USAID launches first Accessible Tourism application for Smartphones
This application promotes the inclusion of persons
with disabilities in the tourism sector
SANTO DOMINGO – The United States Government, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the first accessible tourism application in the Caribbean for smartphones called RD4ALL. This guide seeks to promote accessible tourism for people with disabilities. The guide compiles information about tourism establishments, restaurants, airports and beaches throughout the country and includes accessibility level information for all visitors with some type of disability. The RD4ALL application is available both in printed format, and as a download for smart phones and tablets, through both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
This first version includes 12 restaurants, four airports, 42 hotels and 21 beaches. The guide contains details regarding accessible parking areas, rooms, and other features for persons with reduced mobility, as well as information for those who are deaf, blind and intellectually disabled. Facilities that comply with the accessibility requirements and wish to add their business to the guide may do so by sending an email to firstname.lastname@example.org.
The U. S. Ambassador James W. Brewster noted that “this Disability Guide also presents an opportunity to enhance economic growth in the tourism industry. It offers a strategic opportunity to coordinate partnerships with the private sector and all interested companies to advertise their brand locally and internationally.”
To develop this guide, USAID partnered with Consorcio Dominicano de Competitividad Turística (CDCT). Colorblind Design provided technical support and Banco Popular Dominicano co-sponsor.
The RD4ALL guide is a result of collaboration among different tourism clusters, the Dominican Council for Disabilities (Consejo Nacional sobre Discapacidad (CONADIS), Instituto de Derecho Ambiental de la República Dominicana (IDARD), Alianza Discapacidad por Nuestros Derechos (ADIDE), Circulo de Mujeres con Discapacidad (CIMUDIS), Fundación Leonardo, la Asociación de Hoteles y turismo de la República Dominicana (ASONAHORES) and Asociación de Hoteles del Este (ASOLESTE).
Dominican tourism sector representatives and the Ministry of Tourism attended the event. The U. S. Ambassador James W. Brewster headed this event.