A Seminar in Saldus Focuses on Welcoming Visitors with Visual or Intellectual Disabilities

On 19 November 2025, tourism professionals, social workers, and municipal specialists from across Kurzeme and Zemgale gathered at Laipa SPA in Saldus to participate in the seminar “How to Welcome Guests with Visual or Intellectual Disabilities.” The aim of the event was to strengthen professional knowledge and skills when working with people with functional disabilities and to promote an inclusive and accessible tourism environment in Latvia.

Accessibility of Hiking Trails
The event was opened by Aija Neilande, Project Manager at the Kurzeme Planning Region, who presented improvements made to hiking trail accessibility and the target groups for whom these solutions are being developed. She shared progress achieved within the Interreg project — seminars on environmental accessibility for people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments, the purchase and availability of floating wheelchairs at Apšuciems beach, new public amenities in Apšuciema and Klapkalnciems, as well as the preparation of audio guides for Jūrtaka and Mežtaka hikers. Participants also learned about two videos created within the project and about the next planned steps aimed at making hiking routes more suitable for any type of visitor.

Practical Exercises to Deepen Understanding
The seminar continued with a presentation by Mg. paed. Nellija Repina, who focused on principles of inclusive practice when working with people with intellectual disabilities. She explained what constitutes intellectual, mental, and neurodevelopmental disorders, what characterizes mental health conditions, and how these affect a person’s behaviour, perception, and communication. During the lecture, participants took part in several practical exercises designed to better understand the daily experiences of people with disabilities. For example, unclear task simulations helped illustrate how individuals with intellectual disabilities may feel, while anxiety and psychosis simulations allowed participants to briefly experience environments where sounds and stimuli are overwhelming or difficult to control. A dyslexia test demonstrated the challenges faced by people who struggle with reading. Participants noted that these exercises helped them gain a deeper understanding of inclusion and the importance of supportive attitudes.

Traveling for Everyone!
A particularly valuable insight was provided by Reinis Darkēvics, who has lived with visual impairment since 2020. He shared his experiences of moving and navigating in urban environments and explained how various digital tools, navigation apps, smart canes, and information accessibility solutions support people with visual impairments. Reinis highlighted the importance of clear markings, tactile surfaces, audio descriptions in museums and nature trails, as well as accessible websites and booking systems compatible with screen readers. Together with Ivars Balodis, Chairman of the Board of the organisation Apeirons, he answered participants’ questions on safety, navigation in unfamiliar environments, and practical solutions that help visually impaired travellers feel secure.

Hackathon to Strengthen Understanding
The seminar concluded with a mini-hackathon titled “What Can We Do Tomorrow?” led by Nellija Repina. Participants worked in groups to analyse real-life situations and discuss ways to improve tourism services. This practical session allowed them to apply the knowledge gained throughout the day, focusing on adapting tourism sites and routes, improving communication with travellers with different needs, and enhancing safety. Participants acknowledged that the format clearly demonstrated how many meaningful improvements can already be made today with small, practical steps.

The seminar in Saldus reinforced that inclusive and accessible tourism is not just a set of technical solutions — it is a mindset. It is the willingness to understand the diverse needs of people and to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Participants left the event with practical knowledge, inspiration, and the conviction that the joy of travel must be made accessible to all.

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