Check out the new technical report from the FAA by Dr. Giudice and his collaborators on techniques for improving airport accessibility.
Citation: Legge, G. E., Downey, C., Giudice, N. A., & Tjan, B. S. (2016). Indoor Airport Wayfinding for Blind and Visually Impaired Travelers. Report to the Federal Aviation Administration, No. DOT/Faa/TC-TN16/54.
Abstract. By conservative estimates, more than 4 million Americans have impaired vision, with the prevalence rising as the population ages. Wayfinding in complex public spaces, such as airport terminals, poses a major challenge for this group and adversely affects their mobility and quality of life. This project had three objectives: (1) to describe the demographics and wide range of visual impairment and wayfinding needs within the target population; (2) to explore challenges and solutions related to specific factors affecting airport wayfinding by visually impaired people; and (3) to develop three types of recommendations for enhancing accessibility of airport terminals: those having a broad consensus and which can be implemented in the near future, those requiring consultation with stakeholders for which alternative solutions need discussion, and those requiring technical research and development.
This technical note identifies best practices and recommendations for potentially viable solutions. It is also intended to encourage discussion and raise questions for a broad audience including Federal Aviation Administration staff, airport administration, airline staff, people with interests in accessible transportation systems, vision rehabilitation specialists, visually impaired travelers, and members of the general public with an interest in accessibility.