To demonstrate this, inABLE organized a two-day excursion plan in Nairobi and Kiambu County for guests from across the world and in Africa with lived experiences. The findings of this excursion were discussed in detail during the Accessible Tourism Panel at the 2022 Inclusive Africa Conference.

So, what do you need to consider when planning a tour for PWDs?

• Disability Etiquette Training: Before anything, ensure the tour guides have been trained in disability etiquette to ensure the guests are treated well. This training should be done way ahead of the tour.
• Accessible cars: Make sure you have an accessible vehicle that would easily accommodate any wheelchair user. Accessible vehicles allow easy access into the car without taking away their independence.
• Limit planned activities: Many activities limit your audience from fully engaging with each one of them. For example, a blind person would need clear descriptions of the animals or the visuals of the environments you go to – too many activities would translate to rushed descriptions.
• Accessible sites: Ensure the locations you pick are accessible for wheelchair users and safe for the blind. In case it rains, if the target locations are muddy and have no pathways, it will translate to a horrible experience. Make sure the accessible car is suitable for safaris.
• Hire sign language interpreters: They will ensure the hard-of-hearing guests are not left out of the conversation.
• Incorporate technology: There are software and mobile applications that are meant to make life easier for PWDS, e.g., Be My Eyes App that uses volunteers to describe what is in front of the camera for the blind.
• Menus: To save time, share an accessible menu with all your guests days before the tour to allow them time to pick the foods they prefer. This will enable them to share their allergies ahead of time.
• Accommodation: Should your guests need accommodation, it is essential to book hotels that have accessible rooms or meet the accessibility requirement- wide doors, pathways, ramps, elevators, emergency contacts in the room, and holding handles in the toilet and bathroom, etc.
• Assumptions: Do not assume your guests would enjoy the same things; reach out to them ahead of time and inquire about what they would be interested in. This will guide how you plan your tour, so you do not spend more time in a place they are least interested in.
• Be accommodative: Bring extra sun-blocking creams, hats, wheelchairs, sunglasses, etc., to accommodate any of your guests who may need additional items or in case of breakage.

Written by: inABLE PR Officer Esther Mwangi