Cassie Kiser / CVG Airport / November 15, 2024

Many travelers share a common thought: I will feel better once I get through the security line and find my gate.

Some passengers traveling with disabilities, such as Dr. Kara Ayers, “just want to have the same worries that all the other frenzied air travelers do.”

Dr. Kara Ayers is with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and is also associate director at the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She is an expert in accessible travel, not only because of her professional and academic expertise, but also because she uses a wheelchair full-time and often travels through the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Although Dr. Ayers is familiar with flying with a wheelchair, millions of Americans choose not to travel by air with their wheelchair because of historical inadequate practices. CVG Airport is committed to making flying more accessible for all.

In spring 2024, CVG hosted a virtual wheelchair accessibility panel in partnership with the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute. The goal of the panel was to discuss opportunities for the advancement of accessibility in air travel and to inspire change across the aviation industry. Four full-time wheelchair users, including Dr. Ayers, shared their experiences of flying through CVG and throughout the world. The conversation was moderated by UK’s Jason Jones and was also attended by David Allgood from the Kentucky Center for Accessible Living and Paul Erway of Superior Van and Mobility.

During the conversation, the panelists praised CVG’s accessible environment including the airport’s easy-to-navigate, wide hallways. The panelists also said they appreciated familiar faces of employees at CVG.

L-R top row: Dr. Kara Ayers, Jason Jones
L-R bottom row: David Allgood, Paul Erway

The panelists also highlighted improvements that could be considered across the aviation industry. The group spoke about misconceptions when they travel by air. For example, many times they have experienced being assigned an aisle seat on the plane due to the perception that it may be easier for them to transfer from their wheelchair to their assigned seat. Dr. Ayers shed light on how that is not always the easiest and preferred option.

“Because I pre-board, that means that I'm already on the plane. I can't get up, so the person who is sitting in the window seat literally [has to] climb over me. For that reason, I would actually prefer a window seat because I can get in that just fine,” said Dr. Ayers.

Jones said he often has an experience when a person incorrectly assumes he cannot make decisions for himself and asks questions to the person he is traveling with instead of directly speaking with him. He said another common frustration involves fellow travelers seeing people who are in wheelchairs and choosing not to speak to them because they are afraid of making a mistake.

“Don’t miss out on developing a relationship with somebody because you’re scared that you’re going to do something wrong…at the end of the day, it’s about inclusion and making everybody feel like they're part of something,” said Jones.

Each of these experts underscore the importance of others recognizing that a wheelchair is an extension of a disabled person’s body. It is critical for wheelchairs to be taken good care of by aviation workers. In addition, wheelchair users can take advantage of accessibility resources that CVG has made available.

• CVG has a familiarization tour program that is available to all travelers who would like to receive first-hand experience of the airport journey before their trip, including navigating from ticketing counters on arrival through boarding at the gate. Click here to learn more and request such a tour.
• All travelers can contact their airline in advance of travel to communicate specific needs and request accommodations. For wheelchair users, this is a good opportunity to discuss your device’s specific care instructions.
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers personalized assistance during screening through the TSA Cares program. Contact TSA in advance of travel to request this service.

These panelists remain optimistic that air travel will continue to be transformed as new accessibility technologies are developed and as airports, airlines, government agencies, and advocacy groups continue to collaborate. Through continued communication, research, and advocacy, air travel will continue to be an equitable mode of transportation for all.

All those who travel through CVG are invited to be a part of the conversation. If you have questions or ideas you’d like to share, please reach out to info@cvgairport.com.