Travel as an Occupational Experience: The Perceptions of Travel Agent Related o Planning Trips for Persons Who are Wheelchair Dependent
Graduation Date
2008
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Bonnie Napier-Tibere, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Karen Pitbladdo, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Abstract
The objective of this research was to examine the perceptions of travel agents when serving the wheelchair dependent population. Previous research has shown that the experiences of disabled travelers when traveling is often less successful then their able bodied counterparts. This study sought to identify the travel agents’ experiences when catering to these individuals, in an effort to identify potential areas of concern.
The research was qualitative. Surveys, interviews and web site reviews were conducted to gather data. The participant population was travel agents who served Marin County and spoke English as their primary language.
Out of 10 surveys completed, there was a general agreement that services to the wheelchair dependent population could be improved. The areas of travel that could use improvement had to do with accessibility of the lodging, transportation and infrastructure of a destination. The website review and survey questions regarding legal obligations indicated that greater clarity of information about travel destinations and communication between the consumer and the travel agents may be needed. Travel has been shown to be an important occupation for all individuals in the areas of leisure, work and social participation.