UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Travel Belongs to Everyone

As the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a pioneering European aviation initiative is highlighting how inclusive travel practices can transform the flying experience for over a billion people globally. The EU-funded Inclavi project is developing specialized training for aviation personnel to ensure that the fundamental right to travel is accessible to all passengers, regardless of disability or mobility limitations.

By Martti Asikainen, 03/12/2024

On the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Finnish education provider Careeria is highlighting its role in making air travel more accessible through the Inclusive Aviation (Inclavi) project.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirms fundamental human rights for disabled individuals, including freedom of movement and the right to quality education, employment, and life. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.3 billion people worldwide—approximately 16% of the global population—live with some form of disability, making them one of the most marginalized groups in society.

“Travel is a human right, but accessibility is not guaranteed for all passengers,” explains Laura Viitanen, Careeria’s representative in the Inclavi project. “Physical, legal, and social barriers continue to restrict the mobility and independence of travelers with disabilities.”

The EU-funded Inclavi project aims to improve the travel experience for passengers with special needs through targeted training programs for aviation industry personnel. Careeria, the only secondary education institution involved in the initiative, is helping develop comprehensive training materials to assist employees at airports, airlines, and travel agencies in providing equal service to all customers.

Accessibility Benefits Everyone, Not Just Disabled Travelers

The Inclavi project emphasizes that accessibility improvements benefit all travelers, not just those with disabilities. Elderly passengers, families with young children, and individuals with temporary mobility restrictions all gain from more inclusive aviation practices.

“Accessibility isn’t just about installing ramps or accessible toilets,” Viitanen notes. “It’s about comprehensive thinking, understanding people’s needs, and knowing how to interact with diverse customers. Clear instructions, friendly service, and flexible solutions improve the travel experience for everyone.”

The project’s training materials address various special needs in air travel, including mobility, hearing, visual, and cognitive limitations. While focused on aviation, the knowledge and training developed through Inclavi can be applied across all service sectors where employees interact with diverse customer groups.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3, serves as an opportunity to reflect on how we can create a more equitable world for all. The Inclavi project demonstrates that progress toward more accessible and inclusive travel is possible through cooperation and commitment.

“Together, we can ensure that travel truly belongs to everyone—without limitations,” Viitanen concludes.

For more information about the Inclavi project, visit www.inclavi.eu.

Inclusive Aviation (INCLAVI)
2022-2025