Flying with hidden disabilities can be a daunting and sometimes distressing experience. That is why Livability is proud to have been involved in helping in the creation of a dementia film which is designed to raise awareness and provide expert advice.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions 21% of people in the UK have a disability (1 in 5), with:
- 48% have mobility difficulties (1 in 2)
- 36% experience stamina/breathing/fatigue difficulties (1 in 3)
- 27% experience mental health difficulties (1 in 4)
- 16% experience memory problems (1 in 6)
- 13% experience hearing loss (1 in 8)
- 12% have a sight impairment (1 in 8)
- 14% have learning difficulties (1 in 7)
Support for flying
By giving personal insights from people with disabilities, as well as the steps they take to navigate their challenges, it is the hope that the film can provide support to others allowing them to fly with confidence.
This film was created in partnership with the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and is one of a four-film series. The other films provide equally valuable advice on stoma, aphasia and autism.
James Fremantle, the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Manager for Consumer Policy and Enforcement, is quoted saying: “Disabled passengers have legal rights to access air travel and receive the support needed to do so. Part of my role at the CAA is to ensure these rights are protected and people have the knowledge and information they need to travel by air in comfort.
This includes people with hidden disabilities such as those who have starred in our films. The CAA is the world’s first aviation authority to publish guidance to airports and airlines specifically on providing assistance and support to passengers with hidden disabilities. This series of films provides personal insights and lots of useful information for anyone thinking about air travel if they have, or are travelling with someone who has, dementia, aphasia, a stoma or autism.”
Help to fly
The dementia film, as well as the other three films, is available free of charge at www.qef.org.uk/flying-hidden-disability and on the CAA’s website.
Accessible travel
With the summer fast approaching, the public is preparing to travel. We all deserve to get away, enjoy the sun and see the world. This is an important aspect of improving our standard of living that should not be limited by our disabilities. This amazing aspect of life is something that Livability believes should be accessible to all and it is our hope that these films prove invaluable in allowing that both to the Livability community and beyond.