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In Touch: How can air travel be made easier for blind people?

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24/05/2016

How can air travel be made easier for blind people?

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch, How can air travel be made easier for blind people?

In response to listeners' recent travel experiences, we ask the Civil Aviation Authority what it is doing to make flying easier for blind people.

News, views and information for people who are blind or partially sighted. Over the past few months, the programme has featured a number of stories where people have faced unforeseen difficulties when travelling by air. David Adams was told he needed a letter on letterhead from the Guide Dogs Association UK to be able to take his guide dog on a flight, even though he already had official documentation identifying his dog as a guide dog.
Catalina Montesinos Debrooker felt totally ignored by KLM airline staff when the bag in which she carries her essential medication, was not allowed on board. Staff made arrangements with a relative, with whom she was travelling, for some medication to be removed from the bag before it was stowed as checked luggage. She was never asked her opinion.
Mark Fielding and his new wife booked a honeymoon in Tenerife. They made all the arrangements through a trusted travel agent. On the flight out, they were given no safety briefing onboard the plane, and indeed were not acknowledged by the cabin crew until they landed at their destination.
Sue Bott, deputy chief executive of Disability Rights UK says these are stories her organisation hears a lot. She thinks the airline regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, could be doing more to work with airlines to ensure a better experience for blind and visually impaired passengers.
Peter White puts all of these concerns to Richard Moriarty, director for consumers and markets, for the Civil Aviation Authority.

We hear views from sighted listeners about the previous programme which was all about asking for, and receiving assistance.

Mike Lambert, who has recently become unemployed, talks about his feelings after going through the process of completing an application form to obtain the government benefit Employment Support Allowance, and how the process leaves him feeling confused.

Producer: Lee Kumatat.

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