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PAM Centre - Access Audit Training Graduates
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Meet Ahmad Syafiq Mohd Unzir: Proud Malaysian Graduate Architect Advancing Universal Design and Accessibility in Malaysia
In Malaysia's growing movement toward inclusive cities and barrier-free environments, local talent plays a vital role in bridging international best practices with our unique cultural, climatic, and regulatory context. At Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT, we're proud to highlight one of our dedicated team members: Ahmad Syafiq Mohd Unzir, a graduate architect based in Kuala Lumpur who has been making meaningful contributions to accessible design and disability access since joining us full-time in April 2019.
Ahmad Syafiq represents the rising generation of Malaysian professionals committed to universal design — a field gaining momentum as Malaysia works toward full implementation of MS 1184:2014 (Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment), the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, and UBBL By-Law 34A. His journey showcases how homegrown expertise can drive real change in creating equitable spaces for all Malaysians, including the estimated hundreds of thousands of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and our ageing population.
Ahmad Syafiq's Contributions to our Projects
Since 2019, Ahmad Syafiq has been actively involved in hands-on architectural design and documentation for diverse projects that prioritize inclusivity:
- Medium-density housing developments — designing affordable, accessible living spaces that meet the needs of multi-generational Malaysian families.
- Child care centres — ensuring safe, welcoming environments for young children, including features that support families with disabilities.
- New prestige residential homes — incorporating universal design elements like step-free entries, wider doorways, and adaptable layouts for future-proof living.
- Upgrades to local government sports pavilions — retrofitting public recreational facilities to promote participation for everyone, regardless of ability.
These projects reflect the practical application of inclusive design in everyday Malaysian settings — from urban housing in Kuala Lumpur to community facilities nationwide.
Building Expertise in Access Audits and Universal Design
Ahmad Syafiq's passion for universal design continues to deepen. He has successfully completed specialized training and proudly holds his PAM certificate in conducting access audits. He has also been sucesful in completing the Graaduate Diploma in Access Consulting from teh Institute of Access Training in Australia. These qualification equips him to perform thorough disability access audits that identify barriers and recommend compliant, cost-effective solutions tailored to Malaysian buildings and public spaces.
His work supports our firm's core mission: delivering accessibility audits, design appraisals, and certification that help developers, architects, local authorities, and building owners achieve high standards of inclusion while avoiding costly retrofits.
Why Local Malaysian Professionals Matter in Accessibility Consulting
Malaysia needs more trained local experts like Ahmad Syafiq to accelerate progress toward truly inclusive built environments. With rapid urbanization in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, and an increasing focus on livable, age-friendly communities, homegrown architects who understand local needs — from tropical climate considerations to cultural preferences — are essential.
By investing in Malaysian talent, we ensure:
- Culturally sensitive and context-appropriate universal design solutions.
- Stronger enforcement and awareness of national standards like MS 1184:2014.
- Faster, more affordable implementation of barrier-free access in public and private projects.
- Greater participation for PWDs in daily life — education, employment, recreation, and community activities.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT is committed to nurturing such talent and collaborating with local stakeholders to promote disability access audits and inclusive design across the country.
Join the Movement for a More Accessible Malaysia
If you're a developer, architect, local council, or property owner seeking expert accessibility consulting in Malaysia — including audits, compliance certification, design advice, or training — our team, including professionals like Ahmad Syafiq, is ready to help.
Contact us today to discuss your project and build spaces that truly serve everyone.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-2779 7117 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Discover more about our services, team, and success stories at accessconsultants.asia. For our international portfolio and Australian expertise, visit sydneyaccessconsultants.com.au.
Together with dedicated Malaysians like Ahmad Syafiq, we're removing barriers — one accessible space at a time!
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Comprehensive Disability Access Consulting Services in Malaysia – Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT is your trusted partner for expert disability access consulting, universal design, and accessibility solutions across Malaysia. As a Kuala Lumpur-based firm with international expertise (linked to our Australian parent company), we help developers, architects, building owners, local authorities, businesses, and institutions create inclusive, compliant, and user-friendly built environments that align with MS 1184:2014 (Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment), the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, and Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) By-Law 34A.
We specialize in removing barriers, promoting equity, and supporting Malaysia's vision for livable, age-friendly, and barrier-free cities in areas like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and beyond.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-2779 7117 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit accessconsultants.asia for more details, or explore our Australian expertise at sydneyaccessconsultants.com.au.
