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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