Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the current facilities and services available for individuals with all types of disabilities at major international airports and on major international airline, specifically, the facilities and services provided on the ground and in air travel. “Access to the Skies” researches the current accessibility of major airports and airlines and it is in effect, an international survey of the available services which range from TTY/TTD services for booking flights and guide-paths throughout airports to the allowance of Service Animals for disabled individuals and the supply of oxygen in air travel. The presentation demonstrates the barriers and lack of information to trouble-free accessible travel at both the airport and in-flight. Travel trends are also discussed in relation to correlation between growing numbers of mature age travelers and those with disabilities, and these being untapped resources and potential for the air travel industry. It also briefly looks at the services, training, or lack thereof provided to ground and on-board flight staff in relation to disability awareness training, and with respecting the needs of individuals with disabilities The presentation will discuss/incorporate Standards and Guides published in the UK and Canada relating to Access to Air Travel and the rights of people with disabilities to fly. It is hoped that in these guides will lead the way for universal accessibility standards at all airports and on all airlines worldwide so that air travel will shed the obstacles it has today and become accessible for all. All major international airlines and airports were surveyed based on the information available on their websites on the services and facilities provided for individuals with all types of disabilities (including physical, auditory, visual and intellectual). This study found that many barriers to the skies exist mainly due to ignorance of the needs of individuals with disabilities, poor access planning and a lack of available information. In view of the scarcity of available guidelines, the following criteria are provided as guidance for Airports and Air Carriers to set standards for improved accessibility to their facilities and services.
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