Chicago's O'Hare and Midway International Airports recently stepped up their accessibility game with the introduction of sensory maps and resources aimed to aid neurodivergent passengers and those with sensory sensitivities. According to info released by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), these efforts are part of a push to make the air travel experience less daunting and more inclusive.
Commissioner Michael McMurray, under the guidance of Mayor Johnson, is putting accessibility at the forefront for Chicago's transit hubs. "Under Mayor Johnson's leadership, improving accessibility at Chicago’s airports is one of our highest priorities," McMurray stated, emphasizing the commitment to develop a supportive environment. The new maps and videos are handy tools designed to chart out a path catering to personal sensory thresholds within the bustling terminals of these airports.
Accessible through FlyChicago.com/Sensory, the new sensory maps offer visual guides that reveal areas throughout the terminals with varying sensory input levels. They provide the layout of security checkpoints, crowded zones, and spaces colored by different stimuli, such as noise levels and lighting. The CDA's point-of-view videos further illustrate the different phases of both arrival and departure processes, aiming to demystify the journey through Chicago's aviation gateways.
Adding a personal touch to their service, the CDA offers sensory bags, loaded with items like fidget spinners and headphones, which can be picked up at airport information desks. Always at the forefront, O'Hare and Midway have a history of inclusivity. "I am proud that our teams at the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and the Chicago Department of Aviation partnered to continue advancing accessibility in our airports," voiced Commissioner Rachel Arfa of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, testifying to a commitment to progress in service for all air travelers.
Further respecting passenger privacy and needs, the CDA also works with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, allowing those with invisible disabilities to signal discreetly for help, and with the visual interpreting company Aira to assist users with visual impairments. Detailed online Accessibility Guides for both O'Hare and Midway highlight additional services, underscoring the CDA's dedication to comprehensive accessibility at their facilities.
