Condiciones del turismo accesible para visitantes con Síndrome de Down en el Museo Pumapungo de la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

Accessible tourism within the city of Cuenca, located in the province of Azuay in southern Ecuador, has a greater focus on physical disabilities, without considering other disabilities such as intellectual disability. For this reason, this study aims to analyze the conditions of accessible tourism for visitors with Down Syndrome at the Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca. In this context, the present research has a qualitative, observational, exploratory and/or descriptive approach and cross-sectional approach. Participant observation was used as tools, as well as structured and semi-structured interviews with visitors with Down syndrome, their respective teachers and parents, as well as museum administrative staff. The research determined that accessibility conditions are shaped by activities, elements, infrastructure adaptations, practices, personnel, and financial resources. It was concluded that the Pumapungo Museum has some of these conditions, however, according to the perspective of visitors with Down Syndrome and their companions, the facilities could be accessible if improvements were implemented. On the other hand, from the perspective of the administrative staff, one of the biggest challenges they face is the lack of financial resources that limit actions in favor of accessibility within the museum. Finally, recommendations that can be considered to generate accessible environments are presented.