Disability Access Advice & Consulting Services in Malaysia
We provide tailored disability access advice and practical solutions for diverse sectors and building types:
- Public Buildings and Community Facilities — Ensuring mosques, community halls, parks, and government offices are fully accessible
- Access to the Workplace — Inclusive office designs, factories, and commercial spaces for employees with disabilities
- Aged Care Facilities & Senior Living — Retirement homes, nursing facilities, and housing with care for Malaysia's growing ageing population
- Access to Education — Barrier-free schools, universities, and training centres
- Access to Transport and Infrastructure — Stations, bus stops, airports, and pedestrian pathways
- Access to Tourist Attractions — Hotels, heritage sites, theme parks, and cultural venues that welcome all visitors
- Accessing Your Business Services — Retail shops, restaurants, banks, and service outlets compliant and welcoming
- Access to Public Services — Government offices, hospitals, clinics, and civic buildings
- Accessible Streetscapes — Sidewalks, tactile paving (TGSI), crossings, and urban public realms
- Making Apartments Livable — Multi-storey residential developments with inclusive features for families and seniors
- Is Your Hotel Accommodation Really Accessible? — Hotel audits and upgrades for tourism and business travellers
- Planning Your Medical Clinic for Access — Clinics, hospitals, and healthcare facilities designed for patients and staff with diverse needs
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Seminars & Training in Malaysia
We deliver accredited and practical CPD seminars and workshops for architects, developers, engineers, facility managers, and local authorities:
- Discourse on Making Our Cities More Accessible
- Access Awareness Training for Teams and Stakeholders
- Preparing Disability Access Plans and Strategies
- Interpreting the Disability Standards – A Practical Approach for Architects and Developers
- Making Cities Livable: Inclusive Urban Planning
- Designing an Environment for Seniors' Living
- Retirement Resorts and Aged Care Design
- Common Access Mistakes and How to Overcome Them
- How to Use Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) Effectively
These sessions build awareness, ensure compliance, and equip professionals to integrate universal design from concept to completion.
Architectural Documentation & Specialized Services
Leveraging BIM expertise from the Australian construction industry and local knowledge, we offer:
- BIM Services — Accessible modelling and documentation for seamless integration
- Housing with Care Facilities — Specialized designs for supported living
- Workplaces for All — Inclusive commercial and industrial environments
- Housing Diversity to Meet the Growth of an Ageing Population — Adaptable homes for multi-generational and senior needs
- Step-Free Urban Growth — Planning barrier-free developments and retrofits
- Smart Cities Strategies — Incorporating accessibility into urban tech and planning
Additional High-Value Services for the Malaysian Market
To address local needs and emerging demands in Malaysia's built environment:
- Full Accessibility Audits & Appraisals — Comprehensive on-site assessments with detailed reports and prioritized recommendations
- Compliance Certification & Reporting — Expert verification for local council approvals, development orders, and project handovers
- Performance-Based & Alternative Solutions — Flexible designs for heritage sites, challenging sites, or retrofits while meeting standards
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Advice — Adapted from international frameworks, tailored for Malaysian aged care and disability housing
- Project Management & Construction Oversight — Ensuring accessibility features are built correctly on-site
- Expert Witness & Advisory Reports — For disputes, planning appeals, or legal compliance
- Inclusive Playground & Public Space Design — Child-friendly, disability-inclusive outdoor areas (inspired by emerging Malaysian initiatives)
- Mosque & Religious Facility Accessibility Consulting — Practical upgrades aligned with MS 1184 and cultural sensitivity
Whether you're a developer aiming for compliance, an architect seeking CPD credits, a business owner upgrading facilities, or a local authority planning inclusive urban projects, Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT delivers cost-effective, innovative, and compliant solutions.
Contact us today to discuss your project—let's build a more accessible, inclusive Malaysia together!
Phone: +60 3-2779 7117 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT – Leaders in disability access consulting Malaysia, universal design Malaysia, accessibility audits Malaysia, and inclusive built environment solutions.
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Key Facts for Malaysians
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Malaysia and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): Key Facts for Malaysians
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a landmark international human rights treaty that promotes full equality, dignity, and participation for persons with disabilities (OKU) worldwide. Adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 December 2006 through resolution A/RES/61/106, the CRPD opened for signature at UN Headquarters in New York on 30 March 2007.
Malaysia actively engaged with this global commitment to inclusivity. The country signed the CRPD on 8 April 2008 and formally ratified it on 19 July 2010 (some sources note 19 April 2010 for initial steps, but official UN records confirm ratification effective 19 July 2010). This ratification demonstrates Malaysia's pledge to protect the rights of OKU and align national laws and policies with international standards.
