Bariers to the participation of disabled individuals in tour programs in accessible tourism: Diyarbakır example

This thesis examines the participation of disabled individuals living in Dıyarbakır province in tours. The aim of the research is to evaluate the experiences of disabled individuals participating in tourism activities and benefiting from accommodation services. The sample of the study consists of 31 disabled individuals between the ages of 15 and 33 working in special education and rehabilitation centers in Diyarbakır province, employees 7 four and five star accommodation establishments, and 5 agency officials. In the study, semi-structured interview technique, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Interviews were conducted using voice recording, telephone and face-to-face interviews and note-taking techniques. Nvivo qualitative data analysis was used in the research. Participants' demographic information and findings were created in table form. According to the findings obtained from disabled individuals, inadequate cleaning services in the hotel, inactive elevators and the absence of support staff to care for hearing-language-speech impaired individuals negatively affect participants in tourism. It has been concluded that disabled individuals experience problems due to factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of facilities, and lack of guides during tours. This thesis study has presented suggestions for studies to be carried out to increase and improve the participation of disabled individuals in tourism activities.