The National Academies Press

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From page 22... ... 22 Many communications tools and technologies are used by airports to improve emergency messaging for people with DAFN. Chapter 3 of this guide discussed how DAFN advisory groups could work to identify gaps where such tools and technologies do not meet the needs of the whole community. Read the entire page →
From page 23... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 23 planning to meet the needs of people with disabilities should be developed in concert and collaboration with the people who will be affected by the approaches. One of the most useful ways an airport can better understand the needs of these individuals is to establish a DAFN advisory group, composed of airport employees with DAFN who can represent a variety of disabilities and/or functional needs, airport emergency managers, ADA coordinators, and members of local non-profit organizations that represent people with DAFN. Read the entire page →
From page 24... ... 24 Airport Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs flight information displays and in other locations throughout the airport. The messages can also be logged in a "paging history" screen located at each airport information booth and posted on the airport's public website. Read the entire page →
From page 25... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 25 Focusing on training staff to be sensitive to people with DAFN will help foster an environment of compassion. DET can be developed and/or delivered by airport staff (see Appendix G for sample DET training materials) Read the entire page →
From page 26... ... 26 Airport Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs resources for Disaster Recovery Centers that can be adapted to airports (FEMA 2015) Read the entire page →
From page 27... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 27 for evacuation paths, safe areas, and exits. Best practice strategies for accessible wayfinding include: • Low-level signage and maps • Color-coded exit pathways and exit doors • Glow-in-the-dark signs and lines on floors showing the evacuation routes • Evacuation and exit signage displayed in accessible formats (e.g., braille, tactile characters, large print, and multiple languages The use of standard and consistent coloring and icons throughout the facility is suggested (see Appendix M) Read the entire page →
From page 28... ... 28 Airport Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs such volunteers are placed throughout the facility, they are well positioned to provide help to individuals who may need assistance in understanding emergency communications. Some volunteers may have foreign language proficiency or be able to provide ASL interpreting services, and those volunteers can be identified with a sticker or button to inform travelers of their skills. Read the entire page →
From page 29... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 29 • Alarms that notify occupants of an emergency using both visual and audible formats help convey the urgency of the situation in multiple ways. • Accessible exit signs, provided in a clear and simple format (that includes tactile and braille components) Read the entire page →
From page 30... ... 30 Airport Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs These items function as signals, helping airport employees quickly recognize individuals who have self-identified as people with DAFN and who may need assistance in case of emergency. Pre-Flight Preparation Programs From fire and security alarms to emergency medical service (EMS) Read the entire page →
From page 31... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 31 With as many as one in six people experiencing some form of hearing loss, this technology could benefit a great number of individuals. Current research indicates that nine U.S. Read the entire page →
From page 32... ... 32 Airport Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs also is improved in comparison to what a hearing aid could normally provide. The technology for the type of loop systems used for PA announcements can be placed in the ceiling or below floor coverings. Read the entire page →
From page 33... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 33 depends on access to electrical power and functioning technology, which may be outside the control of the message originator or unavailable during an emergency. Mobile Assistive Technologies Mobile assistive technologies are becoming ubiquitous in daily life, as is evidenced by the increased use of smart speakers and smartphone virtual assistants. Read the entire page →
From page 34... ... 34 Airport Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs that connect users to volunteer guides. Some wearable devices can convert visual information into speech, and some devices can translate eye movements into verbal communication. Read the entire page →
From page 35... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 35 Opt-In Mobile and SMS Alerts To use Opt-In geofenced mobile and SMS alerts, an airport must contract with a SaaS vendor that can provide a platform from which the alerts can be issued. The airport must work collaboratively with the vendor to optimize the system for their needs. Read the entire page →
From page 36... ... 36 Airport Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs steps for implementing new or enhanced strategies for accessible communications. A printable version of this worksheet is provided in Appendix B Read the entire page →
From page 37... ... Developing Emergency Communications Strategies that Include People with DAFN 37 their multiple responsibilities and regulatory requirements, these individuals have limited time -- which is why a DAFN advisory group can be a cost-effective resource for providing information and implementation support to enhance accessibility within the airport. Many airports interviewed for this study reported that they receive few complaints related to providing services for people with DAFN, and this may inhibit the ability to gain buy-in from administration to make investments in the cause. Read the entire page →

From page 22...

... 22 Many communications tools and technologies are used by airports to improve emergency messaging for people with DAFN. Chapter 3 of this guide discussed how DAFN advisory groups could work to identify gaps where such tools and technologies do not meet the needs of the whole community.