Wheelchair users contribute significantly to society but often struggle with routine activities like air travel, which can become a complex and stressful ordeal due to systems not designed with their needs in mind, according to groundbreaking research.
The research and its purpose
Mark Hanson, a wheelchair user and PhD candidate at Swinburne's MedTechVic, has found that many wheelchair users share negative experiences with air travel. As an occupational therapist, he analyzed these situations and is now exploring similar challenges faced by others who use wheelchairs. His research focuses on accessibility in commercial air travel, aiming to work with airlines over the next few years to make flying safer and more enjoyable for wheelchair users.
Global prevalence of disability
Approximately 15 per cent of the world's population, an estimated 1 billion people, live with disabilities, making this group the world's largest minority, according to the World Health Organisation. The WHO estimates that 80 million people, or one per cent of the global population, require a wheelchair for mobility. In Australia, the ABS reported that in 2022, 18.4 per cent of Australians used some type of mobility aid, such as a walking stick, walking frame, or wheelchair. The number of people who need wheelchairs is expected to grow due to population growth, medical advances, and aging populations worldwide.
Challenges in air travel
For wheelchair users, air travel can be exhausting and stressful long before the plane departs. Each stage of the journey, from booking and check-in to boarding, transferring seats, and collecting mobility equipment, often involves multiple procedures and systems that were not designed with wheelchair users in mind. These processes create significant barriers that affect wellbeing and confidence. Wheelchair users frequently navigate additional steps that other passengers do not face, such as arranging special assistance, transferring out of their chairs, and worrying about potential damage to essential mobility equipment. This makes a straightforward journey far more stressful and time-consuming.
Mental load and inconsistency
There is also a considerable mental load. Travellers must often develop specialized knowledge about airline policies, airport processes, and accessibility limitations to plan a trip safely. Inaccessible environments and inconsistent practices between airlines and airports add further uncertainty. This research project aims to identify practical ways to make air travel more accessible, consistent, and respectful for people who rely on wheelchairs.
Lost or damaged wheelchairs
One key issue is wheelchairs being lost or damaged during the journey. In 2024, the US Department of Transport recorded approximately 11,500 wheelchairs and scooters that were mishandled by air carriers. In Australia, data on mishandled wheelchairs does not exist, but negative experiences have been highlighted in news, social media, and even workshops during the Disability Royal Commission. Wheelchair users depend on customised seating for independence; damage or loss affects not only their journey but also their health and wellbeing. Often, wheelchair parts are imported, adding time, cost, and stress. Without a wheelchair, basic needs like preparing a meal or using the toilet become difficult.
Driving change
Mr Hanson's research is driven by the idea that flying can and should be accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all travellers. This project aims to turn challenges into practical solutions, showing that with the right partnerships and a shared commitment to inclusion, the future of air travel can be more welcoming and equitable.
In Mark's words
"In many ways it is a wicked problem, one that has no single, easy fix. A number of wheelchair users have reported frequent negative experiences throughout the entire air travel process. One of the main concerns is whether one's wheelchair will arrive and be in usable condition. Wheelchair users face both physical and social difficulties when they need understanding and support for their assistance needs. This can lead to moments of humiliation, the risk of injury, or the decision to simply avoid air travel altogether. For many people, the stress and unpredictability of the journey can outweigh the excitement of the destination."
"I feel privileged to be able to advocate for my needs as a wheelchair user and to have the physical capacity to adapt to many situations. Not everyone has that opportunity. That awareness is one of the reasons this work matters so much to me."
"Addressing the many significant challenges that persist for wheelchair users during air travel must start somewhere. It is my intention that this project represents a meaningful step forward. I hope it encourages others to also look for ways they can collaborate and contribute to improving the experience."
"The goal is to make air travel more accessible and to raise disability awareness for greater equity in everyday life. Ultimately, I want people with disability to have their voices heard, airlines to listen and share solutions, and professionals across sectors – including allied health – to help improve accessibility in air travel, particularly for wheelchair users."
