[nabs-l] Blind and low vision airline travlers

[Jedi]

I think Braille row numbers would be nice, but aren't really necessary 
as just counting the seats may be more efficient than trying to read 
row numbers while quickly making your way down the isles. As to the 
bathroom situation, I don't think we need special info on the layout as 
its pretty obvious that the flush is near the toilet and so on. But if 
you want, you could include labels on the buttons in the bathroom 
themselves just like there are for the sighted. But honestly, it really 
hasn't been a problem.

I'm with arielle on one thing. Most of our accessibility problems stem 
from dealing with airline personnel. They tend to act in strange ways 
when we're flying. I think some updated ADA training would be 
appreciated by all of us. As to the blind, ADA training should include 
relevant laws regarding cane storage (tell them that canes can be 
stored with passengers if done so correctly). Other info should include 
the fact that we do not have to board and deplane separately from other 
passengers, but that it should be an option for guide dog users as some 
prefer the additional time to situate their dogs.

But if accessibility is really where your interests are in terms of how 
blind passengers use airlines, then your time and money are better 
spent on issues of acquiring plane tickets and flight information. We 
need more ways of getting up-to-date flight info that are accessible. 
Mobile apps have helped in this respect, but some of these are also 
inaccessible. As to getting plane tickets, some airlines and travel 
sites are not screen reader friendly. When we get to the airport, we 
find that many airlines are moving toward a kiosk-based check-in system 
that we cannot use; we know that touchscreen machines can be made 
accessible, but it seems that airlines (and the courts) don't see this 
as a priority even though it's becoming a real problem for us. But at 
the same time, airlines are willing to implement accessibility features 
that are either useless, annoying, or completely ridiculous.

Respectfully,
Jedi

Original message:
> More specifically, the layout of the bathrooms as they are different on
> every airline. maybe a braille plaque on the inside of door explaining where
> the flush button etc. is? Brailled row and seat numbers, that sort  of
> things. Not the redesign of the cabin or rows. Thanks, Va
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