People with a cognitive impairment do not have an ability to learn and understand as most people do, to process information at the same speed or in the same way as others and may therefore find it difficult to follow instructions, to understand where they are, to identify people or to behave in an appropriate manner in a given setting. This can lead to dangers of disorientation – getting lost – and the possibility of becoming separated from others.

Memory loss is a form of cognitive impairment. Guests who have this characteristic may be confused if they are not often reminded or assisted. They can be more anxious and may not follow complicated information or long instructions. This may lead to problems of acting inappropriately in a given situation. People who have a cognitive disorder often try to hide their symptoms. It can be embarrassing and difficult to admit experiencing memory loss or having trouble performing everyday tasks.

Important tips for the tourism service provider: 

• Those with cognitive problems may need assistance and simplified, well-structured information to enable them to be safe and to enjoy a visit.
• It is better to use signs, symbols and pictograms than rely on printed word.ʻEasy Readingʼ is a form of writing (Module 5 is designated for it) that has been developed to inform people with learning difficulties in a simpler way.

Sources, to learn more about the topic:

Audio record: Communication in cognitive impairment. 

Other sources:

Talk to Me: Treating People with Intellectual Disabilities with Respect

To make sure you have successfully absorbed the provided information, we propose you to do the following quiz: https://quizlet.com/_bq7ti 

Mental Abilities

Mental faculties include those processes that are carried out in the mind of the individual. They include cognition, intellect, interpretation, learning and memory. To provide a good guided tour experience for these visitors, all means of communication should have an immediate impact and be easily understood.

Important tips for the tourism service provider: 

• They may need clear and repeated instructions with simple wording, so as to follow a tour successfully and safely, and to keep with the group.
• Older people may have limited memory and some find it difficult to absorb new information.
• They require both audible and visual messages that are concise, easy to understand and relatively frequent.
• Way finding plans or maps should clearly indicate the person’s position in the building or facility, and should not include extraneous information.
• Along a route, way finding cues should be considered, that are easy to follow, e.g. tactile, graphic and audible signs or drawing attention to architectural features.
• It can be helpful to combine text information with universally recognisable symbols, such as graphics (pictograms, etc.) that are in accordance with international standards.