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fraught with challenges for many disabled passengers – from mishandled mobility aids to insufficient staff training and outdated accessibility standards.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/
