Transforming Air Travel to Meet the Needs of Disabled Passengers
Air travel remains fraught with challenges for many disabled passengers – from mishandled mobility aids to insufficient staff training and outdated accessibility standards. These barriers highlight the urgent need for meaningful change in the aviation industry. To address these critical challenges, leading wheelchair accessible vehicle rental service Open Road Access recently hosted a groundbreaking webinar in collaboration with the Rights on Flights campaign. The event brought together industry leaders, accessibility advocates, and members of the disabled community to discuss practical solutions for improving air travel for disabled passengers. Featuring insights from experts like Christopher Wood MBE, Martyn Sibley, and David Dew-Veal, the session aimed to shape a roadmap towards a more inclusive future. “At Open Road Access, we believe air travel should be accessible, safe, and dignified for everyone” says David Dew-Veal, Director of Strategy & Innovation at Proximo Group, the parent company of Open Road Access. Drawing insights from a recent webinar, Open Road Access has developed an actionable roadmap for achieving accessibility in air travel, ensuring equity, dignity, and inclusion at every stage of the journey. Key recommendations from the roadmap include: Disability inclusion and representation: Disability inclusion and representation in the industry is crucial, as it ensures accessibility is foundational rather than an afterthought. This can be achieved by making sure disabled people are employed, included, and actively engaged in the aviation industry. Booking and assistance coordination: • Making all booking platforms accessible (WCAG 2.2 compliant) and enabling an electronic “passport” storing mobility information for regular passengers to streamline booking. • Providing free travel for personal assistants and implementing seamless data sharing between airlines and airports. At the airport: • Implementing universal design principles in airport refurbishments and builds. • Equipping terminals with accessible self-service kiosks, e-gates, restroom facilities. Installing changing places and service animal relief areas (SARAs) and ensuring gates feature lifts to easily transport mobility aids. Pre-flight and boarding: • Using photo documentation for mobility aids at check-in and prior to returning mobility aids to ensure they are returned in good condition. • Allowing wheelchair users to stay in their chairs up to the aircraft door and prohibit handcarrying for level changes, requiring proper lifting equipment. In-flight accommodations and accessibility: • Equipping aircraft with on-board wheelchairs and accessible lavatories for all aircraft seating 125+ passengers. • Providing movable armrests on aisle seats and designated seating for passengers needing to stay in their personal mobility aids. Onward travel and disruption management: • Implementing a “travel disruption support” program for real-time assistance during delays and cancellations. • Ensuring accessible car rental services at airports. The roadmap highlights the importance of collaboration between airlines, airports, and policymakers to make these recommendations a reality. “Whether you’re an aviation professional, an advocate, or a passenger, join us in exploring how we can work together to make air travel accessible for all” adds David Dew-Veal. https://openroadaccess.co.uk/key-takeaways-from-the-shape-of-the-future-of-air-travel-webinar/
Stiltz to exhibit at all OTAC Conferences
Event sponsor Stiltz to exhibit at all OTAC Conferences With £86 million added to DFG funding this year, Stiltz will be exhibiting at all Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conferences (OTAC) to meet the increased demand for homelift solutions in domestic properties with inaccessible stairs. The 10 OTAC events this year will provide an opportunity for housing and healthcare professionals to engage and learn about the latest accessible home adaptations for private and public funding. Delegates will consist of occupational therapists, equipment prescribers and grant officers with a duty of care to residents with mobility challenges. With only 9% of English housing stock having basic accessibility and over 1.8 million people now in need of accessible housing, identifying an efficient and clear pathway to an enabling solution is vital. That solution is a Stiltz Homelift. By attending OTAC, visitors will be able to tap into a wealth of expertise from Stiltz. Its stand will be manned by product specialists who will be able to discuss in detail the homelift assessment and provision process – 100% client-centric at every stage. Other topics to explore will include: Stiltz CPD seminars will also be available as part of the OTAC educational programme. Respected accessible architect Amy Francis-Smith RIBA, continues to encourage all occupational therapists to consider prescribing a Stiltz Homelift. In conclusion she adds, “The impact of a homelift on homeowners is profound. For those previously limited by stairs, these lifts restore access to the entire home, fostering independence and freedom. The message for occupational therapists is clear – homelifts are no longer a luxury but a core component of inclusive design. By incorporating this innovative assistive technology, we can create homes that are not only functional but beautiful and sustainable for years to come.” Come