Occupational Therapy Solutions @ Lower Laurel Farm
Since designing and building Mountain Lodge, I have gained firsthand insight into the challenges tourism businesses face regarding accessibility. I have witnessed the widespread misinformation and lack of reliable guidance available to businesses that genuinely want to create inclusive experiences. Many struggle to reconcile conflicting advice, making it difficult to implement meaningful accessibility features.
Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to support and guide the tourism industry in becoming more accessible and inclusive for all. With its deep understanding of human function, environmental adaptation, and accessibility, the profession can provide invaluable expertise in designing inclusive travel experiences that accommodate diverse needs.
The role ofOccupational Therapy in Travel and Toursim.
Occupational Therapy is fundamental to making travel and tourism accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for all individuals, especially those who face barriers due to physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges. Tourism is not just about visiting places—it is about engaging in occupations that enrich our lives, providing structure, connection, and a deeper sense of identity. Occupational Therapy performs the following:
Enhancing Participation in Occupations
Travel involves numerous occupations, from self-care and mobility to social engagement and leisure. Occupational therapists help remove barriers, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can fully participate in tourism experiences.
Environmental Adaptations & Accessibility
The built environment plays a crucial role in shaping how people engage in occupations while traveling. Occupational therapists advise on accessible design, improving hotels, transport, attractions, and natural spaces to accommodate diverse needs.
Supporting Well-being in Transitions
Travel is often a time of change—whether it's adjusting to a new place, navigating unfamiliar environments, or overcoming physical challenges. Occupational therapists help people manage transitions, ensuring they feel empowered, safe, and confident in new settings.
Inclusive Tourism Design
A truly inclusive tourism industry recognizes that accessibility is more than compliance—it's about creating experiences where everyone can engage, belong, and thrive. Occupational therapy offers expertise in universal design, ensuring that travel destinations support physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
Empowering Businesses & Policy Makers
Many tourism businesses struggle with misinformation and a lack of reliable guidance on accessibility. Occupational therapists provide education and consultancy to help businesses implement effective accessibility measures, ensuring that tourism is inclusive for all travelers.
By incorporating occupational therapy principles, the travel and tourism industry can embrace accessibility not as an afterthought, but as a core part of the experience. Tourism should empower individuals to engage in the occupations that shape their well-being, identity, and connection to the world, Occupational Therapy is the bridge that makes it possible.
My passion and experience
Over the past 20 years, my career has been dedicated to paediatric occupational therapy, encompassing diverse roles and international experiences. My journey began within the NHS, where I transitioned through various roles, leading to my current position as clinical lead.
While my husband served in the Armed Forces, I had the opportunity to work in Australia for Vision Australia, as well as in Northern Ireland and Cyprus in both public and private practice. During my time in the Middle East, I was privileged to contribute to the development of the country’s first inclusive school and provide consultative advice to the Ministry of Social Development on the establishment of a National Autism Programme.
Throughout my career, I have combined my passion for travel with my expertise in Occupational Therapy, allowing me to develop a truly unique perspective and cross-cultural experience. Now, I am channelling this wealth of knowledge to support others, offering specialised guidance and insight in this dynamic field
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Imagine a world where travel is truly for everyone—where adventure, relaxation, and exploration are not defined by barriers, but by possibilities. In this world, accessible tourism is the standard, not the exception, and every traveler, regardless of ability, experiences the joy of seamless inclusion.
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Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, diving into the ocean, skiing down mountains, or strolling through art galleries, every activity is designed to welcome everyone. Guides are trained in accessibility, and tourism professionals embrace a culture of understanding and hospitality without making anyone feel singled out.
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Beyond infrastructure, this world thrives on a cultural shift, where accessibility is not seen as a burden, but as a fundamental right. Travelers are celebrated for their spirit of exploration, not labeled by their physical or cognitive differences. Communities, businesses, and policymakers work together to make tourism a universal experience for all.
This is a world where travel is about freedom, discovery, and connection, a world where everyone belongs.
What can I offer you:
Accessible Tourism Consultancy
I work with businesses at any stage of their accessibility journey, whether you’re starting small or aiming for full-scale inclusion. Let’s build a travel industry that welcomes everyone—because accessibility is not just a trend, it’s a necessity.
I specialise in bridging the gap between accessibility and tourism, guiding businesses to implement meaningful, practical changes that enhance their appeal to a diverse audience tailoered to their budget. My approach is realistic, scalable, and backed by Occupational Therapy expertise, ensuring that inclusivity is seamlessly integrated into tourism operations.
My Services
Accessibility Consulting
Assessing accommodation, restaurants, attractions, transport, and services for accessibility
Providing tailored recommendations for small but impactful changes
Advising on universal design principles
Awareness & Training
Educating tourism professionals on the importance of accessibility
Workshops & training on common barriers and simple improvements
Equipping staff with inclusive customer service techniques
Why Accessibility Matters for Tourism Businesses
Expands market reach – Welcomes a broader customer base
Enhances reputation – Boosts customer loyalty & brand image
Improves guest experience – Creates memorable, inclusive travel
Drives profitability – Accessibility is an economic opportunity
Get Started Today!
I work with businesses at any stage of their accessibility journey, whether you’re starting small or aiming for full-scale inclusion. Let’s build a travel industry that welcomes everyone because accessibility is not just a trend, it’s a necessity.
In the future, I aim to work with governments and tourism boards to make accessible tourism a standard practice. I will help guide businesses and policymakers through compliance, best practices, and policy development, ensuring clear and reliable accessibility standards. By creating consistent guidelines and promoting global best practices, we hope to build a professionally guided tourism industry where everyone is included without barriers. This approach will make accessibility simple, effective, and widely adopted across all destinations.
