Shane Rothwell, from Blanchardstown, Co Dublin, contacted several hotels across Ireland in an attempt to book a one‑night break. Not one could provide a ceiling hoist, which he needs to transfer safely from his wheelchair to a bed. Mr Rothwell, who has cerebral palsy, told the Irish Independent: “I was surprised. I knew it was bad but I didn’t think it was this bad. A €200 stay becomes €1,000 when I have to hire a hoist and pay two support workers.” The disability activist said the process was “mentally challenging”, adding: “I felt there’s no place for people living with disabilities in this world. Why do we have to go an extra mile when trying to book a hotel? “I need to book a hoist and if I’m ­using a manual hoist, I need two support workers, which I have to pay for.” After compiling a list of hotels ­unable to provide hoists, he proceeded to contact several taxi companies and, across different dates, couldn’t secure a wheelchair‑accessible taxi. Ireland is “behind” in “terms of development”, Mr Rothwell said. “I want to start seeing changes and the Government to be more invested in accessibility,” he added. As things stand, we’re not treated equally If disability access and inclusion were prioritised, he said, disabled people would feel “needed and included in society”. Equality ‘on paper’ means little without real access #DisabilityRights #Equality independent.ie/irish-news/wh…