April 2014 News
I recently came back from Miami where I was training wheelchair service providers for Eulan America. During my presentation I explained that sometimes, especially around my children, I do not use my scooter at all. I broke down and explained to them why I feel a bit embarrassed every time I use my scooter. I don’t want to be remembered sitting in my scooter, so I walk until it's unhealthy and that proves nothing. But I owed the class an explanation and it's simple. When I have my scooter I feel dependent and I don't want that to be a feeling I have often. I know one day we all start to lose our independence and that just might be the single most difficult thing in life to deal with, losing ones independence. The class looked into my eyes and saw what I meant, and we all shared a special moment of understanding.
Eric Lipp, Executive Director
Open Doors Organization
Eulen America Begins Certification Training
On April 9-10 in Miami, Open Doors Organization held an initial Train-The-Trainer class for Eulen America. The fast-growing service provider will initially be training its frontline staff at MIA and JFK, with additional cities to follow. Eulen America is the second company to sign on to ODO's Aviation Access Certification Program, designed to raise the quality of service to travelers with disabilities and older adults at airports nationwide. Gateway Group One, the first to enroll, is currently training access providers at 10 major American airports.
ODO at Passenger Terminal Expo in Barcelona
Thanks to the sponsorship of World Health Networks (WHN) and United Airlines, Eric Lipp, Laurel Van Horn and Risa Rifkind all attended the Passenger Terminal Expo in Barcelona. On March 25, Eric gave a lively presentation on the Customer Service and Passenger Experience panel which also featured Steve Wareham, VP, Trillion Aviation, discussing the impact on airports of aging travelers. The ODO team was excited to try out WHN's now accessible health station and also to discover several companies dedicated to improving wayfinding for people with disabilities. Another highlight: meeting the family who founded Changing Places, a UK consortium campaigning for adult changing stations in airport restrooms.
FAA Holds Conference on Service Animal Relief Areas
On April 10 the Federal Aviation Administration held a conference on Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) at its headquarters in Washington, DC. The attendees, including numerous service animal organizations and handlers from around the U.S., heard reports from government officials as well as two airports that have created SARAs inside the secure zone. Read a report on the event from MyFAA: pdf doc
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2014 CRO Classes
ODO's Initial Complaints Resolution Official Training is available on demand in the U.S. and overseas. The 1-1/2 day, in-depth course includes the latest rule makings, guidance and enforcements. Call 773.388.8839 or email Risa Rifkind for details and registration.
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