1. Introduction Lynne Kirby, Managing Director A specialist overseas tour operator for people with limited mobility, their families and friends

2. In 2004 we identified the need for improved facilities for people with mobility impairments which resulted in the launch of Enable Holidays

3. What We Did Involved disabled people with the development process by organising focus groups with Disability Associations and Special Needs Schools; and asking questions

4. This Is What We Found Lack of confidence Fear of travelling abroad into the great unknown Poor information on facilities at travel agents and in tour operators brochures Inaccessible adapted rooms Roll-in showers that did not allow wheelchairs to roll in Doors that were too narrow for wheelchairs Limited number of dropped kerbs

5. What Has Improved Since the third stage of the Disability Discrimination Act in 2004 made it law for service providers to make adjustments to their properties to overcome barriers to access, things have improved Airports, airlines, hotels and resorts have all upped their game Pre-boarding introduced Harnesses and TravelChairs installed Initiatives by major players such as Virgin and Monarch Airlines More information readily available More innovative disabled holiday guides and resources online

6. Whats Still To Be Done? Change mindsets on the disability issues More adapted facilities (ratio per property is still low – less than 5% in many hotels) Expand horizons. Disabled people are looking further than a beach on the Med. Many have a sense of adventure and want to take on new challenges: adventures, safaris, extreme sports and more Satisfy the I Can Do That attitude Better understanding and more quality training for travel industry personnel

7. Where Do We Go From Here? Keep disability at the top of the agenda Promote a fairer world with tourism for all Campaign for more adapted rooms per hotel Improve the location of these rooms Offer more adventurous options to satisfy appetites Carry on where the Paralympics left off – thats our legacy!