Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel

Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel:

Screening Guidelines to be followed byCISF Security Stafffor Passengers with Disabilities at Indian Airports

Total Pages: 33

Compiled by:

Rajesh Bhatia, Shivani Gupta, Smiti Bhatia and Suranjana Ghosh Aikara

May 2014

Golden Rules for CISF Staff3
List of Screening of travelers with various disabilities4
List of Screening of travelers with various medical conditions4
Screening Guidelines including Do’s and Don’ts and Etiquette for Screening of Passengers with Mobility Impairment 5
Annexure A on Screening Guidelines including Do’s and Don’ts of Screening of Passengers with Prosthetic Devices 6
Screening Guidelines including Etiquette for Screening of Travelers with Intellectual Disabilities 7
Screening Guidelines including Etiquette for Screening of Travelers with Developmental Disabilities 8
Screening Guidelines including Etiquette for Screening of Blind or Persons with Low Vision 9
Screening Guidelines including Etiquette for Screening of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Persons 9
Screening Guidelines including Etiquette for Screening of persons with Deafblindness10
Screening Guidelines including Etiquette for Screening of persons with Speech Impairments 10
Screening Guidelines for Children with Disabilities10
Screening of Travelers with Medical Conditions:1) Travelers with Bandages and Dressings; 2) Travelers with Internal Medical Devices; Travelers needing medication 11
Screening medically necessary liquids and Passengers Who Have Undergone a Medical Treatment with Radioactive Materials and Those with Radioactive Medication 12
Screening of Portable Oxygen & Passengers with related respiratory equipment12
Screening of Passengers using Nebulizers13
Screening of Passengers with Diabetes14
Screening of Passengers with Ostomies14
Screening of Breast Cancer Survivors and those who have difficulty waiting in line15
Reference to Power Point Slide numbers to view images of several types of mobility equipment 15
Quiz for CISF staff with questions and answers15
Disclaimer17

70 million Indians have a disability.

On average, one out of every 10 travelers has some level of disability. Not just major disabilities, but also the elderly and the injured. This percentage is growing as the baby boomers are aging.

India ratified CRPD, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in 2007. By doing so, it recognized among other things:

a)That discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person;

b)The need to promote and protect the human rights of all persons with disabilities, including those who require more intensive support;

c)The importance for persons with disabilities of their individual autonomy and independence, including the freedom to make their own choices;

d)Recognizing that children with disabilities should have full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis.

An airport can be a stressful environment and poses challenges for all travelers. Imagine encountering those challenges with a disability --- now imagine how you can help alleviate those challenges.

CISF personnel in charge of security screening at airports, should ensure that passengers with disabilities have a positive experience by being kind, courteous and knowledgeable.

The key to providing exemplary service is knowing how to effectively interact with people with disabilities – let us learn how.

Content and Objectives of this Manual

Content:

Screening Dos and Don’ts for the passengers with disabilities, at airports in India.

Objectives:

Train CISF staff in charge of airport security screening, with appropriate protocol for screening passengers with disabilities satisfactorily, without compromising dignity of people with disabilities, and national security and the security of the travellers.

Golden Rules for CISF Staff

Remember to pay emphasis and attention on the person, not the disability.
People with disabilities are people first, people who happen to have a disability.
Assist passengers with disabilities in a pleasant, helpful & respectful manner.

Consider, Remember and Practice the following:

Show respect for the individual

Be kind, courteous, pleasant and helpful
Speak to the person, not their companion
Look for opportunities to assist
Request Permission before assisting
Listen and follow directions
Try to be on same eye level, if possible
Be Patient and Calm
Do not ask any personal questions
Do not make any disgraceful/humiliating comments
Bring them to the front of the line
Respect person's mobility equipment and handle with care

In Section I, this manual covers Screening Techniques for Travellers with the following Disabilities:

Have mobility impairment

Use Wheelchair or Scooters
Cannot Remove Shoes
Have Metal Joint Implants
Have a Prosthetic device (Annexure A)
Have a Cast, Brace, or Support Appliance

Have Intellectual Disabilities
Have Developmental Disabilities
Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Have Deafblindness
Are Speech Impaired

There is a separate section on Children with Disabilities

In Section II, this manual covers Screening Techniques for Travellers with the following Medical Conditions:

Passengers with bandages and dressings
Have Internal Medical Devices
Need Medication
Have Medically Necessary Liquids
Have Medically Necessary Radioactive Substances
Use Portable Oxygen and have CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs (Respiratory Machines)
Use Nebulizers
Have Diabetes
Have Ostomies
Are Breast Cancer Survivors
Have Difficulty Waiting in Line

* Those who want to wear gloves, socks, scarf or facial / nasal mask and cannot remove due to their sensitivity to external temperature like cold, air condition, smoke, etc.

