November 23, 2005—The Mayor’s Commission on People With Disabilities has recognized the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Review Committee with its 2005 Access Achievement Award for its accomplishments in fostering the Airport’s accessibility for travelers with visual, hearing, speech, mobility and other disabilities.
The Committee’s numerous achievements earned it the Access Achievement Award in the Local Government/Public Service Entity category for “outstanding commitment to increasing access for people with disabilities through the removal of physical and attitudinal barriers.”
Tasked with ensuring the Airport’s compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the ADA Review Committee was formed in November 1994 to foster communication between people with disabilities and the Airport and to identify and resolve accessibility issues. The Committee, which meets at least every other month, is composed of representatives from the Airport, the City, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, Transportation Security Administration, airlines, and advocates for those with disabilities.
Throughout the years, the Committee’s efforts have accomplished many objectives for the benefit of travelers with disabilities. These include: construction of ramps and uniform curb cuts to facilitate the use of wheelchairs; esstablishment of Handicapped drop-off and pick-up zones; introduction of a dedicated telephone hotline number to assist passengers in obtaining mobility assistance from the airlines; and the installation of ATMs equipped with earjacks and instructions in Braille.
For more information, visit airport’s Web site.
