What is a Dementia-Friendly airport?
A dementia-friendly airport:
Accommodates the needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners in a way that enables them to safely and comfortably navigate the procedures required to travel by plane by:
1. Enabling persons living with dementia and their care partners to make use of the amenities and resources of the airport (food, lavatories, waiting areas, shops, transportation to gates and terminals).
2. Having procedures (ie: check-in, baggage check, security) in place that help persons living with dementia and their care partners navigate the airport, board, and deplane in a timely and low-stress manner.
3. Having airport personnel, TSA/security staff, volunteers, vendor employees and airline employees who are trained and experienced in supporting the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners.
4. Being capable of managing emergencies in a competent and caring manner utilizing readily available staff that are trained in resolving dementia-related crises.
5. Encouraging airlines to accommodate the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners while on board.
6. Participate in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide discrete assistance to people who self-identify as someone living with a hidden disability.
7. Airport Rehearsal trips: Opportunities for people with early stage dementia (or other hidden disabilities) and their care partners/travel companions to visit the airport before travel for information and practice navigating the airport. Workshops would include representatives from the airport, airlines, TSA, and a local dementia travel advocacy group to share information and tips while answering questions from family members of those with dementia and care providers. Volunteers would lead tours through the airport to assist potential travelers in navigating the airport, including identifying TSA security lines, accessible bathrooms, quiet spaces, a mock airplane cabin, etc.
Model programs:
DFAWG member Jan Dougherty organized “Dementia Friendly Air Travel”, a 2-hour workshop at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Navigating MSP, monthly desensitization events primarily for people with autism at MSP Airport. Experience TSA security screening procedures, explore the terminal, board a plane and meet a pilot, prepare for takeoff.
Kansas City Air Travel Experience Room gain experience with check-in, security screening, boarding and flight procedures, all in a calm and controlled atmosphere. Users are guided through every step of the air travel experience inside a section of an actual Airbus 321 fuselage, with working overhead storage bins, seat belts, tray tables and non-functioning lavatory.
Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® provide an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols for people living with autism spectrum, intellectual and development disabilities, and their families.
Accommodates the needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners in a way that enables them to safely and comfortably navigate the procedures required to travel by plane by:
1. Enabling persons living with dementia and their care partners to make use of the amenities and resources of the airport (food, lavatories, waiting areas, shops, transportation to gates and terminals).
- Clear signage and wayfinding
- Minimizing visual and auditory stimulation
- Quiet areas (either dedicated rooms or seating away from the hustle and bustle)
- Readily accessible toilets and adult changing tables
- Attention to floor surfaces and lighting where possible
2. Having procedures (ie: check-in, baggage check, security) in place that help persons living with dementia and their care partners navigate the airport, board, and deplane in a timely and low-stress manner.
3. Having airport personnel, TSA/security staff, volunteers, vendor employees and airline employees who are trained and experienced in supporting the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners.
4. Being capable of managing emergencies in a competent and caring manner utilizing readily available staff that are trained in resolving dementia-related crises.
5. Encouraging airlines to accommodate the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners while on board.
6. Participate in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide discrete assistance to people who self-identify as someone living with a hidden disability.
7. Airport Rehearsal trips: Opportunities for people with early stage dementia (or other hidden disabilities) and their care partners/travel companions to visit the airport before travel for information and practice navigating the airport. Workshops would include representatives from the airport, airlines, TSA, and a local dementia travel advocacy group to share information and tips while answering questions from family members of those with dementia and care providers. Volunteers would lead tours through the airport to assist potential travelers in navigating the airport, including identifying TSA security lines, accessible bathrooms, quiet spaces, a mock airplane cabin, etc.
Model programs:
DFAWG member Jan Dougherty organized “Dementia Friendly Air Travel”, a 2-hour workshop at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Navigating MSP, monthly desensitization events primarily for people with autism at MSP Airport. Experience TSA security screening procedures, explore the terminal, board a plane and meet a pilot, prepare for takeoff.
Kansas City Air Travel Experience Room gain experience with check-in, security screening, boarding and flight procedures, all in a calm and controlled atmosphere. Users are guided through every step of the air travel experience inside a section of an actual Airbus 321 fuselage, with working overhead storage bins, seat belts, tray tables and non-functioning lavatory.
Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® provide an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols for people living with autism spectrum, intellectual and development disabilities, and their families.
