I just watched a wheelchair user board the flight I'm sitting on. Middle seat.

Aide: "does the chair air fold up?"
Flight attendant: "not in the back 2 rows"

I can't speak on that person's behalf, I only know how I'd feel in a similar situation.

If booking were more specific about needs, they could have had a seat with a folding arm that would have made transferring so much easier for that passenger. Often, seat booking only knows the distinction it needs to charge more - accessibility information isn't considered 'useful' up front.

Similar to hotels, who won't tell you if you have an accessible room until you get there. People with access needs *must* know they can be accommodated. At time of arrival is too late.

Yes it would be a lot of admin and overhead. Yes that cost is worth it.

#travel #flights #Accessibility #AccessibilityFirst #WeCanDoBetter

@valentine Oh yes, that's always good to keep in mind. I do wonder how much of that comes from things being designed for abled folk, with some accessibility added on to let others use it too. If things get designed to be accessible up front, would there be as many of those issues?

The dueling needs example I've lived through: In a big shared office space, lots of desks in one room. Some folks get in conflict over whether they want the window blinds open for lots of natural light, or closed for dim light. If you frame it as how to get along in that big, shared space designed for people who are fine with fluorescent lights, there's no good answer. But if you build a bunch of private offices where everyone can control their own lighting, there isn't a conflict.

Don't make disabled folks fight over the scraps left to us by able-centered design. #AccessibilityFirst