Montréal, 2 February 2021 – The International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability (iPADIS) and Montreal-based Kéroul today agreed on a joint initiative for developing a global strategy aimed at improving accessibility to air transport for persons with disabilities.

The three-pronged approach includes the formulation of model national policies for the handling of passengers requiring assistance, accessibility assessments and related training programs for airports and airlines, as well as guidelines for the seamless flow of passengers within airport terminals and airline boarding areas.

“iPADIS strongly believes that the aviation industry’s long-term sustainability and continued acceptability depends on the sector being sensitive to its social responsibility and responsive to the needs of all users. In this regard, our common vision is for the establishment of international standards and procedures to ensure that all persons with disabilities, including a rapidly aging population in many parts of the world, have access to the same opportunities for travelling for business or pleasure as any other passenger, anywhere in the world,” emphasized Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, Founding President of iPADIS.

“We were honored to have been approached by iPADIS to cooperate in formulating solutions regarding airport accessibility. Our extensive track record in training, evaluation and certification, combined with the expertise and professionalism of our members, can contribute significantly to enhancing the overall travel experience for persons with disabilities and the elderly,” added Isabelle Ducharme, Chair of the Board of Kéroul.

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iPADIS is an independent, international non-governmental organization (NGO) of public and private partnerships. It operates on a not-for-profit basis to lead effective advocacy for positive change in the global aviation industry. It actively promotes the development of international civil aviation in an innovative, sustainable and socially responsible manner.

Key consultant for Tourisme Québec regarding accessibility, Kéroul is a non-profit organization created in 1979 to promote and develop accessible tourism and culture, through communications and lobbying activities. Kéroul is also the manager of the successful “Programme d’accessibilité des établissements touristiques”, a unique Québec government program that enables targeted tourism businesses to access financial support for transforming or improving facilities and services.