Article from BTNews 14 NOVEMBER 2016
Autism-friendly Gatwick
Gatwick has been named the UK’s first autism-friendly airport in recognition of its commitment to becoming an accessible and friendly environment for all passengers.
The airport was presented with a special award by the National Autistic Society after initiating successful efforts with its assistance provider, OCS, to meet a range of autism-friendly criteria.
Designed to benefit autistic passengers, their families and caregivers, they include ensuring clear and accessible information is available about the airport and the assistance available to help to plan and prepare for a journey.
The award also recognised Gatwick’s commitment to staff training, so staff are better able to assist autistic passengers, and the successful introduction of a discreet hidden disability lanyard, which is now to be rolled-out at other UK airports.
BTN can vouch for Gatwick’s caring approach after editor-in-chief Malcolm Ginsberg was asked by a reader if he could help with the transit of an autistic child through the airport.
“I was fortunate that I knew exactly who in the airport to contact,” Ginsberg reported. “Gatwick took over and made the difficult journey easy for both child and parents – I was impressed.”
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