Research Project

Access to Fly

Developing user-based recommendations to support air travel for people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Principal Investigator: Labbé, Delphine
Start Date: 2024-05-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Research Area(s): Active Projects; DHD Research; Disability
Funding Source: Craig H. Nielsen Foundation, Psychosocial Research, Pilot Grant # 1143096 (2024-2026)

Abstract

This project is a US-Canada collaboration. The overall goal of Access to Fly! is improving the experiences of air travel of individuals with SCI by developing evidence and user-informed recommendations for the design of training resources for airline employees. This study is a multi-methods approach to answer three objectives: Provide an in-depth understanding of the…

Individuals with SCI’s air travel experiences, accessibility needs, and barriers to safe and accessible travel
Airline employees and leadership experiences with air travelers with disability, their knowledge and training needs

Identify the gaps in existing accessibility standards, guidelines, and policies regarding air travel and personnel training In collaboration with individuals with SCI, co-create recommendations for airline and airport personnel training, as well as Informational resources to facilitate safe travel This project is a first phase. The team aim to develop a training and test its impact as a second phase.