Introduction: In 2006, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was established, acknowledging the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to full social participation. However, airplanes remain largely inaccessible to PWDs. In particular, the use of the lavatory is the most problematic and, in some cases, denigrating for PWD.
Objectives: To promote the inclusion of PWDs and their participation in the lavatories area in 6 different airplanes models through the identification of barriers and facilitators.
Methods: A scoping review was done to identify data on the subject in the scientific and grey literature, including regulations in Canada, the US and Europe. In addition, focus groups (n = 6) comprising several PWDs profiles (mobility, visual, cognitive, and hearing) as well as individuals considered obese and pregnant women (total n = 36) are currently taking place in six different full-scale models of the airplanes most commonly used in Canada.
Results: Preliminary analysis highlighted that several legislative measures in place have an underrepresented profile of PWDs (e.g. cognitive) along with several “exceptions to the applications of the laws”. The extremely limited space and the lack of accessible features and services doesn’t allow people with motor disabilities, or bigger, and/or larger individuals to move out of their seats or use the lavatories.
Conclusion: Airplanes represent a critical component of full social participation, yet they present numerous barriers for PWDs, particularly in lavatories. Addressing these barriers is imperative to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities for air travel.