$2.5M Grant Aims to Enhance Air Travel Safety and Dignity for Wheelchair Users

By Ivan PetrenkoNov 9, 2024 02:32 AMNews
Share:
black and gray wheelchair on beach during daytime
black and gray wheelchair on beach during daytime. Source: unsplash

Air travel, while challenging for many, poses significant hurdles for passengers who use wheelchairs or mobility aids. Addressing these challenges, a $2.5 million grant has been awarded to a research team led by Indiana University’s Department of Health and Wellness Design. This five-year study aims to improve the safety and dignity of air travel for passengers with mobility limitations through standardized training programs and inclusive solutions.

Tackling Barriers to Mobility-Friendly Air Travel

The research, spearheaded by Professor Shu Cole, focuses on the barriers faced by travelers with disabilities, particularly those using wheelchairs or walkers. Cole emphasizes that damage to mobility devices, such as custom wheelchairs, not only disrupts travel plans but also creates psychological stress and financial strain. Last year alone, U.S. airlines lost or damaged over 11,000 wheelchairs, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The study will identify physical, psychological, and social barriers that passengers with disabilities encounter. The goal is to develop standardized training for airline employees, enhancing their ability to assist passengers with mobility challenges. "When workers are poorly trained or equipped, the result can be physical injuries and stress for passengers," Cole said. The project aims to provide practical, adoptable recommendations for airlines to improve services.

Industry Collaboration and Economic Benefits

The research team, including experts like Simon Darcy from the University of Technology Sydney and Eric Lipp of Open Doors Organization, seeks to collaborate with airlines rather than criticize them. Darcy, a global advocate for inclusive practices and frequent wheelchair traveler, highlighted the need for trained staff and specialized equipment to ensure smooth boarding and safety for passengers. Poorly handled situations, he noted, can result in injuries, as happened to him on a recent international flight.

Lipp, who leads Open Doors Organization, pointed out the economic incentive for airlines to improve services for passengers with disabilities. According to his organization’s study, disabled adults took over 25 million flights in two years, generating $10 billion in revenue. Encouraging these passengers to fly more frequently could significantly boost the aviation industry's earnings.

Standardizing Training for Sustainable Solutions

The study will also explore how airlines can better handle mobility devices and ensure compliance with DOT regulations. Recent federal initiatives, such as requiring airlines to notify passengers immediately about damaged wheelchairs and mandating repair or replacement, underscore the importance of addressing these issues.

Cole and her team aim to make their findings accessible to aviation companies. "The purpose is to create practical, standardized solutions for training staff, reducing barriers, and making air travel more inclusive," Cole said. The researchers hope their work will lead to long-term changes that benefit both passengers and airlines.

Top Articles
Top Nightclubs in San Francisco: Your 2024 Nightlife Guide

Top Nightclubs in San Francisco: Your 2024 Nightlife Guide

Nov 10, 2024 21:28 PM
Unique Dishes You Can Only Try in Disneyland California

Unique Dishes You Can Only Try in Disneyland California

Nov 8, 2024 21:58 PM

Best Places for Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go in Los Angeles

Nov 6, 2024 23:31 PM

Enjoy Dinner and Movies at LA's Best Dine-in Theaters

Nov 5, 2024 23:06 PM
More News
Spirit Airlines plane in flight

Spirit Airlines Plane Attacked While Landing in Haiti: Safety Concerns Rise

Nov 12, 2024 21:35 PM
Valley of Fire, Nevada, USA

Exploring Nevada: A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes and Vibrant Culture

Nov 12, 2024 20:37 PM

Atmosphere of Tension and Security Measures: France Prepares for the France-Israel Match at Stade de France

Nov 12, 2024 19:35 PM

A Winter Escape to Nice: Exploring the French Riviera’s Off-Season Charm

Nov 12, 2024 18:45 PM
Disney cruise ship near a tropical shoreline

Luxury Disney Cruise Ship Rescues Four People from a Drowning Catamaran Near Bermuda

Nov 12, 2024 17:35 PM
Falzarego Pass, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Province of Belluno, Italy

Europe’s Most Challenging Hiking Trails: Testing Limits Amidst Stunning Landscapes

Nov 12, 2024 16:40 PM
Empty concourse at Liverpool Street Station with directional signs and minimal foot traffic

Liverpool Street Station Redevelopment: What Tourists Can Expect in the Future

Nov 12, 2024 15:35 PM
Twelve Apostles, Australia

Australia’s Finest Beaches: A Coastal Paradise Awaiting Exploration

Nov 12, 2024 14:34 PM
a-large-airplane-flying-in-the-sky

American Airlines’ Major Hubs: Key Gateways Across the U.S.

Nov 12, 2024 12:30 PM

Night Cycling Event Gains Popularity in China: A New Trend or a Challenge for Cities?

Nov 12, 2024 10:28 AM

Pembrokeshire's Eco Transformation: From Seaweed Cultivation to Coastal Exploration

Nov 12, 2024 08:31 AM
Tourists observing a mural at Berlin’s East Side Gallery, depicting a famous historical image on a remnant of the Berlin Wall

From Iconic Memorials to Cultural Landmarks, Experience Berlin's Journey

Nov 12, 2024 06:39 AM
Close-up of the Majestic Princess cruise ship with blue and white wave design on the hull

Princess Cruises Unveils New North America and Japan Voyages in 2026 for Unforgettable Cultural Adventures

Nov 12, 2024 04:38 AM
Fluffy black cat on a table next to two iced coffee drinks in a cozy café setting

New York's Feline Legacy: Explore Cat-Themed Tours and Attractions

Nov 12, 2024 02:37 AM
A TransPennine Express train at a station platform

Additional Night Trains Simplify Return Travel for Manchester Concert Fans

Nov 12, 2024 00:36 AM

Howard County Man Arrested at BWI Allegedly Attempting to Join ISIS

Nov 11, 2024 23:30 PM

Rome Traffic Police Strike Set to Impact Tourist Movement

Nov 11, 2024 22:35 PM
Eurostar train at a station platform

Eurostar: How the Rail Link Between London and Paris Changed Travel and Overcame Challenges

Nov 11, 2024 21:35 PM
Railroad tracks covered in autumn leaves and gravel

Travel Disruptions on Hull Trains Routes Connecting Selby and Doncaster

Nov 11, 2024 20:34 PM
A double-decker First Bus parked at a bus stop in a residential area, with clear signage and advertisements on its side

Aberdeen’s Public Transport Shifts to Electric Buses with Major Investment

Nov 11, 2024 18:33 PM
Empty platform at London Paddington station with GWR trains in the background

Railway Maintenance to Disrupt Newbury Travel Routes

Nov 11, 2024 16:32 PM
Volcano eruption with ash and lava flow at night

Volcano Eruption in Indonesia: Evacuation of Tourists and Locals Continues

Nov 11, 2024 15:35 PM

Sheffield Bus Worker Strikes Pose Challenges for Travelers

Nov 11, 2024 14:31 PM

Munich Airport’s Christmas Market: A Festive Gateway to the Holiday Season

Nov 11, 2024 12:40 PM
Airport, Eindhoven, Netherlands

The Oldest Airports in the U.S.: Tracing the Roots of American Aviation

Nov 11, 2024 10:36 AM
Dawn at Laguardia Airport

Bird Strike Forces American Airlines Airbus A319 to Abort Landing in Washington DC

Nov 11, 2024 08:34 AM