Virgin Blue backs down on new wheelchair policy
Although unconfirmed at the time of posting this report and although The Mole was unable to secure a comment from Virgin Blue,it appears that the airline has backed down on its new policy being implemented today, regarding wheelchair passengers having to be accompanied by a carer at their own expense
The commissioner responsible for disability discrimination at the Human Rights and Equal Opportunties Commission, Graeme Innes, says the commission will continue working for the rights of disabled air travellers.
“Virgin’s decision to change their policy is a good first step,” he said.
“There are a range of issues impacting on passengers with disabilities in the airline industry and we’ve sought meetings with the Department of Transport and the airlines and disability groups to address those issues.”
Paralympian Paul Nunnari had raised concerns about the policy change when he was told by Virgin Blue staff that in future he would need to be accompanied by a carer at his own expense and had reportedly threatended legal action. Nunnari says it is a positive outcome for disabled people.
“I don’t want to stereotype but a lot of people with disabilities don’t earn a lot of money, so to come up with funds for another ticket for a carer just wasn’t practical,” he said.
“And the other side of that, I mean as a service as you would expect with any kind of service, it’s like when you invite someone over for dinner, you accommodate them and as an airline I would expect they would accommodate all their passengers.”
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