Improving information on principles of universal design in tourism facilities, a research in Istanbul

The perception of Accessible Tourism in Turkey is an evolving movement of socializing people with disabilities and eliminating barriers they face. However it is incompatible with the philosophy of Universal Design. Barrier-free facilities are considered as clinical spaces which are "only for the handicapped people" and far from aesthetic. Main purpose of this thesis is to improve an integrated approach within the scope of determining, producing and implementing equitable design principles, in order to enhance quality and sustainability in tourism. Initially, terminology of "handicapped" and "disabled" terms are discussed, theoretical studies of non-governmental organizations in the field of accessibility were compared in each other. "Inner" and "outer" spaces of tourism facilities are considered to be as a whole. The most comprehensive section of thesis is composed of "Criteria System" based on "International Best Practices in Universal Design" published by Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2007. This system evaluates Universal Design Principles in the works of different social organizations in Turkey in the context of accessibility. The research also has a critical review of the criteria system that results in defining optimal design standards for "inside and outside". As a complement to these steps, an interdisciplinary model named as "Improving Information on Principles of Universal Design in Tourism Facilities" is produced . Thus the knowledge about this subject is systematized. Consequently, in the light of interdisciplinary study, the set of Principles System demonstrates, accessible spaces do not have to be seen as clinical spaces, accessibility can be achieved by small changes.