PHL - Designed for the Disabled

All airports in the United States are covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Some pursue the mandate in a pedestrian fashion, others with passion. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is among the latter.

Visually impaired travelers passing through the airport can now listen to an audio version of Getting Around: A Guide for Travelers With Disabilities. It's available on CD and is packaged in a case with Braille lettering.

The CD tells travelers how to arrange for either wheelchair or electric car assistance, how to get in touch with airlines, where people should park, and what ground transportation options are available.

Getting Around is designed for the growing number of disabled people who choose to travel. A 2005 study by the Chicago-based Open Doors organization finds that 31 per cent of adults with disabilities traveled by air during a recent two-year period, which translates to 9.6 million fliers on 19.2 million flights.

If you would like a copy of the CD, contact Rick Dempsey by email. The guide is also downloadable via the airport's website.

This kind of outreach characterizes Philadelphia International's efforts to assist disabled travelers. In recent years, PHL has constructed ramps and curb cuts for wheelchairs; set up handicapped drop-off and pick-up zones; established a dedicated hotline to put disabled passengers in touch with airlines that can assist with their needs; and installed ATMs fitted with ear jacks, and instructions in Braille.

Keeping in touch is a priority for disabled travelers. To that end, PHL has 31 Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD/TTY). Signs throughout the airport direct passengers to these phones.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler