Travel may sometimes be intimidating for the person with special needs however there are accommodations at East Midlands Airport that can make travel easy and enjoyable for the disabled traveler. There is disabled access to East Midlands Airport parking as well as special arrangements for persons with most types of disabilities. What is listed here are some of the facilities as well as travel tips that the disabled traveler may find helpful.
Parking For Disabled Individuals at East Midlands Airport
The East Midlands Airport provides disabled parking spots at the short-term car park. These spaces are less than 150 m from the terminal entrance. A person who will be gone for longer periods will be permitted to park in these areas with the applicable fees and if they possess the appropriate disabled person identification. If a person with a disability chooses to park in the medium and long-term parks then there are fully accessible vans, which will drop them at the terminal for no fee.
If a disabled individual parks in the long or medium term area, they can contact assistance by using one of the help telephones located within the parking area. Airport parking that is not designated for disabled persons may well involve long walks. This can be particularly difficult when it comes to luggage and the assistance telephones are there avoids that issue for the disabled person.
Persons parked within the short term parking area in a disabled spot should have their placard displayed prominently. If there is a reason the placard for handicapped parking must be taken with the traveler special arrangements should be made with the airport. Cars parked in that area and not displaying the appropriate disability placard may be removed, so it is best to check with the airline and arrange a suitable substitution if it is necessary to take the identification with the passenger.
Though the disabled parking area is located very near the entrance point of the airport, some travelers may require assistance in removing their wheelchair or with their luggage. Assistance in moving items from the car can be arranged by speaking to an attendant at the check in area. This is especially critical in the case of medical equipment that would need to be with the traveler at all times.
In every case, it is important that the person notify the airlines while booking of special arrangements or needs they may have so that the correct assistance can be on hand upon their arrival. The valet parking may be an option for some individuals as it eliminates the need to find the appropriate disabled parking spot or locate a spot suited for them, in the long range parking area. This service may incur extra charges.
The law provides that suitable arrangements or assistance be available to disabled persons in all public areas, and airports work hard to ensure all travelers have the accommodations and facilities they need. However rather than waiting about for assistance to be arranged, most disabled travelers inform the airline and airport of any special requirements ahead of time so all is ready. This is particularly essential if there is special equipment involved or when a person flies with oxygen.
Disabled Access Waiting Areas East Midlands Airport
All through the airport, there will be toilet facilities with disabled toilets. In addition there is a public telephone located near Gate 10 which is lowered for ease of use by persons in a wheelchair. There are passenger assistance lounges located near gates 4 and 12 and these new areas have amenities which are intended to make it easier for the person with disabilities while travelling.
Within the lounge just as with other waiting areas there is a telephone help line. Also this area has a hearing loop for passengers with hearing impairments. These areas have extra clearance so that wheelchairs may pass through easily. Both of these areas are designed to make travelling more enjoyable for the disabled traveller.
Assistance Dogs in the Airport
Assistance dogs are indispensable for some persons with disabilities; they provide eyes and improved mobility for some. These animals are permitted to travel with disabled individuals however in order to fly they must meet the pet passport requirements. While on the airplane the assistance dog should be out of the way and not blocking the aisle. The assistance dog does not incur an extra cost to the traveller since they are not charged as pets and usually travel at no charge.
In addition, there are facilities where the assistance dog can relieve themselves close to the disabled parking area and less than 150 meters from the check in hallway. Passengers who may require assistance in locating these areas can use the help telephone in the passenger assistance areas or speak to an attendant at the check in desk. Such arrangements should be made before security check in.
It is worth noting that the term dogs is usually used in reference to assistance animals but other animals used for mobility or hearing assistance such as cats and ferrets, also qualify to accompany the owner. They can travel if they have the appropriate documentation to qualify under the pet scheme. Without such documentation, the assistance animal would be subject to quarantine laws at the destination as well as upon return.
First Aid Rooms in the Airport
There are first aid rooms available within the airport itself. These are private room where a disabled traveller who requires medical treatments can do so in privacy. A disabled person who has regular treatments or procedures which require privacy before they have checked through security, can arrange to use a First Aid room, by speaking to an attendant at the information desk at arrivals. After security, a passenger can use one of the telephone help points located in the Passenger Assistance areas to arrange for a First Aid Room.
Wheelchairs in the Airport
If a disabled person needs assistance with their wheelchair upon parking then they can arrange assistance by using one of the help telephones located throughout the car park area. A mobility impaired individual who needs to borrow a wheelchair while in the airport can arrange this through the information desk or even better before arrival. Although the airport does supply wheelchairs for use by the disabled individual they are subject to availability.
Airlines and airports will attempt to provide each traveller with the assistance they need to make their experience easier and more enjoyable. The traveller with a disability can help them do this by telling the airport and airlines ahead of time of any special concessions they may require. If a travel agency is arranging such matters for the traveller they will also need to be conversant with the disabled person and their needs in order to communicate it to the airline.
Living with a disability does not necessarily mean the person can never travel or board a plane. It is just like any other type of travel, a bit of planning ahead is necessary in order to make the trip go smoothly. The East Midlands Airport has gone to great lengths to assure that the traveller with a disability has what they require and if something is missing, it usually can be arranged.