TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Transportation

Dubai Airport Launches New Initiatives for People withHidden Disabilities

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Dubai Airport is introducing a comprehensive new program to ensure the delivery of a sector-leading, inclusive, and seamless travel experience for all People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities that travel through Dubai International (DXB).

As part of Dubai Airport’s shared values ‘We all meet the world differently’, this new initiative will contribute to the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 vision for Dubai to be the world’s leading disability-friendly city and barrier-free community empowering and welcoming all POD travelers. Read more.

Gotcha! Spanish City uses Sensors to Discipline Handicap Parking Cheats

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The installation of smart sensors on disability parking spots has begun in the Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian aiming to have 350 such devices operational. The purpose is to prevent or at least lessen the possibility of having other drivers occupy these spaces illegally and bring about more social justice in the traffic environment. What’s more, the U-Spot M2M sensors will indicate to drivers of reduced mobility status the availability and location of nearby parking spots that have been set aside for them. Read more.

Avoiding a Meltdown at 30,000 Feet

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Flights can be stressful, intimidating, and, worst of all, downright exhausting. Despite this, aircraft as a transportation method is now just part of the modern, convenient travel experience, especially if you want to go long distances.

Airports themselves can be a minefield for those who are autistic. But thankfully, things have improved significantly over time (varies country by country). Airlines, too, are getting better all the time at providing support to disabled passengers. Here are some valuable airport and plane tips and strategies to help you plan and take your next trip. Read more.

WTF? The New York Subway System is Set to Become Fully Accessible by… (drumroll)… 2055!

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Great news! New York City’s subway system will finally become more accessible to people with disabilities and other mobility issues! But hold on. It’s not due for completion for another 33 years. The undertaking comes on the heels of two class-action lawsuits filed against the city.

As Michael Gold of The New York Times reports, New York has lagged considerably behind other American cities for years. Its current system boasts only 126 accessible stations of a total of 472. This equates to only 27 percent of the city’s subway stations having elevators or ramps to make them fully accessible. Similarly older systems in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago have already accomplished more in retrofitting to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

On the plus side, once 2055 arrives, the benefits from the changes outlined in the settlement will be massive. In a city as heavily populated as New York City, this brings great promise for the disabled and non-disabled alike. The enormous faction of the population that struggles with narrow fare gates, stairs, and other cumbersome sections of a subway station, including parents with strollers, shoppers hauling large items and travelers carrying luggage, will find new ease in subway travel.

To read more about this, click here

Uber to Pay $2 Million and Refund Wait Time Fees to 65,000 Disabled Riders

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The Department of Justice has ruled in favor of disabled passengers in the U.S following a recent lawsuit filed against Uber Technologies. Found to be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the rideshare company will now pay more than $2 million and waive wait time fees for all certified disabled riders.

In addition to the waived wait time fees, Uber will pay $1,738,500 to more than 1,000 riders who made official complaints and $500,000 to others harmed by the actual practice of charged fees. Uber will also credit the accounts of more than 65,000 eligible riders.

Following the outcome, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated that this settlement is a “strong message that Uber and other ridesharing companies will be held accountable.” It’s a change in the right direction. Read the full article.