IN-PERSON London. Section A

Abstract

Accessibility is a fundamental condition for the social participation of people with visible (e.g. motor, visual) and invisible (e.g. Autism, chronic pain) disabilities. However, in some countries, such as Canada, airports still seem to lack accessibility for people with disabilities. While there are regulations in place that are supposed to enable such accessibility, they do not take into account the different needs and specific scenarios that people with disabilities may face. In addition, the physical environment of airports is, in general, not necessarily very accessible. For example, an airport employee usually must walk significant long distances through environments difficult to navigate and full of sensory stimuli. The main objective of this research project is to provide recommendations to the federal government of Canada on the norms of accessibility on employment at international airports. In addition, we aim to determine what are the job opportunities as well as the obstacles and facilitators for people with visible and invisible disabilities at airport facilities. Methodology: Semi-directed interviews (n=24) are being conducted with personnel from the airport, airlines, customs, and security at 3 Canadian international airports. An evaluation of the accessibility of the physical environment of 3 airports is being done applying the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certificate (RHFAC). The preliminary results of two of the three airports targeted for this project will be presented at the international conference on Livable Cities in London 2024.