USA. The Chicago Department of Aviation has rolled out accessibility resources, including sensory maps and videos, to make travel easier for neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive passengers at O’Hare and Midway international airports.
CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray said, “Under Mayor Johnson’s leadership, improving accessibility at Chicago’s airports is one of our highest priorities.
“The travel experience can be stressful and overwhelming at times, but we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for people who experience sensory sensitivities and for all passengers at O’Hare and Midway.”
Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Rachel Arfa added, “I am proud that our teams at the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the Chicago Department of Aviation partnered to continue advancing accessibility in our airports.
“As we design accessible experiences, accessibility for our neurodiverse community is a priority. With the launch of new sensory-friendly resources, along with staff training, we are all building an inclusive travel experience at our airports.”
The sensory maps on FlyChicago.com serve as visual guides to O’Hare and Midway airports, marking areas by sensory intensity to aid travellers in planning routes that meet their individual needs and comfort.
The maps identify areas in each terminal with high, medium or low sensory input, along with security checkpoint locations and typically crowded spots.
To assist travellers in planning their route, the maps use icons to point out sensory details at O’Hare and Midway airports, such as areas with artwork, seating, low lighting, natural lighting, noise levels and even strong odours.
The airport authority also created sensory ‘point-of-view’ videos to illustrate potential experiences at different stages of the arrival and departure process at Chicago’s airports.
CDA’s social media channels also feature stories with step-by-step visual guides, helping travellers navigate the airport experience from terminal arrival to boarding.
Complementing the digital resources, sensory bags stocked with fidgets, headphones, visual aids and other helpful tools are available at airport information desks.
These sensory resources further reinforce CDA’s commitment to making O’Hare and Midway more accessible.
Last year, the department partnered with two organisations to improve accessibility, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme to help passengers with invisible conditions. It has also joined forces with Aira, a visual interpreting company that provides remote visual interpreters to help blind or low-vision users navigate the airports. ✈
