Sochi Airport creates barrier-free environment for invalids

The Sochi Airport is implementing a programme of a barrier-free environment for disabled passengers. The programme was adopted after the Airport was criticized by the commission for preparation and holding the Paralympic Winter Games of 2014.

In early November, disabled athletes inspected the Sochi International Airport and were dissatisfied with the level of its accessibility for people with disabilities. Lydia Abramova, Vice-President of the All-Russian Society for the Blind, said that even the tactile signs at the Airport, which are used to guide the blind people, are located in the wrong order and simply confuse the people with disabilities.

After the criticism expressed by disabled athletes, the Sochi Airport adopted a programme aimed at creating a barrier-free environment. The Airport already operates the only so far in the South of Russia stand for check-in of passengers with disabilities. Also, the square in front of the airport complex is paved with special tiles, which help visually impaired visitors to navigate towards the terminal.

All the passes in the new Sochi Airport are equipped with ramps; the car park near the airport has special parking places for passengers with disabilities; the toilet rooms are equipped in accordance with international standards. If necessary, a passenger with disabilities is accompanied by a medic, the "Delovaya Gazeta-Yug" reports.

In the near future, they plan to install special stands adapted for people with disabilities in each registration island. They will be equipped with induction loops, which will allow passengers with hearing problems to hear the announcements, the "Yuga.ru" writes.