Accessibility & Inclusion in Irish Tourism: Supporting
Families with Additional
Needs
This research report examines the experiences of families with hidden disabilities or additional needs in Ireland's tourism and hospitalit y sector. This research included responses from 70 Families with additional needs. Data was gathered through qualitative interview as well as quantitative methods. Average family size was 3.5 people making up 245 par ticipants
approximately. A primar y member was assigned from each family to take part in the research on each families' behalf. We gained valuable insights into the challenges faced, positive experiences, and oppor tunities for improvement in making Irish tourism more accessible and inclusive.
Hidden Disabilities:
Prevalence and Travel Frequency
Despite the high prevalence of hidden disabilities, only 17.9% of respondents repor ted travelling frequently to tourism and hospitality settings in Ireland. The majority (41.8%) travel occasionally, while 40.3% rarely or never travel, indicating significant barriers to accessibility and inclusion. Common reasons cited for limited travel include:
Unpredictabilit y of new environments
Lack of suitable facilities
Fear of judgment from others
Cost of specialized accommodations
As one respondent explained: "We'd love to travel more, but the stress of managing unexpected situations in unfamiliar places often outweighs the benefits. We need to know that appropriate supports will be available."
As one parent noted: "Having a child with sensory processing issues means we have to carefully plan every outing. It's not as simple as just deciding to go somewhere on a whim."
Another parent shared their experience with dining out: "Even something as simple as going to a restaurant becomes a major operation. The noise levels, waiting times, and reactions from other diners when my child becomes overwhelmed make us think twice about eating out. We often end up avoiding it altogether."
Challenges Faced in Tourism Settings
Overstimulating Environments
73.1%
experienced a lack of
understanding from staff. A
respondent noted, "There is
just a general lack of
knowledge among hospitalit y
staff, especially the older
staff."
80.6%
of respondents
reported overstimulating
environments as a major
challenge. One parent
shared, "Noise is tricky,
sometimes it's not about
having a sensor y area. Just
having somewhere quiet can
be so helpful."
58.2%
repor ted limited access to priority services, such as fast-track queues or early check-ins, which can be crucial for families
with additional needs.
Communication and Accessibility Features
These findings highlight a significant gap in how tourism and hospitalit y venues communicate their accessibility
features for hidden disabilities. One respondent suggested, "More awareness around kids with disabilities in ter ms of
feeding - my child is peg fed but we still like to get out as a family and be as 'normal' as we can be."
Positive Experiences and
Best Practices
Fast-Pass Systems
"Emerald Park queue assist... The fast pass system they have is excellent and all we had to do was show my son's AsIAm card. It made the day so much easier to manage.
"
Sensory Rooms
"Amber Springs Hotel in Wexford has a quiet sensory zen room for children and quiet time in their pool for families which is amazing."
Staff Training
"Dublin Airport lanyard... Staff seemed very knowledgeable and
understanding even though it wasn't the official DAA pass."
Areas for Improvement
Clear Communication
Improve accessibility information on websites and booking platforms, including detailed descriptions and visual aids. A parent mentioned: "It's frustrating having to call ever y time because websites don't show what
accommodations are available for children with additional needs."
Sensory Friendly Spaces
Implement more quiet zones and sensory-friendly areas in tourism and hospitalit y settings. "We often have to leave restaurants or hotels because there's nowhere quiet to go when it gets overwhelming," shared one respondent.
Staff Training
Enhance staff knowledge and understanding of hidden disabilities through comprehensive training programs. As
one parent noted: "Most staff don't understand autism or sensory issues. They need proper training, not just a
quick briefing.
Flexible Services
Offer priority services, flexible dining options, and accommodations for specific needs. One family explained: "Having flexible meal times and understanding about dietary requirements would make such a difference to our
holiday experience."
Recommendations for the Industry
Universal Design
Implement universal design principles to create environments
that are accessible and inclusive for all visitors, regardless of their
abilities. As one parent emphasized: "We need spaces that work for
everyone, not just separate 'accessible' areas that make us feel
different. My child should be able to enjoy the same experiences as
others."
Visual Aids
“Provide visual schedules, social stories, and clear signage to help
individuals with hidden disabilities navigate and understand their
sur roundings. One respondent shared: "Having picture schedules
and clear signs made such a difference for my son. He could
understand what was happening next and felt more in control of his environment."
Sensory Considerations
Offer sensory-friendly options such as dimmer lighting, quiet hours, and noise-cancelling headphones to accommodate diverse sensory
needs. A family noted: "The places that offer quiet hours and sensory
breaks are the ones we return to. It shows they understand our needs
and value us as customers. "
Flexible Policies
Develop policies that allow for adaptations and accommodations, such as flexible check-in times or meal options, to better serve families with additional needs. As one mother explained: "Having flexible meal times and understanding about dietary requirements would make such a difference to our holiday experience. We need businesses to be more adaptable to different family situations."
1. Awareness
Increase understanding of hidden disabilities
among staff and guests
2. Adaptation
Implement changes to accommodate diverse
needs
3. Inclusion
Create a welcoming environment for all families
By addressing the challenges identified in this research and implementing the recommended improvements, Ireland's tourism and hospitalit y sector can become a leader in accessibility and
inclusion. As one respondent aptly stated, "If it's managed well, accommodating with people trained, it would be the most talked about spot amongst AN parents and would be very popular.
