Perth Airport Chief Commercial Officer Kate Holsgrove said the airport is committed to ensuring that its facilities, information and services are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
“We work closely with our Access and Inclusion Advisory Group to determine where we can improve access and inclusion within our existing infrastructure and how we can include new initiatives in future terminal designs," she said.
“This is the motivation for many new projects launched by the airport that look to remove barriers to inclusion for our customers, team members, partners and the community we serve.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for our business, but I am pleased that we were still able to prioritize and push on with a number of projects which will improve the travelling experience for people with disability.
“We have recently completed construction of a Changing Places facility at Terminal 1. The new Changing Places facility is secure and has been designed for people with disability who need space and assistance.”
Coralie Flatters, state manager WA (Western Australia) of National Disability Services, applauded the inclusion of a Changing Place facility at Perth Airport, which would give people with disability the freedom to travel beyond their communities.
“This will be transformative for people with disability, their families, careers and friends when making plans to travel," Flatters said.
“These facilities are vital in breaking down barriers and helping to ensure people can access convenient and appropriate public restroom facilities that meet their needs when away from home."
For some customers, the stress caused by the busy and overwhelming airport environment can be a barrier to travel.
In response to this, Perth Airport has launched the Hidden Disability program, which will provide support to customers with disability that aren’t always immediately obvious to airport Team.
“Customers will be able to request a Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard to wear through the airport, which will be a discreet way for them to indicate to our Team that they may need a little extra help, guidance or time with airport processes,” said Holsgrove.
“The Perth Airport Team have been trained to recognize the lanyard and how to best provide the assistance and support customers may need.
“In the past 12 months, we’ve also delivered our $36 million International Gate Upgrade Project, which replaced the old stair boarding process with new ramps and lifts at gates 52,53 and 54.
“The new gates deliver an improved boarding experience for passengers, particularly for those travelling with small children or reduced mobility.
“And our two new Service Animal Relief Areas in T1 and T4 are making it easier for passengers travelling with an assistance animal."
