Accessible tourism – Nature-based activities for all, needs for assistive devices and information among people with disabilities
Av
Tor Erik Nyquist
Reidun Birgitta Jahnsen
Trond Bliksvær
Ana Koncul
Karin Marie Antonsen
Academic article
Utgiver:
Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Year published:
2025
Sider:
100982-100982
Involvement in nature-based activities is shown to increase health and wellbeing. However, some people with disabilities require assistive devices to be able to participate in such activities. By exploring the needs of persons with disabilities regarding assistive devices, this study aims to gain a better understanding of how accessible nature-based experiences for all can be supported. The article builds on a large-scale digital survey of the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities who were contacted through user organizations and a rehabilitation center in Norway. Most of the respondents reported that they brought their own assistive devices for activities of daily living, such as crutches, wheelchairs, hearing aids, or a white cane. However, they wanted to rent or lend assistive devices for sports and outdoor activities. Information about accessibility was reported to be very important but often lacking. To allow for more universally designed services and environments, nature-based travel destinations should aim to provide assistive devices for activities along with ordinary equipment, information about it on their websites, and competent staff to make nature-based experiences accessible for all.