Jet Speed: A Leap Towards Accessible Air Travel
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the ability to travel freely and easily is more important than ever. However, for people with disabilities, air travel can often be a challenging experience. This is where the Jet Speed campaign by Easterseals comes into play.
The Jet Speed Campaign
The Jet Speed campaign is an initiative by Easterseals, a leading provider of services and advocacy for people with disabilities. The campaign was presented in a testimony for the House Subcommittee on Aviation in November 2022. The goal of the campaign is simple: to make accessible air travel a reality.
You can read the press release here.
The Importance of Accessible Air Travel
People with disabilities are more actively engaged in all aspects of life than ever before, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the efforts of disabled and non disabled advocates nationwide. Employers have realized the competitive advantage people with disabilities bring to the table as problem solvers. Brands have capitalized on the disability community’s loyalty to authentic representation in their product creation and advertising. However, despite these advancements, air travel remains a barrier to overcome. Inaccessible travel impacts employment and mental and physical health; it isolates people with disabilities from their family, friends, and the greater community. This should not be acceptable.
The Economic Impact
There is a strong business case to be made for accessible air travel. Low estimates suggest that people with disabilities in the United States – not including their caregivers, family, and friends – have some $22 billion in discretionary income available to spend on such things as travel, entertainment, and more. By making air travel more accessible, airlines can tap into this significant market.
The Role of Advocacy
Advocacy plays a crucial role in bringing about change. By amplifying the Jet Speed campaign on social media, we can raise awareness about the issue and garner support. This collective effort can help push for necessary changes and make air travel more accessible for everyone.
Conclusion
The Jet Speed campaign is moving the needle towards making air travel more accessible. By supporting this initiative, we can help create a world where everyone, including people with disabilities, can enjoy the freedom and convenience of air travel. Together, we can make America the world’s most accessible air travel market.
