Dublin Airport has a new sensory room complete with comfortable bean bags, mood lighting and bubbles for passengers travelling with additional needs.
The multi purpose-built sensory room opened last week with an aim to help calm passengers who may be feeling overwhelmed in busy and unfamiliar surroundings.
Designed specifically for people with autism, dementia, cognitive impairment or other additional needs, the room is located just after security screening and just before the 400 gates in Terminal 2.
The room was created with the help of Adam & Friends, a Dublin based company that specialises in the design and installation of bespoke Multi-Sensory and Soft Play Rooms and will allow users to have the option to transform it from a calming and relaxing environment to a stimulating interactive space full of light, colour and sound.
The sensory room includes textured flooring, tactile panels, bean bags, mood lighting, relaxing music, comfortable seating, digital display panels and a game to help improve memory and motor skills.
The state-of-the-art facility includes relaxing music, mood lighting, bean bags, comfortable seating, digital display panels, tactile panels, textured flooring and a game to improve memory and motor skills.
"We are confident that the introduction of the sensory room will make it even easier and less stressful for passengers in need of some assistance on their journey through the airport," the airport’s customer experience manager Liz Kavanagh said.
"We are committed to providing the best possible experience for passengers with autism and our new sensory room was designed to provide a calm space for passengers who might feel overwhelmed in busy and unfamiliar airport surroundings."
The news comes two years following the launch of the 'Important Flyer' initiative, a programme that was launched in 2017 where a lanyard or wristband is provided in advance to passengers who may require additional assistance or support when travelling through the airport.
For children with Autism, Dublin Airport can also provide an in-depth visual guide for both terminals in advance in a bid to help prepare passengers of airport services, outlets and what to expect during their time in the airport.
The state-of-the-art sensory facility which can also be accessed from Terminal 1 is free to passengers departing from the airport, with 60-minute sessions available through a secure booking system. Walk-ins are not permitted. To book the room, please call 01-7047783 or email [email protected].
