Kenneth Edmonds’ Post

Last weekend, CBS Philadelphia ran a story on our new campaign to make air travel accessible for people with disabilities by 2026. While nearly every form of mass transportation – trains, buses, cruise ships – is accessible for people with disabilities, air travel is not. In fact, it’s a nightmare for millions of Americans trying to fly. For example, 31 wheelchairs are damaged by airlines every single day. Americans saw how pivotal this issue is over the Thanksgiving travel season when a viral video showed airline employees in Miami grossly mishandling a wheelchair. https://lnkd.in/etxgz2U8 In response to Easterseals’ campaign, the Department of Transportation told CBS Philadelphia that at some point in the future, it was “possible passengers would eventually be allowed to stay in their wheelchairs on flights.” We cannot wait any longer for safe, reliable access to air travel. Airlines need to act NOW to ensure disabled Americans are able to fly in their own wheelchairs. #AccessibleAirTravel

Navigating the Skies with Ease: Understanding the Rights of Passengers with Disabilities Did you know that the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights ensures inclusivity takes flight in the world of travel? This pivotal legislation mandates that information must be accessible on flights using aircraft with more than 60 seats. But what does "accessible" really mean for passengers requiring visual or hearing assistance? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how airlines can further improve accessibility for all passengers. #InclusivityInFlight #Accessibility #AirlineRights #PassengerInclusivity #TravelForAll

🌍✈️ Flying with Dignity: Understanding Your Seating Rights ✈️🌍 Did you know that air travel accessibility is a right, not a luxury? The Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights ensures that individuals with immobilized legs are entitled to seats with greater legroom. But, how does this work in practice, and what should you do to claim this right? Dive into our latest post to discover how you can fly with comfort and dignity. Let's make air travel accessible for everyone. Share your experiences or tips for flying with disabilities. #AirTravelAccessibility #DisabilityRights #SeatingAccommodation #FlyWithDignity

*Right to Flight, Not Dream to Flight* As the documentary will be released next Monday on Channel 4, here are some highlights of my study on #accessibletourism and the #RighttoFlight for People with #Disability. Accessible tourism aims to bridge this gap by promoting the design and implementation of #inclusive services and environments. One critical component of accessible tourism is ensuring the right to flight for people with disabilities, enabling them to travel by air with #dignity and #independence. This right is enshrined in #UNCRPDPolicies and complied with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines. Here's some key areas of improvement: airport infrastructure, aircraft Accessibility, Information and Communication, Legislative and Policy Support, Collaboration and Training.

Passenger rights will be reinforced, thanks to the new European Commission proposals that are adopted today. The revised Passengers Rights Regulation and 2015 Package Travel Directive aims to bring improvements, especially, for #personswithdisabilities traveling by air. - if the airline obliges them to travel accompanied, the person accompanying them would travel free of charge. - air tickets bought through intermediaries (like travel agencies) – passengers will have more clarity on who will reimburse them: the transport operator or the intermediary. - multimodal journey passengers using different types of transport will be entitled to better information and protection Passengers by all modes of transport are well protected under EU laws but I am happy to see that this revision is going to further benefit #personswithdisabilities. At Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting, we advocate that along with equality, people with disabilities need `equity`, where people and society at large recognize that every individual is unique. It also means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and adjust imbalances. Glad to see this principle coming to life through the European Commission proposal as they recognize that persons with disabilities need additional support. Join us on 1 December at 1030 CET to understand what the transport industry is doing for #personswithdisabilities. We will be joined by experts from the air, road, and rail sectors - Linda Ristagno Sandra Witzel Blaz Pongracic Apoorv Kulkarni The webinar is being organised to mark International Day of #personswithdisabilities. Register or Watch live on youtube - https://lnkd.in/e3uMf9KT #inclusion #personswithdisabilities #passengerexperience #passengerrights #travelandtourism #multimodaltransport #lawandpolicy

Did you know? A new law signed by the President is set to better improve air travel for people with disabilities! ✈️ From improved assistance for wheelchair users to accessibility upgrades at airports, these changes are a game-changer. Now, airline workers will receive specialized training, websites and apps will be made more accessible, and airports will install universal changing stations. Learn more about these exciting developments here: https://lnkd.in/eTe36RGa

We hear a lot of varying reports on how different airlines treat passengers with disabilities. Some are great and some are definitely NOT great. Today though, let’s focus on the positives. Do you have any amazing experiences flying with a particular airline that you’d be willing to share? Which airline have you found was the best for you as a traveler with a disability? Let us know in the comments below, or as always, feel free to come on over to tabifolk.com to continue the conversation there! #Tabifolk #AmazingAirlines #AccessibleAirlines #AccessibleTravel #AccessibleTourism

Traveling with Disabilities: Your Rights and Support If you have a sensory, physical, or learning disability that impacts your mobility while flying, it's essential to know your rights in the UK and EU. Here’s what you need to be aware of: 1. Accessible Information: You have the right to receive information about your flight in a way that you understand. 2. Seating Assistance: Airlines are obligated to help you find a seat that meets your needs. 3. Mobility Support: You'll receive assistance moving around the plane, including access to toilets. 4. Wheelchair Transport: While you cannot bring your wheelchair into the passenger cabin,(At the moment) it will be stored in the hold. Be sure to discuss any specific needs with your airline regarding boarding assistance. 5. Traveling with Companions: If you require help with daily activities, you must travel with a companion. Notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight, and they will do their best to seat you together. Remember, early communication with your airline, travel agent, or tour operator is key to ensuring a smooth travel experience. Your comfort and safety matter, so don’t hesitate to reach out for the support you need. Safe travels! #TravelWithDisabilities #AirlineRights #MobilitySupport #InclusiveTravel

If you are a traveler with limited mobility, a cruise can be a great way to see the world without having to worry as much about logistics. Since all major cruise lines must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, they must ensure ships are equipped with accessible accommodations. The Points Guy shares the best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3yCf7JS

Did you know 9 in 10 disabled people experience problems when booking a holiday? Have you encountered obstacles while traveling or barriers that make holiday booking daunting? Share your experiences in the comments below. Your voice matters. The Travel & Adventure priority action area at Disability Expo is on a mission to break down these barriers. We're bringing together industry experts, sharing vital information, and fostering open discussions to empower disabled individuals to explore the world fearlessly. DisabilityExpo24 #TravelAndAdventure #Accessibility #AccessibleTravel #AccessibleAccommodation #DisabledVoices Image description: Two people are holding onto their passports, which we can see plane boarding passes sticking out of. The Travel & Adventure area logo is underneath, alongside the title ‘9 in 10 disabled people experience problems when booking a holiday. Source: Ocean Holidays’