IN-PERSON London. Section A

Abstract

An inaccessible physical environment hinders the simple acts of daily life, such as getting around, traveling or enjoying leisure activities (Lévy, G. 2003). Consequently, people with motor or invisible disabilities are deprived of the same access opportunities throughout their airport experience (Soja,2009). Moreover, travel becomes a real challenge for these people, both in terms of ground travel and airport procedures. However, the Canadian regulatory framework approaches accessibility primarily in terms of “access to”, neglecting the crucial dimension of “use of”, which makes accessibility problematic. With this in mind, this project aims to generate recommendations for the Canadian federal government to make the country’s airports inclusive. This study is based on the evaluation of the physical environment of three Canadian airports (Toronto, Calgary and Quebec), carried out by people living with one or more visible and invisible disabilities, using the “Walking interview” method (from the entrance to the airport up to the entrance to the plane). Twenty-four participants per airport, include wheelchair users, autistic individuals, people with intellectual and visual disabilities and people with chronic pain, hearing, speech and communication problems. Finally, the results of these evaluations will be presented in co-design sessions to find solutions to the physical barriers in airports. Preliminary results from the Quebec and Calgary airports will be presented at the congress. This research will contribute to address accessibility features for all in airports by acting on the means necessary to enable every citizen with a disability to travel independently, without exclusion or discrimination.