More than a dozen Skagwedians gathered at the visitor center to learn how to properly accommodate travelers with disabilities. They learned that making the town more accessible benefits everyone. KHNS reporter Melinda Manson has this story.
https://khns.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/03Accessible.mp3
Participants in Skagway’s accessible tourism class introduced themselves as they would talk to someone who is visually impaired.
“I’m Colette Hisman from the tourism board. So let’s see…what else, okay? I have short hair. I always wear my glasses around my neck…”
This is Meredith Hisman explaining her colorful look.
“This is my second year working at the visitor center. I have long brown hair, pink glasses, and always wear a black vest with white paint spots.”
The April 25 class was taught by Bridget Thomson and Cori Stennett of Southeast Alaska Independent Living. This organization supports the elderly and people with disabilities. Our closest office is in Haines.
Thomson divided accessibility into three categories.
“We want to focus on how we can make the world an inclusive and accessible place for people of all kinds of abilities,” says Thomson. “And we’re doing it in three parts. We’re looking at accessibility through the built environment, speech, and society and values.”
Skagway has some challenges when it comes to the built environment. There are very few accessible parking spaces. Many historic buildings do not have wheelchair ramps, and small boat harbor cruise passengers must climb steep ramps at low tide.
Thompson sees some improvements, including new automatic doors in the library and the city asking her to conduct an accessibility assessment. She says many places don’t have such measures in place.
In his accessible tourism class, Thomson explained the concept of universal design. Designed to create a world that is easy for everyone to use, such as automatic doors. Another example of his is texting, which was originally designed for deaf people. Thomson encourages universal design in everyday life.
“You don’t have to be a construction worker to do universal design,” Thomson says. “You can always think about it. What does it take to make your little corner of this community more accessible to everyone?”
She suggests things as simple as name tags, Braille business cards, and a stash of pocket readers. Pocket readers are used to amplify sound. It looks like a Walkman and costs less than $200.
Another way to welcome visitors with disabilities is to use appropriate language. Using the word disabled is no longer a best practice. For example, instead of saying disabled parking, use the term accessible parking.
A further change is personal first language. Person-first language focuses on the individual rather than the disability. Instead of saying “blind girl,” say “blind girl.”
Finally, Thomson emphasizes that accessible tourism is good for everyone. She says one in five of her children have some form of disability. Anyone who interacts with tourists should be prepared for both obvious and non-obvious obstacles.
Employees should practice using the wheelchair on the ramp before the time comes. Never make assumptions about your needs. Always ask if and how you can help.
Thomson says Alaska is for everyone.
“…because it’s just a no-no when a once-in-a-lifetime journey is stopped because someone can’t do it because we didn’t give them access,” she says.
Skagway businesses can visit blue-path.org and enter information about their facilities, including size and noise levels. This allows customers with disabilities to plan ahead.
