Kerala For All Conclave: Disabled friendly hotels need of the hour

With over 15% of the global population having some form of disability, it is high time hotels readied rooms and infra that cater to them, Neha Arora, founder of Planet Abled and inclusive tourism consultant, said at the Kerala For All conclave convened here on Saturday.

Such rooms will in turn help others as well, including aged people. Moreover, despite enacting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the government is the biggest defaulter in implementing its provisions, she added.

“In this situation, what is needed is a clear policy, followed by a road map. Apart from differently abled people, this will also go a long way in helping pregnant women, those carrying heavy luggage, and others. Even the architect community needs awareness on the issue,” she said.

There is also need to hire differently abled people in the hospitality sector, she said, at a fireside chat in the conclave, moderated by Soma Basu, journalist.

To a question on Kerala-specific challenges for the disabled people, Ms. Arora said the hospitality industry in the State had been more empathetic to the cause of disabled friendliness. “But, there is need to go beyond wheelchair accessibility. It must be reminded that people with disability spend over 30% money on travel and accommodation than ordinary travellers,” she added.