Accessible Recreation

» Jill Browne - Investing in a database - good idea?

At first it seems crazy to be negative about Europe's database project.

My fear is that the database will cost a lot to compile and maintain, and I wonder if the dollars could be more effectively spent.

For example, what if the same money was put into disability and access awareness training for people in the hospitality and service industries, or for subsidies to make more places and services more accessible?

Just a thought.

I don't think the database is a BAD idea, but I would like to know if it is really the most effective use of funds and of the time it will take travel business owners to compile the information for the database.

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» ambroiv - Investing in a database - good idea?

In response to Investing in a database - good idea? posted by jillbrowne:
Hi Jill,
Thanks for your very useful and relevant comments on the 'Europe for all' database. At the Brussels event last week we also got lots of good feedback about the planned e-service.

I will readily admit that our e-service, when it is fully up and running, will not satisfy all of the people all for the time. I suppose all information services have their weaknesses - from printed guide books to telephones. With 'Europe for all' we want to give web-surfers lists of venues that fall within the range of "possible for me to visit", based on their own preferences. This is not to say that the places are guaranteed 100% accessible for them but at least they will find that the 'critical' information is present. It is about making better informed choices.
I am also sure that the telephone or voice-over-IP can play a strong role in this e-service, and we are considering this... putting venue managers and potential customers in touch while viewing the venue data.

We will be putting more information about the e-service on www.ossate.org in the next few days.
Please drop in!

Best regards,
Ivor Ambrose
OSSATE Coordinator

-- posted by ambroiv

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» Jill Browne - Investing in a database - good idea?

In response to Investing in a database - good idea? posted by ambroiv:

Thank you, Ivor (and I will send this same message to Ivor by email in case he doesn't get a chance to return to this discussion).

I like the sound of a comprehensive database which describes accessibility so everyone can make an informed choice.

If anyone else has thoughts on this project, please do add your comments.

I am all for more information, and the kind of information I am most in favour of is up-to-date, local, and relevant. I hope the OSSATE project will lead to that outcome.

Jill

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