Passengers with disabilities are reluctant to fly again
LOCAL disability campaigners have said they were ‘shocked, saddened and disappointed’ to hear of alleged disablist remarks made by some staff at Aurigny.
The Guernsey Disability Alliance, writing in today’s Guernsey Press, said that it welcomed an internal inquiry launched by the airline and has offered assistance and guidance.
The charity’s social policy director, Carol Le Page, urged people to stand up against behaviour they considered to be inappropriate and unethical, and to speak out when it happened.
‘If you can, explain how it makes you feel,’ she said.
‘Unfortunately, the evidence shows that the people who speak out are in the minority.
‘People who do not feel supported, even feel threatened, or are just unsure of their position are less likely to say anything.’
The GDA's statement followed last week's allegations of comments made about disabled passengers in an Aurigny staff meeting, including claims that they were referenced as 'the lame and the lazy'.
Since then several people have told the Guernsey Press of issues they have experienced in using the airline as a passenger with disabilities, including problems with equipment and being forgotten about at airports.
Some said that they were now reluctant to fly again and had been embarrassed by some of their experiences.
‘They should stick some of their staff in a wheelchair and see how they get on,’ said the wife of one disabled passenger.
Steve Wall, 72, has cerebral palsy and has not been able to walk for about five years.
He said that he had experienced issues in using an ‘aisle chair’ on the aircraft at least four times. He described the whistleblower's allegations as ‘utterly disgusting’.
The Guernsey Press contacted Aurigny again in relation to the issues raised and the status of its internal investigation.
In a statement, a spokesman said that the investigation was still ongoing, considering the allegations and what action, if any, was appropriate.
‘It is important in the interests of fairness to all that we undertake this process in full.
‘While we are doing so, we will not be making any further comment.’
Passengers’ stories, page 2
GDA letter in full, page 21
