Resource Listing

Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group (DFAWG)

Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group
Central hub with aviation-specific dementia-friendly resources, training materials, screening guidance, and travel tools.
https://www.dementiafriendlyairports.com/

Dementia Basics for Air Travel Industry Workers
Introductory dementia education designed specifically for airport and airline workers.
https://www.dementiafriendlyairports.com/dementia-basics-for-air-travel-industry-workers.html

Delivering Dementia-Friendly Customer Service
Practical customer-service guidance for supporting travelers living with dementia in aviation settings.
https://www.dementiafriendlyairports.com/delivering-dementia-friendly-customer-service.html

TSA Security Screening Guidance
Practical guidance for supporting travelers living with dementia during TSA/security screening.
https://www.dementiafriendlyairports.com/tsa-security-screening-guidance.html

Training Resources
Collection of dementia-friendly airport training videos and staff education materials.
https://www.dementiafriendlyairports.com/training-resources.html

Airport Scenarios – Teepa Snow/DFAWG Collaboration
Scenario-based videos demonstrating effective responses to common airport situations involving travelers living with dementia.
https://www.dementiafriendlyairports.com/airport-scenarios—teepa-snowdfawg-collaboration.html

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

TSA Cares
TSA assistance program supporting travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and special circumstances.
https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares

TSA Passenger Support
Information about TSA Passenger Support Specialists and screening assistance services.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support

TSA Disabilities and Medical Conditions
TSA guidance related to travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, assistive devices, and screening accommodations.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/disabilities-and-medical-conditions

Aviation Industry Guidance and Standards

IATA Air Travel Accessibility
Airline-focused accessibility guidance supporting dignified and accessible travel experiences.
https://www.iata.org/en/programs/passenger/accessibility/

IATA Passenger Accessibility Operations Manual
Operational guidance for airlines supporting passengers with disabilities and hidden disabilities.
https://iata–identityma.sandbox.my.site.com/iec/IEC_ProductDetails?id=8962-01

ISO 21801 – Cognitive Accessibility
International standard providing guidance for designing cognitively accessible environments, systems, and services.
ISO 21801-1:2020 – Cognitive accessibility — Part 1: General guidelines

Accessibility, Design, and Wayfinding

Enhancing Airport Wayfinding for Aging Travelers and Persons with Disabilities
National Academies report focused on improving airport navigation and wayfinding systems.
https://www.nationalacademies.org/publications/24930

Wayfinding and Signing Guidelines for Airport Terminals and Landside
National Academies guidance on airport signage and wayfinding systems.
https://www.nationalacademies.org/publications/13640

U.S. Regulatory and Accessibility Guidance

U.S. DOT – Air Carrier Access Act
Overview of airline disability nondiscrimination requirements under U.S. law.
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities

FAA Accessible Airport Facilities
FAA accessibility requirements and airport facility guidance.
https://www.faa.gov/airports/engineering/accessible_airports

FAA Advisory Circular 150-5360-14A
Technical guidance related to airport accessibility responsibilities.
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/150-5360-14A.pdf

Research

Accessible Air Travel for People Living with Dementia
University of Plymouth research initiative focused on making air travel more accessible for people living with dementia.
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/participation-in-everyday-life/accessible-air-travel-for-people-living-with-dementia

Air Travel Concerns and Complaints of Persons Living With Dementia and Their Travel Companions
Research article examining traveler and caregiver experiences during air travel.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7741641/

Assessing Airport Programs for Travelers with Disabilities and Older Adults
National Academies report evaluating airport programs supporting travelers with disabilities and older adults.
https://www.nationalacademies.org/publications/27012

Additional Resources

Alzheimer’s Association – Travel Safety Tips

Practical travel guidance for families and care partners traveling with someone living with dementia

Traveling | Alzheimer’s Association

Dementia Adventure

Practical travel planning guidance and support resources for people living with dementia and care partners.

https://dementiaadventure.org/

Making Airports More Dementia-Friendly

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America article describing why airports should address dementia and hidden disability needs.
https://alzfdn.org/making-airports-more-dementia-friendly/

Ready for Take-Off: Dementia-Friendly Airport Experiences

Webinar featuring dementia and airport accessibility perspectives, including examples from Vancouver International Airport.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJAq4PS36Ys