Many individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may experience unnecessary stress during their time in an airport or aircraft. One example of a stressful situation is when announcements to a change in gate or boarding time are only made over the loudspeaker and this could easily be solved by providing visual signage. To prevent similar communication access troubles, all airlines and airports should consider some of the options below, keeping in mind that providing communication accessibility to people with hearing impairments is mandatory under federal laws in countries such as Australia and USA.
Airport:
Airports around the world are advised to not only provide hearing loops but also signage that indicates where such service exists in some airport terminals and lounges. Visual alerting systems in the form of video text or video monitors are also worth considering in order to notify those with hearing impairments of any changes to gates or boarding, departure and arrival times.
The Telecommunications for the Disabled Act in USA also requires that public coin operated and other essential telephones be compatible with hearing aids and come with volume control. Another option is to install videophone booths.
The Telecommunications for the Disabled Act in USA also requires that public coin operated and other essential telephones be compatible with hearing aids and come with volume control. Another option is to install videophone booths.
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| Source: http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/cat_sms_for_deafdisabilities.htm |
Airplane:
Some airline companies such as Ansett will confidentially store the details and requirements of disabled frequent flyers in their computer records to ensure a smooth travel each time with no explaining. The flyer's details can also be accessed under a number instead of their name.
Video captioning, pictures and even an individual safety briefing by a staff are required to ensure the best safety for individuals with hearing impairments. Signing in the safety video would be even more helpful since the native language of many Deaf people is sign language - not spoken. If text messaging services are unavailable during in-flight announcements then staff are required to address the person individually.
Standard in-flight headsets should be compatible with the T switch on most hearing aids and it is strongly recommended that subtitles be present in in-flight entertainment such as movies.
Video captioning, pictures and even an individual safety briefing by a staff are required to ensure the best safety for individuals with hearing impairments. Signing in the safety video would be even more helpful since the native language of many Deaf people is sign language - not spoken. If text messaging services are unavailable during in-flight announcements then staff are required to address the person individually.
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| Source: http://blog.emaki.net/2008/01/graphic-safety-for-airplane-crashes.html |
For more information on how some airlines cater for the Deaf or hard of hearing, please visit Qantas: Specific Needs - Deaf or Hearing Impaired
