Jessica Presperin Pedersen, OTD, MBA, ATP/SMS, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract
A person who uses a wheelchair when traveling by air may encounter barriers during ticketing; navigating the airport, including going through security checkpoints; transferring from the wheelchair to the aircraft seat; and having the wheelchair delayed, lost, or damaged at the arrival point. This article will provide occupational therapy practitioners with information and ideas to facilitate successful air travel.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify two common problems air travelers with wheelchairs have reported.
2. Describe two changes provided by the Air Carrier Amendments Act, which passed in 2018.
3. Explain what information about power wheelchairs is helpful to provide during the online ticket reservations process.
4. Explain why knowing the type of aircraft being used for the flight is crucial when stowing a power wheelchair.
5. Describe how “boarding chairs” are used at the terminal.
6. Identify equipment that may be used when sitting on the aircraft seat to decrease pressure or provide postural support.
7. Describe ways to protect a power wheelchair during a flight.
CE Find Key Words: Physical Rehabilitation, Wheelchair, Travel, Airline
Learning Level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Occupational Therapy Practitioners
Content Focus: Domain: Client Factors; OT Process: Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Interventions
Reference Information:
Presperin Pedersen, Jessica, OTD, MBA, ATP/SMS, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow
(CEA February 2020) Air Travel With a Wheelchair: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Facilitating Successful Flights