Jenny Lay-Flurrie’s Post

Proud to be a part of the All Wheels Up #AWPGlobalForum in Boston this week. I learned so much about the complex issues involved in solving the challenges disabled passengers face in air travel. - $1.1T was spent in the US is business travel last year - 1.3B people with disabilities around the globe - 12% mobility disabilities in the US - 20% of us have been injured in aisle chairs - nearly 1,000 wheelchairs are damaged, lost, or destroyed during air travel every month - 70% of people with disabilities choose not to fly because of air travel inaccessibility - onboard wheelchairs can and will meet FAA safety requirements Disabled passengers shared their lived experiences with damaged, lost, and destroyed wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other mobility devices. Vulnerable conversations about the physical and emotional harm to our bodies and minds before, during, and after air travel. Experts shared what we know today and what data is still missing to solve engineering, policy, economic, training, culture, and change management challenges. Still much work to be done to create more inclusive and accessible air travel for all. However, cross-sector #partnerships are critical for accelerating #accessibility on the ground and in the air. At Microsoft we believe Accessibility is a fundamental right and access to safe and accessible air travel should be an opportunity for our disabled employees and customers, rather than a barrier. #RightsOnFlights #disability #inclusion

It's time for a candid conversation about accessibility in the aviation industry. When airlines and airports say they don’t have a budget for improvements for people with disabilities, it often translates to a lack of commitment to meaningful change. This mindset suggests that the needs of individuals with disabilities are not a priority, and that’s simply unacceptable. Every person deserves the right to travel with dignity and support. We must advocate for a shift in perspective—one that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity in every aspect of air travel. The phrase "we don’t have a budget" should not be an excuse; it should be a call to action for leaders in the industry to allocate resources effectively and foster an environment where everyone can fly with ease. Organizations like Disability Aviation are paving the way for real change, and it's essential for airlines and airports to partner with us. It’s time to recognize that investing in accessibility is not just a financial decision, but a moral imperative. Let’s challenge the status quo and push for a future where all travelers, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of flight without barriers. Together, we can ensure that inclusivity takes flight! #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityInclusion #AviationForAll #ChangeTheNarrative

Exciting News from Disability Aviation! We're thrilled to announce our new initiative, Empowering Journeys: Making Air Travel Accessible for Everyone. Our mission is to transform air travel into an inclusive experience, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can journey with ease and dignity. Focus on the USA: We're dedicating special attention to enhancing accessibility in air travel across the United States. This initiative aims to improve policies, provide comprehensive staff training, and enhance services to create a seamless travel experience for all passengers. Collaboration is Key: We believe in the power of partnerships. By working closely with airlines, airports, and aviation-related entities, we aim to implement our 7-step solution process to ensure a smooth and supportive travel experience for passengers with disabilities. Join Us on This Journey: We invite you to be part of this transformative movement. Together, we can create a world where air travel is accessible to everyone. Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved! #AccessibleTravel #DisabilityAviation #EmpoweringJourneys #InclusiveTravel #USA

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

More awareness = more change. 💪 Sadly, there are countless stories just like Akii's, serving as a real reminder for airlines to update their processes and enhance accessibility measures. Delta Airlines are currently trying to tackle this change, sharing a prototype where a wheelchair accessible seating configuration allows a wheelchair user to stay in their chair, and simply back into the seating position on the plane. 💡 What else do you think could be done to help wheelchair users traveling? https://lnkd.in/gTqaDD7e

This shouldn’t be happening! 😞 A recent flight for a family holiday made me reflect on Sophie Morgan's documentary. ‘Fight to Fly’ highlighted the challenges that people with disabilities frequently face when travelling. Did you watch it? Damaged mobility equipment, dangerous mishandling and degrading situations are just some of the scenarios that left me mortified. For people with disabilities, travel hasn’t evolved much at all. It baffles me that this is the case in 2024. Surely, by now, accessible air travel should be the norm? Thankfully, there was a glimmer of hope at the end of the program and scope for this to improve in the future. (If you haven’t seen it, I’ll say no more to avoid a spoiler) I think it’s really important that awareness is being raised, and open discussions are being had. However, like Sophie Morgan, I agree that unless people with disabilities are involved, these conversations are pointless. How can decisions be made and solutions be offered without representation? That just doesn’t make sense to me. What are your thoughts? #AccessibleTravel #Accessibility

Transforming Air Travel for All ✈️ At Disability Aviation, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in air travel, especially when it comes to the fair treatment and safety of essential mobility aids like wheelchairs. 🚫 It's disheartening to see unnecessary obstacles that can dampen the joy of travel. That's why we're committed to driving change and making a difference. 🔧 Our mission is to advocate for better policies, improve staff training, and enhance services that put the needs of all travelers first. We believe everyone deserves the right to explore the world without fear or worry. 🤝 Join us in creating an inclusive travel environment where individuals with disabilities can journey with confidence, knowing their needs are respected and their experiences valued. 🌍 Let's work together towards a future where travel is truly accessible to everyone. Are you ready to be part of the change? Connect with us today to learn how we can make air travel better for all! 📞 Contact us at 020 8064 1807 (UK) or (646) 738-1198 (USA) or email us at info@disability-aviation.aero. #InclusiveTravel #DisabilityAdvocacy #AccessibleAirTravel