Accessibility Around The World

When planning a trip to a new destination, I always look for cool accessibility options. I’ve covered a lot of accessibility here in Ohio and across the U.S., but I wondered what is offered in different parts of the world. So, I set out to search for a few.

Have you ever been to Tokyo? I haven’t. But after learning their city has tactile lines on the streets as an accessibility feature for the visually impaired, I’d like to visit. Throughout the city, yellow textured lines are embedded into the streets to let people with visual impairments know where they are and where they’re going. The textures also change to indicate turns.

From the pictures I’ve seen, England seems very beautiful. Specifically, I’m curious about the North York Moors after learning about a lift that allows people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to get closer or to go inside historical sites. The park features adapted picnic tables for everyone.

Traveling through the Sydney Airport in Australia is easy if you have a phone that can download their airport navigation app. Although the app was originally designed to assist people with vision impairments, I think this feature could assist anyone. It’s a very universal tool in my book. To find a list of accessible areas in Sydney, you can visit the Accessible Sydney page on their tourism website.

I found it fascinating to learn that Clonakilty, Ireland is the first accredited autism-friendly town. Awarded in 2018 by the charity AsIAm, the designation was achieved through a community-wide effort involving over 200 businesses, schools, and services.

To earn the status, the town engaged 25% of local businesses, 50% of public services/schools, and 50% of healthcare professionals in training. The initiative began in 2015 at Scally's SuperValu and was later championed by the Clonakilty Autism Friendly Town Committee. I think this is not only important, but very cool!

The world is a big place! It’s good to know there are accessibility features all around it. Looks like I’m ready to see the world. Where should I go first?

Click the link below to learn more about other accessibility projects around the world.

https://happiful.com/5-life-changing-accessibility-projects-from-around-the-world