The special assistance counter at the Kolkata airport should help all passengers with special needs, not just those who need wheelchairs, said a speaker at a workshop held at the airport on Monday.
“The airport and airlines provide assistance to passengers needing wheelchairs. But what about those who are intellectually challenged? The authorities need to provide proper assistance for them also…” said Minu Budhia, psychotherapist and founder-director of Caring Minds, an OPD mental health clinic.
Caring Minds, in association with the Airports Authority of India, held the sensitisation workshop. The aim was to bring about an inclusive flying experience by reaffirming the commitment of the airport staff and airlines to the challenges faced by individuals with special needs.
The awareness is needed because intellectual challenges are at times not visible. “A passenger with special needs may not always appear to be someone who needs assistance,” said Budhia.
She said a dedicated corridor for intellectually challenged passengers and those accompanying them, should be created. There should be a dedicated queue and counter for them at the security hold area, too.
“At the boarding gate, there should be a small room for the intellectually challenged passengers, particularly children. The boarding area is very crowded and it’s a huge area. So, often these children get overwhelmed.”
Kolkata airport officials said they provide assistance to specially abled passengers.
“Not only passengers needing wheelchairs, but those who are specially-abled are also provided assistance,” said C. Pattabhi, director of Kolkata airport, who took part in the workshop.
On the setting up of an area for intellectually challenged passengers, Pattabhi said: “We will put up a request with the headquarters in Delhi.”
