Evaluating Accessible Experience in Helsinki’s Tourist Attractions
Kokkonen, Hanna (2016)
Kokkonen, Hanna
Haaga-Helia ammattikorkeakoulu
2016
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2016091614345
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2016091614345
Tiivistelmä
This Bachelor’s Thesis is about accessible tourism. It is divided in two main sections, theory and research.
In the theory part the different levels of accessibility (physical and social aspects), the accessible tourism experience and Service Design methods are being introduced. The theory is based on the scientifical articles and publications by various authors. In addition, the framework is built based on the regulations and guidelines by European Commission, United Nations and Invalidiliitto (Finnish association for people with physical disabilities). The focus in this thesis is to introduce the different aspects of accessibility, however due to the vide range of different forms of disabilities the subject has been narrowed down to consider the physical disabilities and visual impairments. The point is to describe an optimal accessible tourism experience.
In the empirical research part, the project is introduced. The main target of the research is to find out if the tourist attractions Korkeasaari Zoo, Ateneum Art Gallery, Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Seurasaari Open Air Museum are accessible and if an accessible tourism experience can be found during the research and evaluation. The research was executed by Yes and No type of questions and role play. In the role play, test personas are representing the different target groups – Mauri being person with visual impairments and Kate representing the physical disabilities. The research was done during the May- July 2016.
In generally speaking the attractions in Helsinki are accessible however they are mostly concentrating only to the physical disabilities and the use of wheelchair. All of the evaluated destinations could be accessed with wheelchair. The aspect of visual impairments wasn’t in the focus or in display except in Ateneum. In conclusion, the results show that Ateneum Art Gallery was the most accessible attraction. The research couldn’t find any improvement ideas to suggest. Linnanmäki Amusement Park had well executed accessible plan in their services. Only few rides being inaccessible for safety reasons. Korkeasaari Zoo can be said to be accessible, however they have mainly thought the physical disabilities in their services. There is lot to be improved until it could be said to be completely accessible for everyone. Seurasaari Open Air Museum had the most challenge due to the history and authencity. None of the sights were accessible to enter however the outside premises were. One could visit the place but not enter the buildings. There was no audiotapes or other information available for visual impaired people.
This thesis was an independent research work based on the own interests of the author. It wasn’t ordered by any third party. The main benefit of this thesis is to raise awareness for the importance of individual service, and the benefits of accessible design for all. This thesis includes concrete examples how the services could be designed for people with disabilities and why it could be meaningful for the whole society as well.
In the theory part the different levels of accessibility (physical and social aspects), the accessible tourism experience and Service Design methods are being introduced. The theory is based on the scientifical articles and publications by various authors. In addition, the framework is built based on the regulations and guidelines by European Commission, United Nations and Invalidiliitto (Finnish association for people with physical disabilities). The focus in this thesis is to introduce the different aspects of accessibility, however due to the vide range of different forms of disabilities the subject has been narrowed down to consider the physical disabilities and visual impairments. The point is to describe an optimal accessible tourism experience.
In the empirical research part, the project is introduced. The main target of the research is to find out if the tourist attractions Korkeasaari Zoo, Ateneum Art Gallery, Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Seurasaari Open Air Museum are accessible and if an accessible tourism experience can be found during the research and evaluation. The research was executed by Yes and No type of questions and role play. In the role play, test personas are representing the different target groups – Mauri being person with visual impairments and Kate representing the physical disabilities. The research was done during the May- July 2016.
In generally speaking the attractions in Helsinki are accessible however they are mostly concentrating only to the physical disabilities and the use of wheelchair. All of the evaluated destinations could be accessed with wheelchair. The aspect of visual impairments wasn’t in the focus or in display except in Ateneum. In conclusion, the results show that Ateneum Art Gallery was the most accessible attraction. The research couldn’t find any improvement ideas to suggest. Linnanmäki Amusement Park had well executed accessible plan in their services. Only few rides being inaccessible for safety reasons. Korkeasaari Zoo can be said to be accessible, however they have mainly thought the physical disabilities in their services. There is lot to be improved until it could be said to be completely accessible for everyone. Seurasaari Open Air Museum had the most challenge due to the history and authencity. None of the sights were accessible to enter however the outside premises were. One could visit the place but not enter the buildings. There was no audiotapes or other information available for visual impaired people.
This thesis was an independent research work based on the own interests of the author. It wasn’t ordered by any third party. The main benefit of this thesis is to raise awareness for the importance of individual service, and the benefits of accessible design for all. This thesis includes concrete examples how the services could be designed for people with disabilities and why it could be meaningful for the whole society as well.