Inclusion matters at Perth Airport

The United Nations’ International Day of People with Disability, recognised on Thursday 3 December during Disability Awareness Week, is an opportunity for Perth Airport to make positive changes for people with disability in our State and those visiting Western Australia from interstate and overseas.

The theme for 2015 is “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities”, with a sub-focus on making cities inclusive and accessible for all.

“Our aim is to provide a great level of customer service to all passengers and visitors to the airport,” said Fiona Lander, Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Organisation Development.

“We are well progressed with our $1 billion redevelopment program, which includes new infrastructure and upgrades to existing infrastructure to improve access to the airport for people with disability,” said Ms Lander.

“There are drop-off bays located at the front of our terminals to facilitate access for passengers in wheelchairs or with limited mobility and our newest terminal, T1 Domestic, has a dedicated pick-up and drop-off area for people with reduced mobility,” said Ms Lander. 

The Public Viewing Area on Dunreath Drive, which opened in December 2011, was designed to ensure universal access, enabling aviation enthusiasts and visitors in wheelchairs to get up close to the runway.

Next week, Perth Airport will hold a consultative forum with key disability groups to discuss issues and barriers that people with disability experience when travelling and identify solutions. 

“Our Gold Coat volunteer ambassadors provide support and facilitation for passengers all year round and have recently facilitated 80 passengers who required guidance and direction for The Blind Citizens Australia National Convention in October,” said Ms Lander.

“Making everyone feel welcome and assisting passengers through the terminals is a priority for our Gold Coats.”

Early next year, Perth Airport will launch a website which will be accessible to a wider range of people with disability.

Last financial year, Perth Airport contributed almost $1 million in sponsorships and donations to more than 70 not-for-profit organisations and charities including the Wheelchair Sports WA Association and Fairholme Disability Support Group’s 2015 Artists by the River exhibition.  

Travellers with disability are encouraged to make contact with their airline, which can provide additional assistance from their check-in counters.

For more information about passenger assistance at Perth Airport, the UN International Day of People with Disability or Disability Awareness Week, please visit:

• perthairport.com.au/PassengerInformation/PassengerAssistance
• idpwd.com.au/3-december
• disability.wa.gov.au/about-us1/about-us/disability-awareness-week/