long time, becoming tired quickly, moving slowly, etc. They may be more likely to slip, fall down and injure themselves. For some of them walking on the level or up or down gradients or stairs is difficult. Some people may have a limited range of motion, others may not be able to move on foot independently at all.
Important tips for the tourism service provider:
- They may use supporting walking aids such as a mechanical or electric wheelchair, crutches, walker/rollator, walking canes.
- They may need seating where they can stop frequently, to rest, regain strength or catch their breath.
- They may only manage short distances.
- They may not be able to manage steps and may need ramps or lifts.
- Support handrails on both sides of a ramp or staircase may be necessary for many users, for safety and support.
- Uneven surfaces or loose walking surfaces may be difficult or impossible to cross, non-slip floor surfaces are also important.
- Availability of walking aids, wheelchairs or scooters for rent or loan may be necessary in specific venues.
- They may need another person to help them walk.
Sources, to learn more about the topic
Handling Objects – Dexterity and Manipulation or Operation of Objects
Motor difficulties do not involve only legs but also arms, hands or even finger movements. These can be manifested in not being able to manipulate or grasp objects, combine movements, turn the wrist, lift objects etc. You can identify individuals with reduced motor or dexterity abilities seeing difficulty to grip a pen, holding a bag, opening doors, etc. They may also have difficulty in handling coins, turning handles, using taps or manipulating equipment. They may try to use their forearm and elbow to make gross movements, such as opening doors.
Overcoming such impairments may cause various injuries. As mentioned in the previous paragraphs of the module, every situation demands individual purposive evaluation of the situation before the judgement – able or disable is the client is to use the service. Possible impacts of disabilities and impairments must be foreseen and prevented.
Important tips for the tourism service provider:
- If the item requires hands use – user must first be able to reach it.
- Items should be gripped in multiple ways to respond the variety of preferences.
- Shape of the item should be suitable for the task, requiring less as possible use of force, comfortable contact area between the object and the user’s palm.
Sources, to learn more about the topic
Reaching
The reach range is dependent on the height of the person, their ability to use their arms and balance, strength and mobility of the upper body.
A “comfortable reach range” has been defined as one that is appropriate to an activity that is likely to be frequent and in need of precise execution and that does not involve stretching or bending from the waist.
Having things within easy reach is particularly important for those with more severe mobility limitations. Telephones, desks and counters, electrical and other service controls, taps, door handles, window catches and furniture should be positioned within reach.
For wheelchair users, the reach range is limited depending on the seated position. Where reach is across a desk or counter the range is limited by the presence or design of the wheelchair’s arms. The wheelchair itself should be accommodated by having table-tops at a suitable height and space for the wheelchair user’s legs to be positioned under a sink or table-top.
Important tips for the tourism service provider:
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Items should be accessible, understandable and comfortable to everybody: short, tall, wheelchair user, etc.
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Items that could be dangerous for the families with the small kids should not be accessible.