Turystyka osób z niepełnosprawnościami w świetle badań własnych

Out of nearly 8 billion people, more than 1 billion experience some kind of disability. On average, one in four citizens in the European Union is a person with a disability. And this trend will increase due to the growing proportion of older people in the general population. Tourism has taken an important place in the lives of people with disabilities. It is not only a source of entertainment and relaxation but also of rehabilitation in its broadest sense. It has therapeutic qualities, allowing people to rebuild their faith in their own strengths, accept their limitations and improve their mental health. Travelling and active leisure have become a specific stimulus supporting the recovery process and sometimes shortening its duration. Therefore, it is important to adapt the environment to the needs and requirements of people with disabilities. This article attempts to identify barriers and solutions supporting tourists with disabilities and analyze accessibility of tourist base in Szczecin on selected examples. Suggestions for actions aimed at maximizing facilities and minimizing or eliminating existing limitations are also given.