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universal access audits

Tools for Improved Universal Accessibility

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Gauge has been appointed by the Department of Tourism to audit tourism facilities at national parks around South Africa. The audits indicated that many facilities required improvements. This was the case even with facilities that have built recently when accessibility regulations and standard have been in place. Recommendations from the study, therefore, include the development of tools for improved universal accessibility. These tools aim to ensure that universal accessibility is integrated into policy and procedures and is not an ‘afterthought’ that may, or may not, be addressed.

Recommended tools include: a universal accessibility policy that ensures this is addressed in the planning, procurement and management of facilities, a universal accessibility toolkit that provides easy-to-use checklists which can be used to support assessments of existing facilities and design proposals and universal accessibility training to ensure that key personnel understand key concepts and can apply these.

Accessible Tourism

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The tourism sector in South Africa plays an important role in the economy and in 2016 contributed R 402 billion to the economy  (9.3% of the GDP) and was responsible for 9.8% of South Africa’s total employment. Tourism is likely to continue to grow and is set to contribute 11.5% of South Africa’s GDP by 2023 (South African hospitality outlook: 2013-2017)

This growth, however, may be curtailed if tourist destinations are not accessible and do not comply with international best practice standards. It is important, therefore, to define best practice standards and support tourism institutions in achieving these. Gauge has a strong understanding of sustainability and inclusion standards and has developed effective tools to apply these in a wide range of contexts and building types in South Africa.

They are currently working a project that includes auditing tourism sites and developing prioritised recommendations to address gaps in standards and improve performance. Gauge will be developing design interventions that complement and supplement existing infrastructure to create more accessible and inclusive sites.