Jan. 2016 News
2016 looks to be an exciting year for Open Doors Organization and accessible travel, tourism and transportation. ODO is currently completing projects for ATTRI-Accessible Technologies Transportation Research Initiative and ACRP-Airport Cooperative Research Program, while hoping to win new bids with each. We will be adding multiple classes to the ODO Academy and expanding our efforts to improve accessibility at Uber. Open Taxis continues to provide accessible transportation “on demand” in Chicago with wait times now down to nearly 10 minutes. In partnership with Global Repair Group, we will offer multiple wheelchair stowage trainings. And with your help we plan to make Universal Access in Airports 2016 the best ever! Thanks for reading the newsletter and stay tuned this year for all our progress.
Eric Lipp, Executive Director
Open Doors Organization
UAIA 2016 Registration
Online registration is now open for the 6th Biennial Universal Access in Airports, hosted by ODO. UAIA 2016 will take place Mon., Nov. 14 to Wed., Nov. 16 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport South. Early bird registration (by June 30th) is $219; standard registration is $249. A one-day pass to the event is $129. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Register and pay online at www.odoacademy.org/Courses. For questions or to pay by check, email Katy Rosseland or call her at 773.388.8839. Learn more.
ODO on NBC Today
Today, the NBC daily talk show, has filmed a report on service and emotional support animals and the growing problem of service animal fraud that includes an interview with ODO program director Laurel Van Horn. The story, featuring a reporter flying round-trip with a pig, is set to air the first week of February. Look out for our tweet with the exact date and time.
2016 Initial CRO Training
Open Doors Organization regularly offers 1-1/2 day Initial Training for Complaints Resolution Officials at airports around the US. Classes scheduled for first quarter 2016 include:
Houston - March 9-10
New York - March 10-11
Chicago - March 22-23
Contact Katy Rosseland now to reserve a seat as space is limited. Other dates/locations are available on request to carriers with numerous trainees.
New Rooftop SARA at JFK
JetBlue's T5 terminal at New York's JFK has a new amenity guaranteed to please both travelers and their service animals and pets, a rooftop lounge that also boasts a Service Animal Relief Area (SARA). This is a very creative solution to a dilemma now facing airports nationwide: where to locate SARAs post-security in each terminal as mandated by a new Air Carrier Access Act regulation that kicks in this August. Kudos to JetBlue for literally thinking outside the box!
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CRO Training
ODO offers Initial Complaints Resolution Official Training in major cities nationwide as well as overseas. Call 773.388.8839 or email Katy Rosseland to schedule a class. For CRO Refresh Training, visit ODO Academy or email Eddie Ragauskas. |
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