By Rebecca Crockett
DONEGAL Senator has written to Fáilte Ireland urging them to consider a three-star cap for hotels who have not adequately catered for people with disabilities.
In her letter, the Fine Gael Senator pointed out that the current system does not account for how hotels account for accessibility requirements. It also does not review levels of awareness and respect amongst staff.
Senator Bradley said: “No hotel should be given more than three stars if they cannot provide a high-quality service to people of all abilities.
“Integrating accessibility into the guidelines would encourage hotels to improve their services and experiences. I know from engaging with many hotels that they are enthusiastic about making these improvements, and this reform would guide and incentivise their efforts.”
In 2022 the senator had a partial leg amputation and rotationplasty following a diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma in 2002. Speaking on her experience as a disability rights advocate and amputee, Senator Bradley said she’s faced considerable discomfort when using disappointing facilities.
The senator said: “I have had far too many difficult and uncomfortable situations in hotels due to a lack of appropriate facilities and design for people with disabilities.
“Unfortunately, I am not alone in experiencing these types of scenarios, and they are a daily occurrence for people with disabilities simply going about their lives.”
Currently, the senator said that guidelines do not go far enough.
“In its current criteria, the comprehensive guidelines only make minor reference to the use of universal design practice guidelines, and beyond that there is no more mention of disability or accessibility.”
She continued: “In many cases, these are not in place due to a lack of a person with lived experiences being at the table when designing and running hotels.
“This must be rectified and there is a real need for hotels and other establishments to take account of lived experiences when designing their businesses.
Finally, the Fine Gael candidate said that there were many small changes businesses could implement: “There are many simple changes hotels could make and have a real difference for people with disabilities such as providing on-site parking close to entrances, modified room features, and ensuring there are working lifts.”
“Fáilte Ireland guidelines have rightly been updated in recent years to reflect the need to encourage hotels to shift to more sustainable practices. There is no reason why they cannot make a change now to place accessibility at the heart of their guidelines.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)