March 2017 News

On-demand, 24/7 transportation for all people with disabilities now exists and is reliable and timely, but only in Chicago. Actually, it's okay in London, too, thanks to their black cabs,  I am proud to say we have accomplished transportation for all people with disabilities in our city, but now it's time for you to pressure the politicians and civic leaders in your community into following Chicago's lead. The airport short trip voucher and other incentive programs have proven that there do not need to be high costs to satisfy the need for accessible transportation.  Many would have you believe that this program is overzealous and costs other taxis' money, but truth be told, it saves everyone money. That's correct, everyone.

Eric Lipp, Executive Director
Open Doors Organization

---

ODO at PTE Amsterdam
The Passenger Terminal Expo, held March 14-16, offered attendees the opportunity to "kick the tires" on the latest aviation technology. Eric Lipp, Laurel Van Horn and Katy Rosseland stopped by the Special Mobility booth to see their multifunctional  transport wheelchairs (shown here with attachable luggage trolley) and fully enclosed electric cart (at rear of photo). Another standout at PTE this year was the radical improvement in digital signage, now with excellent contrast and absolutely no glare.
  At the PTE Conference, Laurel presented the results of ACRP 07-13 Enhancing Accessibility in Airports for Aging Adults and Persons with Disabilities, a project led by Gresham Smith & Partners with major contributions from ODO, Arora Engineers and others. Laurel's presentation--a real surprise to us--made the list of top 10 conference highlights, quite an honor out of 350+ speakers. The presentation is too large to post online, but if you'd like a copy, email Katy Rosseland. 

---

Airport Project at PIT
Eric Lipp, Pat Pound and Katy Rosseland kicked off ODO's wayfinding assessment for Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) on March 24. Following an initial meeting with airport representatives to discuss the project, the team conducted an initial facility assessment, visiting each touch point in a traveler's airport experience including parking, ticketing, security, baggage claim, concourses, and concessions. Pat, shown above with Eric, demonstrated how contrasting floor surfaces provide tactile cues to travelers navigating with white canes. During the next visit in May, ODO will have the opportunity to meet with members of Pittsburgh's disability community to get feedback on their wayfinding needs.

---

Upcoming CRO Training--LAX, JFK, ORD
Airlines who need to certify new Complaints Resolution Officials (CROs) have multiple opportunities this spring and summer to sign up for ODO's excellent, comprehensive 1-1/2 day training program. Airline service companies are also invited to register their managers. The classes will be held in ODO's Chicago headquarters on May 9-10 and June 6-7; at JFK on May 30-31; and at LAX on June 28-29 and August 2-3. This in-depth Initial CRO Training features ODO disability awareness and stowage training modules and the latest regulatory changes and guidance. In addition to covering Part 382 in detail, the class includes exercises on coding complaints and determining when violations have occurred. ODO's training is unique in that it is developed and taught by people with disabilities. For full details, email Katy Rosseland or call her at 773.388.8839.
  The all new 2017 CRO Refresher Training will be available shortly at ODO Academy, featuring Ray Prentice of Alaska Airlines as guest speaker.