Eric and Craig training on wheelchair handling at Dubai Airport
companies , instead , it is a refreshing ‘ how can we resolve this ?” approach which has proven well for his business Eric humbly states how ODO is doing fifty new pieces of training this year nationally for Amtrak . ODO will be training Amtrak employees regarding accessible travel . One notable example of how effective training is done , Eric explains , is that ODO hires people with disabilities to personalize specific accessibility barriers when training the travel industry employees .
Technology is a key ingredient for accessible travel , Eric says . He describes a fitting example of this success is a system of digital monitors for the hearing impaired in airports . These display monitors in the airport visually announce updates . Think about an airport where the arrivals , delays , departures , and updates are all announced on the loudspeaker . This doesn ’ t allow for the deaf community to easily access vital updates to air travel information . But these display monitors are a shining example of the types of projects that are making a difference for the disabled in travel . One of ODO ’ s latest projects is with Uber Assist - a branch of Uber that is working towards better serving the
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disabled community .
Other ODO projects include
Eric ’ s ODO non-profit has increased the number of its projects . ODO is involved with the arts in Chicago as part of a grassroots movement for disability inclusion . One of the projects he describes is with a local theater in Chicago . The theater made weekly showings available with audio descriptions for the blind and closed caption showings for the deaf . There are also local live-theater performances that allow for the blind to visit with actors before the performance and experience tactile displays of the stage or meet with the actors beforehand .
Thoughts to take with you
In closing the interview Eric reminds us that although the travel world is not perfect for people with disability challenges , the only way to create a more inclusive space for accessible travel is visibility - speaking up for what is needed , and then acting . He advises anyone with a disability who is apprehensive about travel to explore the world , don ’ t be afraid to be vulnerable , and speak up about what your needs are for accessible travel . If you are not heard , you know you can always reach out to non-profits like ODO for assistance .
Citations : Lipp , E . ( n . d .). Eric Lipp , executive director . Open Doors Organization . Retrieved May 21 , 2022 , from https :// opendoorsnfp . org / about-us / our-staff / eric-lipp-executivedirector /
Eric and Craig with Cassie ( Red Cap from Amtrak training in Portland