The agents, Travel Without Limits’ Ben Langsdale, Travel Counsellors’ Helen Maltby and One Travel Club’s Carol DeMartini, all agreed they would like to meet other neurodivergent travel agents, as this can be a challenge.
Langsdale set up the Facebook group (Neurodivergent Travel Professionals - Discussion & Support Group) this month after his interview with TTG. He hopes if the group gains momentum, there may be scope for off-line meet-ups too.
“I would love to connect with other neurodivergent travel agents because I feel like we could possibly support each other in different ways, and potentially work together to bring about some change in the industry,” he said.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to be part of this conversation. Neurodivergent people often have to adapt quietly, which can lead to more problems, so seeing these experiences represented will hopefully help others feel seen and start small but meaningful conversations about accessibility within the industry.”
Last week's article was met with support from others in the industry.
One agent wrote in to say it was “really nice to hear about others being open in their workplaces”, while Not Just Travel's Alan Witt commented: “Well done Ben, Carol and Helen for sharing your experiences with everyone. My wife taught children with autism and ADHD for a number of years so I have absorbed a little bit of knowledge over that time which I think has helped me identify and help customers who are perhaps on the autistic spectrum (as we all are). I am sure that you are all fantastic at what you do and your customers would fully endorse that. Keep doing what you're doing!”
Identify with this story? Feel free to comment with your thoughts or experiences below, and do join the Facebook group!