research design
Qualitative exploratory research.
the purpose
To understand the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury or disability (SCI/D) using wheelchairs during air travel in the United States (US). We will focus on the challenges and barriers to using this form of transport.
setting
Wheelchair users with SCI/D living in communities in the United States.
method
Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from six wheelchair users with SCI/D. Data were analyzed using his six-step thematic analysis.
result
Wheelchair users' experiences during air travel fall into three themes. Experiences of interacting with airports, experiences of interacting with airplanes, experiences across all stages of air travel. Barriers to accessing the airport were minimal. Physical barriers to airplane accessibility and wheelchair damage occurred when interacting with airplanes and airline staff. Poor training of staff and shifting of responsibility to disabled passengers affected all stages of the experience.
conclusion
Wheelchair users with SCI/D may face challenges that make air travel within the United States unsafe and inaccessible. Adverse effects of air travel often affect an individual's independence and quality of life during and after the flight. Participants made suggestions to improve the air travel experience for wheelchair users, including allowing them to remain in their wheelchairs on the plane.
