Air transporation and the disabled

Air transportation is becoming increasingly more accessible to the disabled traveller. This is due to many reasons. The disabled themselves are now very much a part of twentieth century society in which air travel plays a large role. To this end, several international organizations representing the disabled have been pressuring for increased accessibility. As well, the airlines have realized that the disabled represent a sizable market potential and thus they have begun accessibility and staff sensitization programs. This article will first provide a summary of the current situation for disabled travellers and will discuss such things as architectural barriers and other limitations both in the airport and on-board the aircraft. The second section will discuss the current research into improving the comsort of the disabled passenger. Topics such as modification of on-board washroom facilities, adapted aids kits and on-board wheelchairs will be presented. Part three will be a short discussion of resources and organizations available to the disabled traveller. It is hoped that occupational therapists will gain a better understanding of the resources and developments in this area.