As a State Party, Malaysia is bound to implement the CRPD's principles, including non-discrimination, accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and full participation in society. The CRPD complements domestic laws like the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685), Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) By-Law 34A, and MS 1184:2014 (Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment).
Malaysia's Declaration and Interpretative Statement
Upon ratification, Malaysia made the following declaration:
“Malaysia acknowledges that the principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity as provided in articles 3 (b), 3 (e) and 5 (2) of the said Convention are vital in ensuring full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity, which shall be applied and interpreted on the basis of disability and on equal basis with others. Malaysia declares that its application and interpretation of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia pertaining to the principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity shall not be treated as contravening articles 3 (b), 3 (e) and 5 (2) of the said Convention.
Malaysia recognizes the participation of persons with disabilities in cultural life, recreation and leisure as provided in article 30 of the said Convention and interprets that the recognition is a matter for national legislation.”
This declaration clarifies Malaysia's approach to interpreting the Federal Constitution and emphasizes that cultural participation (Article 30) is subject to national laws.
Malaysia's Reservation
Malaysia entered a reservation stating:
“The Government of Malaysia ratifies the said Convention subject to the reservation that it does not consider itself bound by articles 15 and 18 of the said Convention.”
- Article 15 addresses freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
- Article 18 covers liberty of movement and nationality.
These reservations mean Malaysia is not legally bound by those specific provisions. Some international observers and civil society groups have called for their withdrawal to strengthen full alignment with the CRPD.
Malaysia has not signed or ratified the Optional Protocol to the CRPD, which allows individuals to submit complaints directly to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Why the CRPD Matters for Malaysians Today
Ratifying the CRPD reinforces Malaysia's commitment to:
- Promoting non-discrimination and equality for OKU in employment, education, healthcare, transport, and public life.
- Ensuring accessibility in buildings, information, and services.
- Supporting independent living, community inclusion, and participation in cultural, recreational, and political activities.
- Advancing Malaysia's vision of livable, inclusive cities and an ageing-friendly society.
Despite progress, challenges remain in full implementation—such as updating laws, improving enforcement, and addressing gaps in accessibility. Advocacy continues for stronger alignment, including potential withdrawal of reservations.
How Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Supports CRPD Compliance
As experts in disability access consulting Malaysia, we help businesses, developers, architects, local authorities, and organizations implement CRPD principles through practical, compliant solutions:
- Accessibility Audits aligned with CRPD, MS 1184:2014, and UBBL By-Law 34A
- Universal Design Advice for inclusive buildings, workplaces, hotels, and public spaces
- Compliance Certification and reports for approvals
- CPD Seminars on CRPD interpretation, non-discrimination, and accessible design
Contact us to ensure your project supports Malaysia's CRPD obligations and creates truly inclusive environments.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-2779 7117 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit accessconsultants.asia for expert CRPD compliance Malaysia, universal design Malaysia, accessibility consulting, and disability access audits. Explore our Australian expertise at sydneyaccessconsultants.com.au.
Together, let's build a more inclusive Malaysia for all!
What is an Access Consultant?
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Definitions
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Inclusive Access* All environments should be accessible, regardless of ability. Everybody is different and there is no ‘average’ person. As a result encouraging an accessible environment will benefit you, because people with disabilities, people of small or tall stature, parents with prams, delivery persons and so forth will have greater access to the built environment. Creating built environments and facilities that are accessible to all is a right protected by law under the mandate of the United Nations, to which Malaysia is a signatory. It is an indispensable pre-requisite for social inclusion, focusing on equal opportunity and diversity. Accessibility to the built environment affects a large number of people within society in their day-to-day normal life, concerning their safety and physical, mental and social well being. Even a single step can deny entry to a person pulling a suitcase on wheels, or a person using a wheelchair or pose a safety hazard to anyone with impaired vision.
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Business and Human Rights* The business and human rights agenda is expanding rapidly into view. There is now global recognition that business can be a vehicle for the promotion and realisation of human rights. The United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These principles provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human impacts linked to business activity. Businesses can also play a key role in advancing human rights within their organisations and the wider community. For example, businesses that seek to accelerate gender equality through setting targets or adopting special measures, or promote human rights within the community through education and awareness raising activities.
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Built environments* are those that have been created or modified, such as buildings, streetscapes, sports grounds, parks and gardens, transport facilities and the like. The term also includes fixtures, equipment, services, communications and other facilities.
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Accessibility* Environments with greater accessibility are those that are easier, safer and more enjoyable to reach, use, experience and move around in.
