The document discusses the importance of accommodating persons with disabilities in air transport, highlighting their growing representation and rights to accessible air travel. It emphasizes recent improvements in services and facilities and underscores the need for international attention and compliance with ICAO standards. Additionally, it notes the necessity for training professionals in the aviation sector to enhance accessibility for this passenger segment.

1. Uniting aviation: ICAO and access to air transport
J. Thaker, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Montréal, Canada
(presenter)
Persons with disabilities make up a significant and growing percentage of the world’s
population. They have the same international rights as other citizens, and these
rights apply to air travel as to all areas of life.
Aviation needs to recognise and accommodate this growing passenger segment.
There have been many changes in the provision of accessible facilities and services
to persons with disabilities in air transportation worldwide, and this trend requires
renewed attention at an international level.
ICAO has adopted international standards and practices on the matter, in keeping
with the general obligations of States under the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, to promote universal design, to provide accessible information, and
to promote the training of professionals and staff working with persons with
disabilities. An associated manual provides general guidance to assist the civil
aviation community in the implementation of these standards and practices.