Houston airports roll out app for children with developmental disabilities

By October 7, 2019 January 16th, 2020 News

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), two airports in Texas have rolled out a new app aimed at improving the airport experience for children with developmental disabilities and their carers.

Both airports have teamed up with Infiniteach to unveil the Access Houston Airports mobile app. It provides children with developmental disabilities and their families with an array of tools including explorer guides, short picture stories describing each space int eh airport, communication icons to assist those who are less verbal and features for caregivers such as terminal maps and tips.

“Houston Airports continues to embrace technology to go the extra mile to assist passengers of all abilities on their journey through our airports,” said Jesus Saenz, Houston Airports CEO.

Around 13% of the US population has some form of “invisible” developmental disability according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“This percentage is significant and equates to 20,000 daily Houston Airport users,” said Tim Joniec, Houston Airports MD of Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Coordination. “Houston Airports is introducing this app to ease anxiety for these families and provide information and resources that will make their visit to the airport an engaging and meaningful experience,” he continued.

The launch of the app is part of a wider gaol to make Houston Airports more accessible for all. Other recent enhancements include conducting employee disability awareness training; providing Aira technology free of charge for people who are blind or have low vision; and continuing partnerships with SouthWest and United Airlines on the annual Wings for All event, which aims to familiarise individuals and their carers with the airport experience.

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