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Access Consultants* are experts who offer advisory or other services in relation to accessible environments. Services include accessibility appraisals, audits, design, research, training, information on codes, and advice on good practice in accessibility.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Understanding By-Law 34A of the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) in Malaysia: Mandatory Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
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In Malaysia, accessibility for persons with disabilities (OKU) in the built environment is a legal requirement rooted in key regulations. One of the foundational provisions is By-Law 34A of the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984, which mandates barrier-free access in buildings to ensure equal participation for everyone, including people with physical, hearing, visual, or other impairments.
This by-law remains a cornerstone of Malaysia's accessibility framework, complementing the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685) and the Malaysian Standard MS 1184:2014 (Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment). Understanding By-Law 34A helps developers, architects, building owners, local authorities, and businesses comply with the law while creating inclusive spaces.
History and Introduction of By-Law 34A
The amendment introducing By-Law 34A was approved at the 35th National Council of Local Government (Majlis Kebangsaan Kerajaan Tempatan – NCLG) on 20 September 1990. This made it compulsory for buildings to provide access for disabled persons to enter, exit, and move within them.
Under Article 95A of the Federal Constitution, NCLG decisions are binding on all state governments. As a result, states gazetted the amendment over time:
- In Penang, it was gazetted on 11 November 1993 (State Gazette No. Pg. P.U 26).
- Other states followed suit, with gazette dates varying (e.g., some as early as 1991–1993).
The by-law applied immediately to new buildings. For existing structures built before the commencement date, owners had 3 years to retrofit and comply.
The amendment built on growing awareness in the 1990s, referencing standards like the Code of Practice for Access for Disabled People to Public Buildings (MS 1184:1991), later updated to MS 1184:2014.
Key Provisions of By-Law 34A
By-Law 34A (Building Requirements for Disabled Persons) states:
- Any building (or part thereof) to which the by-law applies must provide access to enable disabled persons to get into, out of, and within the building.
- Exceptions apply only to areas used mainly for inspection, maintenance, repair of services, fixed plant, or machinery.
- Facilities must include provisions such as ramps, lifts, wider doorways, accessible toilets, tactile indicators, handrails, and signage.
- Compliance must follow Malaysian Standards MS 1183 (Fire Safety in Buildings) and MS 1184 (Universal Design and Accessibility).
- "Disabled person" is defined as someone with physical, hearing, or sight impairment affecting mobility or use of buildings.
The by-law applies to most public and commercial buildings, including offices, shops, hotels, hospitals, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, and multi-storey residential buildings (excluding single-family private homes in some interpretations).
Non-compliance can lead to fines, enforcement notices, or legal action under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), under which the UBBL is enacted.
Current Status and Relationship with the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008
By-Law 34A is still in force today, with updates and references in state-specific UBBL versions (e.g., Selangor amendments in 2012 and federal revisions up to 2021). It forms the technical backbone for accessibility in building approvals.
The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685) reinforces this by granting PWDs the right to access public facilities, buildings, amenities, and services on an equal basis (Sections 26–32). It promotes non-discrimination and full participation but is largely non-punitive compared to UBBL's enforcement powers.
Despite progress, enforcement gaps persist—many older and even some newer buildings lack full compliance. Recent audits highlight ongoing challenges in public spaces, underscoring the need for stronger implementation.
Why Compliance with By-Law 34A Matters in Malaysia Today
- Legal Obligation — Local authorities must enforce it during plan approvals and inspections.
- Social Inclusion — Supports Malaysia's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2010.
- Economic Benefits — Inclusive buildings attract wider users, boost tourism, and enhance property value.
- Avoid Penalties — Non-compliance risks fines, project delays, or retrofitting costs.
For developers and owners, early engagement with accessibility consultants ensures designs meet By-Law 34A, MS 1184:2014, and modern universal design principles—preventing expensive changes later.
How Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Can Help
As specialists in disability access consulting Malaysia, we offer:
- Accessibility Audits to assess compliance with By-Law 34A and MS 1184.
- Design Advice for new builds, retrofits, and performance-based solutions.
- Compliance Certification for approvals.
- CPD Seminars on interpreting By-Law 34A, common mistakes, and TGSI use.
Contact us for expert guidance on making your building truly accessible and compliant.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-2779 7117 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit accessconsultants.asia for more on By-Law 34A compliance, universal design Malaysia, and accessibility consulting services. Let's create barrier-free spaces for all Malaysians!
About Us
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Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
About Us – Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
At Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT, we are a team of dedicated, registered architect professionals with specialist qualifications in access consulting and universal design. We help create more inclusive, barrier-free built environments across Malaysia — from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Johor Bahru, and beyond — while drawing on proven international expertise.
