Cork Airport says sensory pod is providing 'an oasis of calm' for passengers with disabilities  

CORK airport has continued its commitment to making flying easier for those with hidden disabilities by installing a purpose-built sensory pod to help calm passengers who might feel overwhelmed while travelling.

Sensory rooms are specially designed environments that cater to the sensory needs of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or other special educational needs.

They are typically used in schools, both special needs and mainstream, universities, hospitals and airports, including both Dublin and Shannon.

The unfamiliarity, fast-pace, bright lights, intercom announcements and the sheer amount of people moving can make airports a very stressful place.

The aim of the sensory pod is to enter it pre-emptively as anxiety is starting to bubble, and avoid a sensory overload and meltdown.

Cork Airport’s pod was built by Robert Byrne Sensory Pods and is soundproof, featuring padded walls, benches, mood lighting, mirrors and an aquatic bubble tube.

The pod is located upstairs in the departure lounge and can be accessed once you go through security, and the door to enter it reads: “Please respect the privacy of our sensory space.”

The sensory pod is for use by reservation only, with passengers asked to contact OCS, the passenger mobility services at Cork Airport by emailing hostprm1.ork@ocsireland.com or calling +353 21 432 9745.

Eamon O’Donovan, Head of Operations and Terminal Facilities at Cork Airport told The Echo: “The sensory pod at Cork Airport provides an oasis of calm for passengers with hidden disabilities.

“It is one of the many measures that Cork Airport has taken to assist passengers with hidden disabilities.

“Cork Airport was the first airport in Ireland to use the now internationally recognised sunflower lanyard scheme which allows our staff to assist passengers who require special assistance.”

The sunflower lanyard is a discreet identification scheme instantly recognisable by staff so those with hidden disabilities can avail of additional support from airport staff .

Other supports at the airport include literature about airports and flying, specifically tailored towards children, such as Suzy Goes On An Aeroplane, Sammy Goes On An Aeroplane, visual guides, and a picture exchange communication system (PECS).