Alexandre Bloxs, the Policy Manager at the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), recently presented at the European Disability Forum’s (EDF) workshop on accessible tourism, advocating for more inclusive practices to better support deaf people across Europe.
In his presentation, “Embracing Sign Language in Tourism: Pathways to Inclusive Experiences,” Alexandre highlighted essential initiatives to make tourism more inclusive for deaf people. He emphasized the importance of Deaf museums, which not only preserve and celebrate Deaf culture and history but also educate the public on the richness of national sign languages.
Alexandre advocated for the integration of sign language services in tourism, such as providing sign language tour guides and ensuring sign language availability in places of touristic interest. These changes aim to make travel experiences more accessible and enjoyable for deaf people, ensuring they receive comprehensive and equitable service.
This workshop marks a significant step forward in promoting accessible tourism, aligning with EUD’s mission to advocate for the rights and inclusion of deaf people in all aspects of life, supported by robust legislative frameworks and EU policies.
EUD would like to thank EDF for their close cooperation and for providing the opportunity to contribute to the awareness-raising of the requirements of deaf people when it comes to tourism.
