La accesibilidad cognitiva de la ruta adaptada de la ciudad monumental de Cáceres desde la perspectiva de la terapia ocupacional

Resumen

The concept of accessibility has evolved and nowadays the term universal accessibility is used, which is understood as total accessibility for everyone, referring not only to disability but also to equal opportunities for all people in relation to the optimisation of a product, environment or service, and considering there are three types of accessibility: physical, sensory and cognitive. This research has focused on cognitive accessibility because it was hypothesised to be the least attended and because it is linked to the instrumental activities of daily life of mobility in the community and communication management. Accessibility is a right, therefore it is regulated in compulsory regulations in all territorial areas and also in Extremadura, with the current Law 11/2014, of 9 December. Cultural heritage faces difficulties when seeking a balance between two realities: accessibility and preservation. When the use of cultural heritage has a markedly touristic purpose, the concept of accessible tourism or tourism for all appears as a matter of utmost importance in the sector for economic and social reasons, without forgetting the local population who also have a very relevant role in this resource, because they are considered visitors and users of it. When analysing the Monumental City of Cáceres, a World Heritage Site, from the point of view of accessible tourism, it is observed that relevant actions have been undertaken. Among others, there is a route classified as an accessible route which has been the object of this research. Thus, it has been proposed to measure the degree of cognitive accessibility of the Monumental City of Cáceres as a tourist resource for a population with difficulties in activities of daily living (more specifically in mobility in the community and communication management) on a specific route already classified as accessible (from the perspective of reduced mobility). This thesis has involved people with cognitive disabilities, making it an inclusive research, so that the subjects of this research are part of it, using tools such as the Focus Group, Life Stories, Photovoice and Fieldwork by observation and comparison and with the creation of a measurement protocol. The final conclusion was that the adapted route of the Monumental City of Cáceres is designed more for physical limitations than for cognitive disabilities, a point of view from which it is considered that there are hardly any adaptations, even though they are simple and economical, and can generate a great impact and benefit to citizens. Finally, occupational therapists would be vital in this adaptation, as they are experts in disability, participation and adaptation of environments, and a complete plan is proposed to carry it out.