Ambassador Brewster at Launch of the Dominican Republic Disability Guide

Mr. Magino Corporán, Director of the National Council of Disability (CONADIS), Mr. Maximo Iglesias, president of the Dominican Consortium for Tourism and Competitiveness (CDCT), members of the press, ladies and gentlemen.

It is an honor to support the Dominican Republic on the issue of people with disabilities and announce the launch of the Accessible Tourism Guide. Available for smartphones and in print, the guide provides information aimed at serving people with disabilities seeking sites which can accommodate their needs in Punta Cana, Bavaro, Puerto Plata and the National District.

The guide offers comprehensive information about accessible services at hotels, beaches, restaurants, and bars.  It is an informative resource, not only for Dominicans, but also for the thousands of tourists with disabilities from around the world who wish to visit the Dominican Republic for vacation.

President Obama reminded us of the importance of inclusion when he said: “We reaffirm the fundamental principle that those with disabilities have the right to claim the same rights and freedoms as everyone else: to belong and participate fully in society, to live with respect and free from discrimination, and make with their lives what they want.”

We congratulate our partners, the Dominican Consortium for Tourism and Competitiveness in partnership with Color Blind Design, for their commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities. Their efforts will allow people with disabilities to easily obtain information and select safe and accessible places to travel. The Guide is now available for download on both I-phone and Android mobile devices with the name RD4ALL.

The Disability Guide also presents an opportunity to enhance  economic growth  in  the tourism industry. It offers a strategic opportunity to coordinate partnerships with the private sector and all interested companies to advertise their brand locally and internationally.

Thank you all for joining us in the launch of such an important tool.  Let’s keep working together to make tourism accessible for everyone.  RD4ALL!