Derry hospitality staff complete specialist Disability Awareness Training
Delivered by Disability Action, the initiative equipped staff with practical communication skills to engage confidently with all visitors
Derry City and Strabane District Council, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), have delivered a series of Disability Awareness Training sessions for front of house staff working in the hospitality sector.
The initiative, which took place across three dates in April, welcomed over 50 participants including a dedicated session focused on prioritising accessibility within tourism.
The training programme was delivered by Disability Action and aims to support hospitality professionals in creating inclusive, respectful, and accessible environments for all guests.
It focused on building a deeper understanding of disability, highlighting the importance of awareness within hospitality and tourism, and embedding access and inclusion best practice across services.
Participants learned how different disabilities can impact a guest’s experience and developed practical communication skills to help them engage confidently and respectfully with all visitors.
The training also equipped staff to handle situations requiring additional sensitivity or discretion, ensuring that all guests are treated with dignity and respect.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting improved awareness, stronger communication skills, and a renewed commitment to inclusion as key takeaways from the sessions.
Caitriona Porter, Access and Inclusion Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the training has given staff the skills they need to meet the needs of more customers.
“The training aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment within our Council areas hospitality and tourism sector.
“This training has provided staff with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to ensure that every guest feels valued and respected.
“By prioritising accessibility and inclusion, we are not only improving the visitor experience but also helping to remove barriers that can prevent people from fully participating in social and tourism activities.”
For more information on Derry and Strabane District Council’s Access and Inclusion projects visit www.derrystrabane.com/subsites/inclusion.