Liverpool John Lennon Airport and its passenger assistance partner ABM have opened a sensory space in the departure lounge to help passengers with sensory or cognitive impairment relax and acclimatize to the busy airport environment before they fly.
The sensory space, located near the picnic area in the departure lounge, is wheelchair accessible and is open between 8am and 6pm daily. It is free to use but passengers must book their sessions in advance via the airport’s customer services team.
The sensory space cost over US$45,000 to develop and offers a calming, therapeutic space for children and adults with autism and other special needs. It was created in partnership with local community business Autism Adventures and Alder Hey Hospital, which offered specialist advice on how to create a space that caters to families living with autism before they depart on their holiday flights from Liverpool.
The development of a sensory space at the airport is part of work carried out in partnership with a host of disability organizations, including many that specialize in hidden disabilities. The airport also works closely with its passenger assistance provider ABM, which helps to make the journey through the airport as pleasant and relaxed as possible for passengers requiring assistance, whatever their needs.
Paul Staples, operations director for LJLA, commented, “We know that heading off on holiday and being able to enjoy the journey can be challenging for some of our passengers, particularly families with someone who has a sensory or cognitive impairment. This space is a great facility and we would like to thank Autism Adventures and Alder Hey Hospital for all their help and advice in creating this space, which we’re confident will make a difference, helping families have a more relaxed start to their journey. By working with a host of disability organizations, we have continued the work we have been doing to enable passengers with a wide range of disabilities to take advantage of flying from Liverpool.”
Jim Niblock, aviation managing director at ABM, said, “We’re delighted to collaborate with Liverpool John Lennon Airport and introduce a sensory space to help passengers with sensory or cognitive impairment. ABM is dedicated to ensuring the airport experience is positive for everyone, and this new setting reaffirms our commitment to inclusivity.”
Read more of the latest accessibility updates from the passenger terminal industry, here.