Our work improves city accessibility, enhances architecture and interior design, delivers project management for accessible developments, and provides training and awareness seminars (including CPD sessions) for architects, developers, local authorities, and building owners.
We align every project with Malaysian standards — MS 1184:2014 (Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility), the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, and UBBL By-Law 34A — ensuring practical, compliant, and forward-thinking outcomes.
Why We Exist
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT is deeply committed to promoting and facilitating equitable access to the built environment for people living with disabilities (OKU), seniors, families, and everyone in our communities.
We achieve this by helping clients find practical, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to everyday access challenges — whether designing new buildings, retrofitting existing ones, planning inclusive public spaces, or ensuring hotels, workplaces, and aged care facilities truly welcome all Malaysians.
By integrating universal design principles from the earliest stages, we help avoid expensive retrofits, support independence and dignity, and contribute to Malaysia’s vision of livable, age-friendly, and inclusive cities.
Where We Operate
Building on our international experience in smart cities developments and accessible urban projects, we have established a dedicated Malaysian branch: Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT, based in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur serves as our strategic gateway to ASEAN, allowing us to support inclusive projects across the region.
Importantly, Kuala Lumpur is the hometown of our Architect Partner Ar. Daniel Wong, giving our team a genuine understanding of Malaysian culture, lifestyle, local regulations, construction practices, and the unique way architecture is delivered here.
We are fully familiar with the Malaysian built environment — from tropical climate considerations to cultural sensitivities — ensuring our advice is always context-appropriate and respectful.
How We Work with Malaysian Partners
We actively collaborate with Malaysian architects, developers, planners, and stakeholders in key growth areas:
- Smart City developments that prioritise good access and universal design from the outset
- Aged care facilities and retirement living communities
- Accessible housing developments — including multi-generational homes and specialist disability accommodation
- Policy development and urban planning for inclusive, livable cities
Our Malaysian partners focus on delivering expert access consulting advice, drawing on our long-standing Australian accreditation and best-practice experience in accessibility.
We are proud to be working closely with Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) to introduce targeted education and awareness programs for the Malaysian built environment — helping raise standards, build capacity, and promote inclusive design nationwide.
Our Kuala Lumpur Team
- Gary Finn – Partner
- Daniel Wong – Architect Partner (Malaysian-registered)
- Ahmad Syafiq Bin Mohd Unzir – Graduate Architect & Access Consultant
- Nur Syuhada Binti Che Rahimi - Graduate Architect & SDA Specialist
- Yee Jean - Architect's Assistant & SDA Specialist
Ready to make your next project more accessible, inclusive, and compliant?
Contact us today for accessibility audits, universal design consulting, compliance advice, CPD training, or collaboration on smart cities, aged care, or accessible housing in Malaysia.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-2779 7117 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit accessconsultants.asia to explore our services and portfolio. For our Australian expertise and global projects, see sydneyaccessconsultants.com.au.
Together, let’s build a more equitable and accessible Malaysia — one thoughtful space at a time.
Tourist Attractions
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Accessible Tourism
Accessible tourism enables all people to participate in and enjoy tourism experiences. More people have access needs, whether or not related to a physical condition. For example, older and less mobile people have access needs, which can become a huge obstacle when travelling or touring. Thus, accessible tourism is the ongoing endeavour to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. This includes publicly and privately owned tourist locations, facilities and services.
For persons with disabilities, travelling can be a challenge, as finding the information on accessible services, checking luggage on a plane, booking a room to fulfil access needs, often prove to be difficult, costly and time-consuming.
Challenges for persons with disabilities include:
• Untrained professional staff capable of informing and advising about accessibility issues
• Inaccessible booking services and related websites
• Lack of accessible airports and transfer facilities and services
• Unavailability of adapted and accessible hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, toilets and public places
• Inaccessible streets and transport services
• Unavailable information on accessible facilities, services, equipment rentals and tourist attractions
Accessibility is also an important aspect of realizing the rights of the world’s ageing population. As we grow older, our chance of experiencing a permanent or temporary disability is increased. A focus on accessibility can therefore ensure that we are able to participate fully in our societies well into our older years. Accessibility also benefits pregnant women and persons who are temporarily rendered immobile.
The improvements to physical and service infrastructure that come with a focus on accessibility also encourage a more multigenerational focus in development planning. For families with small children, accessible infrastructure – particularly in transportation, city planning and building design – improves the ability of these families to participate in social and cultural activities.
See more at UN.org