Beyond Sight Specificity: Investigating Third Party Guiding Services for Blind and Partially Sighted Sightseers

Abstract

This paper investigates the techniques third-party guides employ to create positive experiences for their blind and partially sighted clients. The literature reviewed outlines the implications of sightseeing while blind and the role that third party guides can play within the experiences of sightseeing, particularly for those who experience disability . Qualitative content analysis was used on five transcripts of expert interviews conducted by the researcher with professional travel agents and tour providers who provide services to blind and partially sighted clients. The results of the analysis indicate the importance of thorough communication among all stakeholders prior to the sightseeing experiences, the need for expert scouting trips to assess the accessibility of prospective destinations, and the role on-site guides play in chaperoning and supporting clients. Despite challenges encountered in their work, the experts prioritise educating tourism professionals and members of the public in an effort to reduce the attitudinal barriers that stand in the way of robust accessibility improvements. 1 Throughout this MRP when discussing disability I employ person-first language, in accordance with Wright's (1960) seminal argument: "Since physique does stimulate value judgments, it is particularly important to use expressions insofar as feasible that separate physical attributes from the total person" (p. 8).