Equality is the most important component when it comes to the integration of people with disabilities. Being met on an equal footing, being spoken to and listened to, and above all, being taken into consideration.
Feeling integrated is an individual experience – indeed. But society can help ensure this by compensating for what individuals cannot do themselves. This is known as the principle of compensation. The principle of compensation entails that society offers people with disabilities a range of services and support measures with the aim of alleviating or limiting the consequences of impaired function as much as possible.
The same should morally and ethically apply to the hospitality industry. The disability that each guest has should be practically accommodated through aids and accessibility. The mindset that applies to all guests – without disabilities, should particularly apply to guests with disabilities to the greatest extent possible. Integration. Equality and the experience that we all have the same needs to participate, experience, and enjoy should be given higher priority. The experience industry, which also includes the hotel and wellness industry, should incorporate solutions that can be used by people with disabilities to a much greater extent. My advice is to always consider and implement solutions that benefit everyone. An approach that is encompassed in universal design. A design where equality and integration are paramount. It is not only right in terms of equality – it is also good for business.
By: Jens Lund – Advisor on Accessibility and Independent living solutions COO
No Limits Accessibility, Denmark
