An update on the development of the OSSATE accessible travel website supported by the European Commission.
In 2006, OSSATE - One-Stop-Shop for Accessible Travel in Europe was building its comprehensive accessible travel database and website.
It looks like the website is partly functional. The database hasn't much information, based upon a few test searches. The website seems to be between the test and final versions.
If you are in any aspect of the travel industry in the EU, you may self-report your business's accessibility levels using the Europe For All methodology.
If you are interested in becoming an independent accessibility auditor, the Europe For All website tells you how.
The website has downloadable accessibility assessment forms. Some forms are available to all website members. Becoming a member is easy.
There does not appear to be a way for independent travellers to post their own accessibility reports to this site. Venue owners and accredited auditors seem to be the only ones who can provide data. However, the forms for performing a basic Level 1 accessibility report and the instructions for taking measurements and photographs are both available on the site and there is nothing to stop a person from using the methods and forms to make their own assessments.
Personally, I would like to see these forms and instructions, or similar ones, be widely used and reported on one central website (ideally the Europe For All site), regardless of who completes them. The Europeforall.com website has a feedback button, and I have used it to communicate this opinion to them.
It is encouraging to see this resource continue to develop. If you have used it, please do email me with your opinion about it. Better still, send some feedback to the Europe for all people to help them in their work.
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