DUBLIN AIRPORT have opened a purpose-built sensory room for passengers with special needs.
The new room is located after security screening in Terminal 2, just before the boarding gates but can be also be accessed via Terminal 1.
It provides passengers with autism, dementia, cognitive impairment or other special needs with a calming and relaxing environment, away from the rushed, stressful environment that an airport often brings.
Credit: DAAThe airport have said that, depending on the requirements of the passenger, the room can be transformed from a relaxing environment to a stimulating interactive space full of light, colour and sound.
Inside the room there's relaxing music, mood-lighting, bean bags and other comfortable seats to sit on. There's both digital display and tactile panels to interact with as well as a textured floor ... oh and lots and lots of bubbles.
Users will have the opportunity to take advantage of a game to improve memory and motor skills, too.
Dublin Airport's customer experience manager Liz Kavanagh said: "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.
"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," she added.
The Sensory Room is free for passengers going through departures, with 60-minute sessions available by emailing [email protected].
"We were delighted to work with Adam Sensory Zones, specialists in designing sensory rooms, to deliver best practice and to ensure our facilities and services meet the needs of our passengers," Ms Kavanagh added.
Adam Sensory Zones is a Dublin-based company which specialises in the design and installation of bespoke Multi-Sensory and Soft Playrooms.
Click here for a visual walkthrough of the room.
