Excursions in the Czech-German border region will be more accessible for people with disabilities

These days, small groups of people with laser gauges are moving around the Czech-German border area. Detailed mapping of selected points is underway, especially of routes suitable for wheelchair users and people with other disabilities. Mothers with prams or elderly people with mobility difficulties are equally well served by good accessibility and barrier-free access.

The project "Travelling for the Disabled" is jointly run by the Association for the Promotion of Disabled Travel, the Zittau Development Company and the Marketing Company of Upper Saxony. However, a new network of partners who are not indifferent to the accessibility of tourist destinations is quickly emerging within the framework of the activity. At trainings and workshops, various areas of accessibility, points of interest in tourism and, of course, the needs of people with disabilities are discussed. In the framework of these meetings, practical training on a uniform accessibility methodology for objects and routes is also provided.

,,The landscape around Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland is not very friendly to people with physical disabilities and that is why we decided to help. In cooperation with colleagues and partners we want to open this attractive location to visitors who would otherwise find it inaccessible", adds Jana Panáčková, chairwoman of the Association for the Promotion of Travel for the Handicapped.

The project is loosely based on the award-winning social network for disabled travellers Disway and moves from mapping individual points to preparing comprehensive trips for people with reduced mobility.

"I already have experience with accessibility mapping, in 2012 I prepared the brochure Czechoslovak Switzerland barrier-free. When I was approached by the Association for the Promotion of Disabled Travel with this project, I did not hesitate to get involved. We have already mapped the first routes and objects. I am glad that we will be able to offer not only the disabled a comprehensive and proven offer of tourist destinations that they can rely on", adds Aleš Černohous

The whole activity will culminate at the end of June with the presentation of twelve precisely mapped and prepared routes in the Czech Republic and Saxony. This will promote tourism for people with disabilities in the border region. Apart from the routes themselves, a unique network of entities that are not indifferent to the accessibility of tourist destinations and will continue to cooperate on this topic in the future is also being created.

Already connected entities include:

National Council of Persons with Disabilities, z. s.

Regional Authority of the Liberec Region

Elbe Trail, z. s.

Geopark Ralsko, o. p. s.

Korid Liberec LK, spol. s r. o.

Czechtourism

Charter 77 Foundation, Konto Bariéry, z. s.

Big Wagon North - counselling and education centre, z. ú.

Liberec City Council

Prague organization of wheelchair users

National park Bohemian Switzerland

LÍP A SPOLU, z. s.

TMGS Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen GmbH

Zweckverband Verkehrsverbund Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien (ZVON)

Naturschutzzentrum Zittauer Gebirge gGmbH

Gleichstellung Stadt Zittau

Jugendhaus "Villa"

Beauftragte für die Belange von Menschen mit Behinderungen

Sozialverband VdK Sachsen e. V., Beratungsstelle Zittau (Verband der Kriegsbeschädigten, Kriegshinterbliebenen und Sozialrentner Deutschlands)

Sächsische Bildungs- und Begegnungsstätte Windmühle Seifhennersdorf e.V.

Diakonie St. Martin

Sächsischer Behinderten- und Rehabilitationssportverband e.V..