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Destination 2030: Charting a Course for Accessible and Inclusive Air Travel
A Call for Collective Action
Recent Guide Dogs Australia national research has found that 82% of people with blindness or low vision experience challenges navigating public spaces or transport, especially at airports.
This International Day of People with Disability, Wednesday 3 December, Guide Dogs invites all Australians to support #Destination 2030, our campaign for accessible and inclusive travel. From booking a flight to reaching your destination, we’re working with Australia’s aviation sector to achieve rapid and tangible improvements to the end-to-end travel experience for people who are blind or have low vision.
National Advocacy and Policy Manager for Guide Dogs Australia Lee Kumutat said:
“People who are blind or have low vision have the same right as everyone to expect a seamless and consistent journey whenever we need, or want, to catch a flight. Nobody expects the aviation sector to have all the answers on how to make that happen at their fingertips. But, together, with collaboration and a solutions-focus, we can make real and tangible improvements by 2030.”
Head of Government Relations, Policy and Advocacy for Guide Dogs Australia Jeremy Anderson said:
“From terminal to tarmac Guide Dogs’ Destination 2030 campaign represents an opportunity for the aviation sector and regulators to work closely with low vision and blind people. From consultation through to implementation Guide Dogs is ready to work together with the sector to secure Australia having the most accessible and inclusive customer experiences in the world.”
Inclusive and Accessible Travel Matters
International Day of People with Disability centres the experiences of people with disability on this one important day annually; promoting greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance. This year’s United Nations theme is Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress. Destination 2030 is all about championing more accessible travel for people who are blind or have low vision which, in turn, makes it more inclusive for everyone. Equal access to travel is a fundamental right – no one should be left behind.
The challenges are real, as Margaret, a blind executive leader at a well-known Australian charity, knows all too well. On one occasion, she stepped off a plane at a major airport, using her mobility cane and human assistance to navigate her way. She had booked human assistance to guide her from the aircraft to the airport’s taxi rank, and before leaving the airport, she asked to be shown to the bathroom. Guided to the door by the assistant, Margaret entered a large space she assumed was an accessible bathroom. As she navigated with her cane, she noticed unusual surfaces underfoot and soon realised she was not in a human toilet at all but in the Assistance Animal toilet.
Further exploration confirmed her suspicion. Margaret carefully manoeuvred her way to the door, located the unlock button, and stepped back into the busy airport, where the human assistant was waiting patiently. She informed the assistant that she had asked to be taken to a toilet for humans, not for dogs, Margaret doesn’t even have an assistance dog. Unruffled and apologetic, the assistant then guided her to the correct facilities.
Stories like Margaret’s bring these daily barriers to the fore. Destination 2030 draws on real experiences to shape ideas and advocate for solutions, including disability awareness training and equipping staff with active listening skills. By sharing these stories, we’re driving awareness and helping to affect lasting change toward a smoother, more inclusive travel experience for everyone.
Heading Down the Runway
Destination 2030 sets out our ambitious plan to help the aviation industry to improve the customer experience for travellers who are blind or have low vision by providing practical solutions in collaboration with airports, airlines and their subsidiaries. In response to the Federal Government’s aviation reforms and Disability Discrimination Act Review, we are advocating for change by working with industry, government, and community, and raising public awareness of the importance of inclusive travel.
We are your trusted travel guides, supporting the work of the aviation sector to chart a smoother course for people with low vision or blindness and their end-to-end journey experience. By improving accessibility for our community, we create a more seamless travel experience for all Australians, from booking a flight to settling into accommodation.
Taking off: How You Can Get Involved
Everyone can play a part in making travel more inclusive. Explore our case studies, watch our videos, or share our resources to raise awareness and support accessible travel.
If you feel your organisation could benefit from accessibility training, please feel free to contact advocacy@guidedogs.com.au
The runway for change is clear. Join us on the journey to world-leading accessible and inclusive travel.
Learn more: Destination 2030 – Guide Dogs Australia
