Getting from one point to another at any airport can be challenging, especially for travelers with disabilities. The Chicago Department of Aviation recognizes these needs and is working to make traveling through Chicago's airports as pleasant and convenient as possible.
In an effort to develop awareness in the airport environment, as well as convenient and safer travel for customers with disabilities, the CDA has created the Disability Awareness & Assistance Program.
Accessibility Guide
The Accessibility Guide provides a Map highlighting facilities for travelers with disabilities, and describes the various services available to them.
Purple Airplane Program
Travelers with disabilities can wear a Purple Airplane Sticker to receive additional assistance from airport and security staff.
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has a commitment to customer service and making Chicago's airport systems easily accessible for all of our travelers. The CDA is spearheading an Enhanced Awareness Initiative at Midway and O'Hare Airports to better serve individuals with disabilities during their travels. CDA is training employees about multiple disabilities to improve awareness, understanding and accommodations, and employees will wear purple airplane pins to signify this Enhanced Awareness. Please feel free to approach all airport employees with questions or needs. The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP), The Hope Institute for Children and Families, and Have Dreams have produced Aviation Accessibility Kits, which dovetail with this initiative to make traveling more enjoyable for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
In addition, the "Purple Airplane" can be used as a symbol to designate travelers and families with disabilities. Staff and security personnel at Chicago's Airports receive training to recognize the symbol and how to work with travelers who may need assistance. Travelers can download the Purple Airplane symbol, as noted below, to create a sticker. This sticker can be worn on top of your clothing to be easily identified by Airport staff.
To capture the Purple Airplane image off our website and create a sticker, please follow these steps:
If you are using a PC:
1)Right click on the purple airplane symbol to the right.
2)Select "Save Picture As."
3)A box pops up asking you where you wish to save your image on your PC (for example, C Drive or desktop). Navigate to the folder in which you want to keep your image.
If you are working on a Mac:
1)Use the grab and drag function and drag the image to your desktop. Another option for Mac users would be to use Control (on the keyboard) and Click, then follow the prompts.
2)Print the Purple Airplane image on a sticker/label:
3)Purchase 2.5-inch round labels from any local office supply store, or on-line store, and follow the directions included with the labels. Many label manufacturers also have websites with templates that may be downloaded as a guide before printing your actual labels.
Additional Chicago resources for travelers with disabilities:
Listing of Airlines at O'Hare International Airport
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)
Transportation Safety Administration (TSA)
The Autism Program (TAP) of Illinois
Access Living
Chicago Park District
Deaf Communication by Innovation
Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago
Equip for Equality
Neumann Family Services
Video report by Karen Meyer, ABC7 Chicago, Disability Issues from Sept 5, 2011
The above information is from the Chicago Department of Aviation homepage:
http://www.flychicago.com/OHare/EN/AtAirport/Facilities/Accessibility/Pages/default.aspx
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