Analysis of Travel Obstacles for Blinds

Today, tourism is recognized as one of the inalienable rights of citizens. However, some groups in society are not able to benefit from this inalienable right simply. The elderly, people with physical and mobility disabilities, and people with visual impairments and mental disorders are among these groups who face many challenges in tourism and travel services. In this research, the obstacles to tourism for blind people have been studied. Analyzing the needs and barriers of tourism and travel for this demographic group through semi-structured interviews with them is one of the most reliable methods for needs assessment and planning according to the special needs of this group. Therefore, in the present study, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 19 blind people regarding the needs and obstacles of travel. The data were analyzed by thematic analysis method and by Atlas T.I. qualitative data analysis software. The findings of the research show that the obstacles can be categorized as cultural, financial and economic, individual and physical obstacles. Also, to solve these obstacles, it is necessary to consider Individual, social, physical, cultural, and infrastructural aspects in the form of a coherent program for planners and policymakers.