and meet Stiltz at all 2025 OTAC conferences: 30th January – GlasgowGolden Jubilee Hotel, Beardmore St, Glasgow, Clydebank, G81 4SA (In partnership with Stiltz dealer, Scotland Mobility) 6th February – CambridgeHilton Cambridge City Centre, 20 Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3DT 13th February – DevonThe Imperial Torquay, Parkhill Rd, Torquay, TQ1 2DG 20th March – LeedsWeetwood Hall Estate, Otley Rd, Weetwood, Leeds, LS16 5PS 1st May – NewcastleHilton Newcastle Gateshead, Bottle Bank, Gateshead, NE8 2AR 26th June – MidlandsMolineux Stadium, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR 25th September – LiverpoolAintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Rd, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS 6th November – WatfordHilton Watford, Elton Way, Watford, WD25 8HA 13th November – BrightonBrighton Racecourse, Freshfield Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 9XZ 4th December – Cardiffvoco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel, Havannah St, Cardiff, CF10 5SD If you would prefer to book a one-to-one appointment with a Stiltz Trusted Assessor,please email: enquiries@stiltz.co.uk www.stiltzhealthcare.com
Book launch for inspiring academic
As part of its efforts to promote disability inclusion and empowerment within the academic community, The University of Manchester is set to host the launch of Beyond the Chair, a compelling memoir by disabled scholar Dr Paul Doyle. Despite the profound impact of Cerebral Palsy on his motor functions and speech, Dr Doyle has completed a PhD in disability studies as well as writing this insightful book to share his experiences and inspire others.Dr Doyle chose to launch his book at The University of Manchester in recognition of the institution’s significant efforts to increase disability inclusion in recent years. The University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting its dedication to supporting disabled staff and students. The connection between Dr Doyle and the University was facilitated by Dr Hamied Haroon, a distinguished biomedical researcher based at Manchester who has overcome his own challenges with a disability, and is also renowned for his leadership in advocating for the rights and opportunities of disabled individuals in academia. Dr Haroon introduced Dr Doyle to the university’s Disabled Staff Network, the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC), and the Faculty of Humanities. These bodies have collectively agreed to fund and host the book launch, underscoring the university’s commitment to inclusivity and support for disabled scholars.The event will include a reading by Dr Doyle and his personal assistant, followed by a Q&A session hosted by the University’s Academic Lead for Disability EDI Professor Jackie Carter, a Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 lister who is celebrated for her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion within the academic community. After the Q&A, attendees will be able to engage with Dr Doyle and other attendees at a book signing and networking event, where they will be able to discuss his journey, and explore the themes of resilience and determination detailed in his book. Refreshments will be available. It will take place on Friday 21 February from 4pm in Ellen Wilkinson Building Room C1.18, before moving to the Atrium. All are welcome to attend. “My book is based on my PhD, and the fieldwork for my degree took place at a special school,” said Dr Doyle. “The young people and I formed advocacy groups in which we talked about leaving school. As I have very severe Cerebral Palsy, I was able to talk about my own experiences of leaving special school with no qualifications at all, and transitioning to a mainstream college. I have had to convince people that I am able to achieve a high educational status.” “I’d like to thank The University of Manchester – I feel honoured to have my book launch there. I feel that the subject and the message of my book needs to be distributed around the world, and the University is part of my journey.” “I am so proud that Paul will launch his groundbreaking book at our University – my heartfelt thanks to the incredible Laura Howard and Jackie Carter and to everyone involved for making this event happen,” said Dr Haroon. “The lived experiences that Paul’s book explores chimes so closely with the journeys that Paul and I both share, going beyond segregated education and proving that Disabled talent cannot be ignored. Please join us at the launch event to hear more!” “Paul’s book offers a profound insight into his experiences, challenges and triumphs, serving as a beacon of inspiration for people facing similar obstacles – we are proud he chose The University of Manchester to be the place where he launches his book,” said Professor Jackie Carter. “I run the Disabled Staff Network and Disabled PGR group, and it is amazing how far the University has progressed in the past two years in its mission to promote disability inclusion and empowerment,” said Laura Howard. “What people like Jackie Carter, Kathy Bradley and Melissa Westwood have achieved in that time is mind-blowing – they’ve managed to raise the profile of disability so much that we now get departments coming to us to seek feedback on ways they can improve.” For more information about The University of Manchester’s initiatives in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, visit the website.