Alumni Guest Blogger: Llinos Edwards

In a world where global travel is increasingly essential, the demand for inclusive and accessible air travel has never been greater. Yet, for many, the experience of flying remains riddled with obstacles, often resembling an obstacle course rather than a smooth journey. Passengers with disabilities face numerous challenges, from insufficient infrastructure to untrained staff. Navigating airports, boarding planes, and accessing in-flight services can transform what should be a straightforward trip into an overwhelming and isolating ordeal.

Similarly, a report by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) revealed that between April 2022 and March 2023, nearly 30% of major UK airports were rated as needing improvement or performing poorly in accessibility. Despite some progress, several airports still struggle to provide adequate assistance services, even as demand for these services has surged by 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Therefore, formed in 2023 between Wrexham and London, we created Access-air-bility to present a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive experience for all travellers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the freedom of flight. Our vision is to create a world where people with disabilities can travel with ease. Our initiative is focused on developing holistic solutions to enhance the entire travel experience, ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are not just afterthoughts but integral components of the journey. The long-term goal of our project is to not only improve accessibility and inclusion in the UK, but to also set a new global standard for the aviation industry. By doing so, we hope to create a ripple effect, encouraging the global aviation industry to prioritise accessibility and inclusion as fundamental components of air travel.

My time at the University of Chester has been significantly influential in helping me to advocate for the development of inclusion. Both my undergraduate studies in Early Childhood Studies and Masters in Special Educational Needs and Disability at Chester have profoundly shaped my understanding of the diverse challenges faced by individuals with varying needs. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical strategies, this has equipped me with essential insights into creating inclusive environments, particularly in air travel, where accessibility often falls short. In addition to my own motivations in wanting to support and value inclusion in all aspects of society, the support I received from my previous lecturers, in particular Dr Chandrika Devarakonda and Dr Paula Hamilton have been significantly influential in my development and my later research for my MA dissertation emphasised the importance of advocacy and policy development, thus furthering my desire to pursue this narrative further and ensure that accessibility is a fundamental consideration in all aspects of my work.

In addition to our backgrounds in inclusion and research and drawing on insights from our "experts through experience" who share their travel stories, our Access-air-bility project strives to set new standards for accessibility in the airline industry. We believe that accessibility goes beyond mere regulatory compliance; it encompasses dignity and independence. From pre-flight planning to in-flight support and post-arrival assistance, we are dedicated to championing the diverse needs of passengers and fostering a more inclusive environment at airports.

Through surveys, focus groups, and direct consultations, we will explore how to enhance both the physical and social aspects of airports. Our goal is to ensure that check-in desks, seating, security checkpoints, and lounges are accessible to all. This includes assessing the availability of assistance and leveraging technology to streamline the travel experience for passengers with disabilities.

The voices of passengers with disabilities are central to our vision. As the world moves forward from recent challenges, there is an opportunity to rebuild more inclusively. By addressing the specific challenges faced by these passengers, our project aims to improve accessibility in the airline industry and enrich it overall.

If you would like to get involved or support our initiatives, please reach out - info@access-air-bility.com

Website: https://www.access-air-bility.com