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New Zealand Disabled Protest Wheelchair Policy

Otago Daily Times reports on a new Air New Zealand policy governing those with diabilities says anyone who needs help from two or mare people to move between a wheelchair and an airplane seat, must have their own support person lift their upper body while an airplane staff member lifts their legs. Seesm reasonable but many are opposing the policy supposedly because bringing that extra support person, who does not need to travel, is an added burden to the disabled traveler. The airline has instituted the the policy because 103 of its employees have been injured while assisting wheelchair bound passengers. So the dilemma rages. Should a wheelchair bound person expect airline personel to assist while boarding or should the disabled be required to make their way to their seat with the assistance of a friend or family member? Or should the airline put its employees at risk requiring them to lift wheelchair bound passengers?

Protesters have signed a petition asking the airline to reconsider its policy.

Steve Hall | August 2, 2004 | News | Permanent link
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