Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (?) Lewis - not that gender matters!
Interesting to receive this mail message. I understand the need for
inclusion - the last thing that I want for my child is to make him be
different and feel different from other people. We WILL NOT hide him away.
He WILL become, as far as in our power, a normal member of society but that
does not negate the need for understanding and special handling when he is
flying and perhaps in many other aspects of his daily life.
We feel that there is a need to identify peoples' requirements - and that
can be done discretely without the general public knowing -- and can also be
done in a way such that if inclusion (or rather lack of differentiation) is
wanted that too can be done. The system (that already exists and is
available to all IATA registered airlines) outlines in detail what the
passenger concerned requires and that is spelt out by the passenger not us.
This can be assistance onto the flight, assistance at check-in; late
check-in, late or early boarding, special meal requirements, etc. The
requirement and I must emphasise this, is not derived by us, it will be
tailor made to the individual as advised to us by the passenger or his/her
carer. I hope that this clears this point. It is important to understand
that we do not intend to dictate what we will provide for him, we will take
on board their particular requirements and provide a best fit to that
persons needs.
I agree that the use of terminology is important and needs to be addressed.
I have a major problem with the term "disability" and our group has agreed
to move away from using that term. Personally I feel that the term
"impairment" is worse than special needs. Impairment indicates to me that
there is something wrong with a person whereas special needs, to me, implies
that special handling of a special person is required and that is why we
have adopted that terminology. Very interested in other peoples thoughts
and views on this one.
I understand the desire to be treated as any other passenger. The intent to
respect peoples wishes is very much there. We are not attempting to signify
that such passengers differ. We are trying to assist and find the best way
that we can help; ensure that any staff that need to be aware of required
assistance are aware and able to provide that assistance discretely, with
respect, dignity and due care.
Regards,
Patrick
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, December 20, 1999 2:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: proposed extension to UK disability discrimination Act
Hi all
I was interested to read what Parick's company are currently doing.
I am glad that your company has begun to recognise that it makes good
financial sense to make your services available to as wide an audience
as possible.
The issues you raise encompass some of the problems that I have faced
when I have flown in the past and the measures you list could help to
make flying a 'less hassle form of transport.'
Training will play a vital role in the delivery of the improved
service and whilst you are paying attention to wheelchair handling and
providing a small booklet on the different IMPAIRMENTS that staff may
encounter you must realise the importance of finding out from the
individual how best a transfer etc should be undertaken. People may
have similar impairments but thst does not mean they do things the
same way. Disability Equality Training should also be part of the
staff training programme.
Finally whilst I applaud the measures you are taking I really think
you must look at the way you refer to disabled people. As a person
with a spinal injury who uses a wheelchair my needs may be different
to those your company sees as being the norm but are far from special
nor do I want special treatment. I want to be able to use your
services as safely, easily and as comfortably as any non disabled
passenger.
Grouping disabled people into a special needs class does not do much
for inclusion.
SURFACE
Salford University, Research Focus on Accessible Environments
Tel: 01874 636826
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