Published Paper Details:

This paper explores the obstacles that people with disabilities (PwD) face in accessing restaurants in Bengaluru, India, leading to their physical exclusion. It evaluates the current facilities in restaurants from the perspective of PwD, focusing on mobility, circulation, and service access. Despite having the same motivations as other customers to visit restaurants, PwD encounters substantial challenges. The study emphasizes PwD's views on universal design and planning in Bengaluru's restaurants, promoting 'accessible tourism.' A quantitative analysis is conducted to assess the experiences of differently-abled guests regarding universal design and accessibility. The findings reveal that although accessibility is gaining attention in India, many restaurants have yet to adopt universal accessibility standards. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has initiated efforts for barrier-free accessibility, but further improvements in restaurant design are recommended. This study highlights the importance of universal design and suggests a new model for inclusive restaurants, encouraging PwD to explore Bengaluru.