Sensory-Inclusive Airports: Enhancing Air Travel for Passengers with Sensory Differences

Abstract

Occupational therapy plays a critical role in creating sensory-inclusive spaces in the community, such as the airport. The purpose of this 14-week doctoral capstone project (DCP) was to conduct a program evaluation to explore the effectiveness of the currently existing sensory inclusive initiatives at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND)—specifically, the employee sensory inclusive training, sensory rooms, and TSA/gate escort service. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data collected from IND employees and passengers revealed two key findings. First, although the current employee sensory inclusive training may be helpful, these benefits may be minimal and therefore insufficient. Most employees were satisfied with the current employee sensory inclusive training and felt sensory trainings were relevant to their work. However, they simultaneously recognized its weaknesses and desired for improvements through experiential learning methods and increased applicability of the training to airports. Second, passengers are highly satisfied with the level of sensory accessibility at IND but are unaware of the existence of sensory accessible facilities and services. These results support the need for improvements to the current employee sensory inclusive training which may translate to enhanced passenger accessibility satisfaction. Additionally, increased advertisement of sensory accessible facilities and services through community engagement with local disability organizations are suggested. Despite the small sample size, the data provides preliminary pedagogical guidelines that may be utilized for improving employee sensory inclusive trainings as well as ways to raise public awareness of the sensory accessibility features that exist at IND.