HOLIDAYGOERS are set for a major boost as Ireland’s biggest ferry company has announced a major discount for selected members.
Irish Ferries has partnered with autism charity AsIAm to celebrate world autism month.
April marks the month dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of the condition.
To mark the occasion, Irish Ferries is offering a discount to anyone who is a member of the charity.
The move is set to save holidaygoers with autism some money ahead of their journey.
But there are certain conditions which have to be met ahead of travelling.
The discounted rate will be available to anyone who holds an AsIAm card.
The card is given out by the charity to identify members.
To get the lower rate, cardholders must book tickets through the Irish Ferries website before contacting the disability officer.
Travellers can do this by emailing disabilityofficer@irishferries.com and sharing their AsIAm card as well as their booking reference.
The discounted rates differ depending on which journey the cardholder plans to take.
Irish sea crossings are at a 15 per cent discounted rate, meaning that between Rosslare and Pembroke and Dublin to Holyhead the lower rate applies.
And for other overseas routes such as Dover to Calais or Rosslare to Cherbourg, the discount is ten per cent.
It’s hoped that the move will make ferry travel more inclusive for those with autism.
Irish Ferries Customer Services Manager, Nicola Hammond said: “In celebration of World Autism Month we are delighted to announce these special discounts for AsIAm members and their family member or carers who travel with them.
“This latest initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, ensuring that everyone travelling with Irish Ferries feels cared for, whatever their needs or requirements.”
CEO of AsIAm, Adam Harris said: “We are proud to partner with Irish Ferries to help make ferry travel more affordable and accessible for our community.”
“Partnerships such as this make a real difference in creating a more inclusive society, ensuring that those with autism, and their families and carers, feel supported, valued, and welcomed.”
Irish Ferries said: “April is World Autism Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of neurodiversity, improving peoples’ understanding and cultivating acceptance of autistic people in society..”
The ferry company said their partnership with the charity reflects their commitment to inclusivity on board their ships.
In 2010, they became the first ferry company to introduce the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.
The scheme is designed to identify people with hidden disabilities who might need extra help.
