Introduction: Changing Views

The latter part of the 20th century saw a dramatic change in the way people with disabilities were viewed within society. The United Nations 1 (2008) has in part summarised these changes in its recognition that people with disabilities have become increasingly proactive in asserting strength and confidence in their abilities to lead self-reliant and independent lives. This assertion of the right to lead an independent life is slowly being translated within some countries into legislation which ensures people with disabilities are not subject to discrimination. However such legislation has not been universally embraced. This potentially reduces the opportunities for global travel for those with disabilities. Equally where there is legislation across continents, such as Europe. However, this can be different and patchy for visitors with implications for seamless travel across the different countries within the European Community. Whilst the legislation empowers disabled people, it does not necessarily enable them, as wider government and social policies impact on the lives of the disabled whereby they are unable to travel because of the lack of means, possibly living on low incomes and therefore excluded from such societal norms as taking a holiday. The only opportunities to enjoy a break or a holiday this group is likely to have is through policies of social tourism, whereby those on low incomes are helped to take holidays.

Anti-discrimination legislation does not automatically mean that change is necessarily brought about, at least quickly. It cannot therefore be seen as a panacea to bring about change in the short term for the benefit of people with disabilities. As the UK experience shows, despite legislation being introduced in 1995 many people with disabilities still encounter difficulties planning and taking a domestic holiday or short break.

The aim of this chapter is to review the impact of disability legislation on the holiday process particularly in the context of experiences within the UK.