Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Kick Off With Aviation Inspired Opening Ceremony
- Written by Roberto Castiglioni
The Tokyo Paralympic Games officially opened with an aviation-inspired opening ceremony, perhaps a reminder accessible air travel is pivotal for persons with disabilities.
The unusual yet crucial theme of the Paralympics opening ceremony jettisons accessibility in air travel as a key element of equality and inclusion.
Over the last decade the number of persons with disabilities traveling by air dramatically increased, the segment’s annual growth constantly outpacing the growth of all other passengers’ segments.
Even during the Pandemic, a recently published survey (link opens a new window) shows that the growth of this segment continues to outpace all other segments.
Whilst room for improvement remains, the overall wide availability and quality of support and assistance are the fuel behind the growth of this segment of travelers.
However, the accessibility of the built environment still lags behind other improvements. While there’s greater awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities, new airport buildings and refurbishment of existing ones still have to embrace all aspects of Universal Design. 
Commercial considerations far too often collide with accessibility features of the built environment. This shouldn’t be the case, as an accessible environment caters to all types of passengers, thus expanding potential customer numbers exponentially.
The consulting arm of Reduced Mobility Rights is a global leader in helping airports find the right balance between accessibility requirements and commercial considerations. To learn more or submit a request please use our contact form.
We wish good luck to the over 4,400 athletes who gathered in Tokyo hoping their efforts and successes will further raise awareness on disability.
