Shelley on a mission to make travel more accessible

A FERMANAGH woman who is an ambassador for disability accessibility and inclusion is now drawing on her “lived experiences” to help others fully enjoy their travel adventures.
Shelley Cowan from Tamlaght is on a mission to ‘change the narrative’ when it comes to the, unfortunately common experience of, discrimination while traveling.
Shocking statistics found that there are less than 20 fully accessible hotel’s in the UK and Ireland, with businesses often more focused on creating pet friendly hotels than those that cater to needs of individuals that a have a disability.
Shelly expained, “The idea for this project comes from lived experience, I was confined to a bed for 12 years and I was wheelchair user for a decade. In order for me to stay for one night in a hotel I had to purchase a portable hoist at £1,200. It also took two months planning and searching.”
She recently received funding from InnovateWest for the creation of her new project called Travel Ease, a platform designed to help individuals with disabilities find accessible accommodations and services while traveling.
The app aims to simplify travel experiences for people with mobility challenges by offering detailed information on the accessibility of hotels, transportation options, and attractions.
Shelley said, “I decided things needed to change. During my studies I interviewed international wheelchair users and everyone was in the same boat. There are millions of people around the world in the same position.”
Shelley also highlighted that catering to a wider group of needs is not only a moral obligation but something that can dramatically improve the economy.
“Individuals with a disability having accessibility in the hospitality sector could bring in £274 billion to the UK annually,” she said.
Shelley concluded, “Everyone has the right to travel. Giving everyone the ability to do so with ease can let us all live a happier and more fulfilled life.”