Disability access: ‘There’s nowhere really suitable for me to holiday in Northern Ireland’

Going on holiday is something that is very important to Richard Douglas but taking a break in Northern Ireland is something he has found increasingly challenging.

Richard has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) – a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness that gets worse over time.

He needs specialised equipment such as a hoist which allows him to be transferred from a wheelchair into a bed, or helps him use the bathroom.

However, when planning a holiday in Northern Ireland, Richard says “there’s nowhere really that suits my needs”.

In the early years of his condition, he was able to enjoy trips abroad with his family, but over the years he progressively lost the ability to move his body.

Richard, who is from Donaghadee and in his 30s, says going on holiday hasn’t always been easy.

“There are certain places we’ve found over the years that have been really good but there’s really nowhere in Northern Ireland that suits my needs,” he explained.

“There’s nowhere really we can stay.”