Thoughts? Experiences? Solutions?
https://www.reducedmobility.eu/20211029740/TheNews/airport-wheelchair-assistance-misuse-explained
reducedmobility.eu
Airport Wheelchair Assistance Misuse ExplainedThe News
Occasionally, passengers who pre-book wheelchair assistance at airports are left waiting longer than they should without knowing why this happens.
Josh Grisdale3 Comments-
Interesting. Though, the term “misuse” made it sound more improper than it was. It highlights that accessibility in travel isn’t just wheelchairs and the importance of listening to the needs of customers and implementing new solutions. Haneda in Tokyo now has autonomous wheelchairs to help with staff assistance shortages.
-
Sorry, here is a picture or two
-
Haha. Yes, that’s Japan for you!
I admit that the term “misuse” made me feel uneasy. To me, it sounds as if only wheelchair users would be entitled to any form of help. Luckily, the international codes go much further, including people with less visible conditions. The escort service that is mentioned in the article is already a good solution for a part of the passengers. But even if a request for help is not supported by a condition or disability in the code list, the need can still be legitimate – think of young families with children, first-time travelers, anybody with a limited endurance. Maybe the specific assistance service isn’t even the most apropriate solution. Maybe all they would need is better signage or other way-finding support, or a pass that allows to take a shortcut, or a porter service…
