{"id":243181,"date":"2024-10-11T06:15:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T23:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ttrweekly.com\/site\/?p=243181"},"modified":"2024-10-10T21:26:48","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T14:26:48","slug":"emirates-services-on-show-at-accessability-expo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ttrweekly.com\/site\/2024\/10\/emirates-services-on-show-at-accessability-expo\/","title":{"rendered":"Emirates services on show at AccessAbility Expo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DUBAI, UAE, 11 October 2024: As part of its \u2018Fly Better\u2019 promise, Emirates has showcased a suite of new services and innovative products for People of Determination at the 6th<\/sup> edition of AccessAbilities Expo<\/a> in Dubai World Trade Centre on Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The largest exhibition for people with disabilities in the Middle East was officially opened by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group and patron of the AccessAbilities Expo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of many initiatives implemented for neurodivergent customers, Emirates has launched a new sensory guide in the form of an infographic for Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport (DXB). The Emirates Sensory Guide will be available on the Accessible Travel page on Emirates.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessible Chauffeur Drive Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the expo, Emirates introduced attendees to the first Emirates-branded wheelchair-accessible vehicle. The Chauffeur Drive vehicle is a Mercedes V250 Van featuring an electric wheelchair lift and ramp. The lift is a powered device designed to extend and lower onto ground level to safely raise a wheelchair and its occupant into the vehicle seamlessly. Once inside, the additional safety restraints secure the customer, who may have severe mobility disabilities. Emirates\u2019 chauffeur drivers are currently being trained in mobility assistance and lifting to support customers with disabilities. Currently, the wheelchair-accessible vehicle is used by First and Business Class customers who are availing of chauffeur-drive services based in Dubai, with plans to extend its availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessibility innovations in development showcased at AccessAbilities Expo 2024<\/strong>\u2003<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Emirates\u2019 own in-house Innovation Lab, teams of experts are dedicated to developing innovative solutions to issues, including Accessibility. The  team has come up with several prototypes that could benefit Emirates customers with accessibility requirements. The prototypes below were showcased at AccessAbilities Expo 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emirates\u2019 Sign Language Robot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sign language robot has been developed to provide information and guidance services for customers who are deaf or hearing impaired. Initial trials include training the robot to understand specific sign language phrases and gestures to respond with travel information like flight status wayfinding in airports – easing travel anxiety for customers with disabilities. The robot has a screen that can showcase maps and directions, and even an AI Emirati guide that signs back to the customer. Once fully developed, the aim is to extend the technology across different digital channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Reality Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The virtual reality tour is a digital travel rehearsal for customers with accessibility requirements, whereby a virtual reality headset allows the customer to explore and practice the journey through Emirates Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport (DXB) from any location. The virtual reality route highlights all the areas where inclusive services are applicable, including the helpdesk offering the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities, the priority lanes for customers in the Immigration and Customs areas, the accessible biometrics boarding gates and more. In the future, the virtual reality tour has the potential to be integrated into Emirates.com<\/a>, whereby customers all around the world can access it in advance of their travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheelchair Cube<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new Emirates wheelchair cube concept seeks to provide a solution to the safe and secure transport of mobility aids and equipment. The cube solution keeps wheelchairs intact during transport and handling and can be securely restrained inside the aircraft for extra protection. The design recognises the critical importance of providing peace of mind for customers for whom a wheelchair is an extension of their physical body, is essential to their quality of life, and has often been modified and personalised to its owner at considerable expense.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Current Emirates accessibility services showcased at AccessAbilities Expo 2024 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In-seat accessibility tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Expo, Emirates showcased a row of Premium Economy seats to show attendees the inflight accessibility tools that can make flying more comfortable, including noise-cancellation headphones, which can benefit neurodiverse customers, the onboard wheelchair that is used once a customer\u2019s own wheelchair has been stored and secured, the scala combi which help customers with reduced mobility ascend and descend stairs, the easyglide and belt which help customers with mobility issues slide from the cabin wheelchair into their seat comfortably, and seat belt extensions when they may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessible inflight entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 20 years ago, Emirates was the first airline to use Closed Captions(CC) to assist the hearing impaired on its inflight entertainment, later also adding the Audio Description (AD) feature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Services and solutions for travellers with autism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For travellers with cognitive disabilities and sensory conditions, Emirates has been working hard on a series of initiatives, including Certified Autism Centre Designations for all four of its Dubai Check In facilities<\/a> – Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check-In – Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to Emirates\u2019 dedicated passenger hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This achievement builds on the recent recognition of Dubai International Airport as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES and aligns with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) in the Eastern hemisphere. Multiple services are available to customers identifying as neurodiverse to support their travel journey, from pre-travel guides to priority routes through the airport.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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