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This $2.5 million, five-year grant will enhance accessible and inclusive airline travel for people with physical disabilities from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Investigators from the Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR) at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab will partner with principal investigator Shu Cole, PhD, professor of Health and Wellness Design in the Indiana University School of Public Health – Bloomington, to conduct the research. The grant is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research.
This study has three aims:
- Conduct research to cultivate a fuller understanding of the air travel experiences of people with physical disabilities from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including adults aging into physical disabilities
- Enhance accessible and inclusive air travel experiences for people with physical disabilities through improved employee training
- Implement knowledge translation activities that enhance the air travel experiences of people with physical disabilities
The researchers will conduct a literature review on barriers and facilitators to air travel for people with disabilities, including policies, regulations and practices. They will also conduct a participatory research project and use surveys to learn more about the air travel experiences of people with disabilities. The findings will help enhance an accessibility training program for aviation employees in collaboration with the Open Doors Organization to help improve air travel for people with disabilities. The findings will also be disseminated through newsletters, social media, infographics, podcasts and an online clearinghouse of resources.
Allen Heinemann, PhD, Director, CROR and Jacqueline Kish, PhD, OT, a post-doctoral fellow with CROR, are co-investigators on the project.
Episode 21: Improving Air Travel for People with Physical Disabilities
Body
November 12, 2024
On our latest episode of INside the OUTcomes: A Rehabilitation Research Podcast, we learn how a new, $2.5 million, 5-year grant will support research to enhance accessible and inclusive air travel for people with physical disabilities as well as older adults.
Our guests are Shu Cole, PhD, professor of Health and Wellness Design at the Indiana University School of Public Health--Bloomington, and Jacqueline Kish, PhD, OTR/L, a post-doctoral student in the Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR) at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and an investigator on the grant.
Dr. Cole is partnering with Dr. Kish and investigators from CROR to conduct the research. The grant is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.
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