Disability awareness training aims to make hospitality businesses more accessible

A group of Strabane hospitality businesses have successfully completed Disability Awareness Training at the North West Regional College’s Strabane campus.

The training, delivered by Disability Action and supported by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairí McHugh, aimed to improve accessibility, inclusion and overall customer experience.

The initiative was supported by Strabane BID who engaged with local hospitality providers and encouraged them to attend the training to increase staff and customer confidence as well as business footfall.

Participating businesses received a certification recognising their commitment to accessibility and inclusive hospitality practices from Mayor McHugh this week.

“I was proud to sponsor this important initiative which directly responds to feedback from our local disability community.

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“Hospitality plays a vital role in social connection and community life, and it is essential that our venues are accessible to everyone.

“By equipping front-of-house teams with greater awareness and skills, we are helping to create more inclusive experiences for adults with Special Educational Needs and for all customers across the City and District.

“I commend each of the participating businesses for demonstrating leadership and commitment to inclusion.”

Council plans to continue working with partners and local businesses to expand disability awareness initiatives and further support the development of accessible, inclusive spaces throughout the City and District.

This initiative was developed in response to feedback from local disability groups who highlighted the need for greater accessibility and social inclusion for adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN) within hospitality settings.

Members of New Horizons group, along with local business people, members of Disability action, as well as Catriona Porter (access inclusion) and Emma McGill (BIDS) from Derry and Strabane Council, and Mayor Ruairi McHugh.

Designed specifically for front-of-house teams, the three-hour session provided practical guidance and increased awareness in key areas including understanding different types of disabilities, improving communication approaches, creating more inclusive and welcoming environments and confidently managing situations requiring additional sensitivity or support.

Participating businesses included: Oysters, Tusk, The Harp and Fiddle, XOX, Diceys, The Farmers, Murphys on the Green and MKs.