Section I: Travellers with Disabilities:

1.Screening of Passengers with Mobility Impairment may:

Use Wheelchair or Scooters
Use Prosthetic Devices (Annexure A)
Use Mobility Devices like canes, crutches or braces
Have Metal Joint Implants like artificial knees or hips
Have a Cast, Brace, or Support Appliance
Have difficulty walking or standing
Cannot remove shoes

Passenger with any of the mobility impairment listed above should inform the CISF officer before screening begins if he or she has:

Difficulty Walking or Standing including difficulty standing from the wheelchair
Uses Mobility Devices like canes, crutches, braces or calipers
Has a Cast, Brace, or Support Appliance
Cannot Remove Shoes
Have Metal Joint Implants

Do's of Screening of Passengers with Mobility Impairment:

Screen all such passengers with a thorough pat down process. Screening be conducted in a private area with the CISF officer of the same gender as that of the passenger.
Use ETD, Explosive Trace Detection to screen the passenger's wheel-chair, scooter including the seat cushions and any non-removable pouches or fanny packs. Any removable items be required to undergo X-ray screening.
The passenger’s walker, crutch, cane, or other device must undergo X-ray screening, unless it cannot fit through the X-ray. If an item cannot fit through the X-ray, or the passenger cannot be separated from the item, it must be inspected byan officer. The passenger should tell the officer if he/she needs to be immediately reunited with the device after it is screened by X-ray.
Passengers who cannot remove shoes be screened with a thorough pat down process. Screening to be conducted with the CISF staff of the same gender as that of the passenger. Use ETD to screen shoes.
Passengers who have metal implants such as artificial knees or hips, should inform a CISF officer before screening begins. If a passenger cannot or chooses not be screening by imaging technology/ETD or the passenger alarms a walk-through metal detector, the passenger be screened using a thorough pat-down procedure.
Passengers with cast, brace or calipers or supportive appliances should be screened without removing them with a thorough pat down process. Screening be conducted with the CISF staff of the same gender as that of the passenger. Use ETD to screen cast, brace or calipers.
Passengers who intend to check-in with their own wheelchair be given the option of using a station/airport wheelchair. If the passengers prefer to use their own wheelchair, they shall be permitted to use it.

Don'ts of Screening Passengers with Mobility Impairment

Do not force wheel chair users to stand from their wheel chairs
Do not attempt to manually lift the wheel chair user as this is against his/her dignity and most of all it jeopardizes his/her safety
Under no circumstances should the passenger be asked to remove cast, brace, calipers, metal implants or supportive alliances and even shoes if the passenger cannot remove shoes.

Annexure A: Screening of Passengers with Prosthetics

Prosthetic limbs are mechanical devices worn by amputees. They can be worn above knee, below knee, on the elbow or shoulder, depending on the nature of amputation.

Parts of a prosthetic limb:

Pylon- internal frame or skeleton of the prosthetic limb. Provides structural support and formed of metal rods or lighter carbon-fibre composites.
Foam cover - Pylons are enclosed with a foam-like material, shaped and coloured to match the person’s skin tone to make the prosthetic limb look lifelike.
Socket - the portion of the prosthetic device where the amputee’s limb stump is fitted in.
Advanced prosthetic limbs can be equipped with amicroprocessor (computer chip) and sensors. They may have a power charging point.

Do's of Screening of Passengers with Prosthetics

Passengers with prostheses (usually worn by patients with mobility impairment) should be screened without removing them.
The passenger should inform the CISF Officer of the existence of a prosthetic device or caliper, his or her ability, and of any need for assistance before screening begins.
Upon production of the Government Disability ID Card (if available), the security official should begin the specified screening process ensuring discretion and privacy for the passenger.
Passengers with prostheses should be screened using advanced technological mechanisms such as Explosive Trace Detectors (ETD). Airport Operators should be mandated to procure Explosive Trace Detectors and other necessary equipment according to international standards.
If additional screening aside from ETD is required, the passenger should be screened using a thorough physical pat-down procedure instead.
A physical pat-down procedure should be used to resolve any alarms of ETD.
If a physical pat-down is required in order to complete screening, the following points should be considered:

The pat-down should be conducted by an officer of the same gender. The passenger can request a private screening at any time and a private screening should be offered when the officer must pat-down sensitive areas. During a private screening, another CISF employee of the same gender as the passenger should also be present and the passenger may be accompanied by a companion of his or her choosing.
A passenger may ask for a chair if he or she needs to sit down.
A passenger should be given the right to inform an officer before the pat-down begins, of any difficulty in raising his or her arms, remaining in the position required for a pat-down, or any areas of the body that are painful when touched.
A passenger should not be asked to remove or lift any article of clothing to reveal.

Don'ts of Screening of Passengers with Prosthetics

Under no circumstances should the passenger be asked to remove his/her prosthesis.
Under no circumstances should the passenger be asked to strip to remove prosthesis.
Under no circumstances should the passenger's prosthesis be put through X-Ray machine.

2. Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual Disability, also known as learning disability, and previously known as mental retardation, is a generalized disorder characterized by significantly impaired cognitive functioning. Cognitive functioning is performance in mental processes such as thinking, understanding and remembering. It may include impairments such as Down Syndrome and children with behavioral and emotional disorders.

Screening:

Passengers with intellectual disabilities be screened without being separated from their traveling companions.
The passenger or his or her traveling companions be allowed to offer suggestions on the best way to approach and screen the passenger, especially if it is necessary to touch him or her during screening.
The passenger be given the option of being screened using walk-through metal detectors.
If the passenger declined this option, then he/she be screened using a thorough pat down process instead.
Tell the passenger exactly what is going to happen. For example, “I will have to pat you along your arms, your body, and legs. I will also use this (ETD) to pat you down.”

Etiquette for Screening of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Speak directly to the passenger when making a request or giving an instruction, eg “Lift your arms” etc. The passenger might seem unfocussed, looking away, and not listening to atall. She/he might just have difficulty in looking at you. The does not mean she/he is not listening.
Passenger might need a minute or so to process information and allow the screening. Wait. A moment’s patience will enable successful screening.
Use short sentences giving one piece of information at one time.
Be prepared to repeat or rephrase the information
Act naturally and maintain eye contact
Do not be confrontational or frighten the individual.
Focus on the person – not the disability.

3. Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are severe, impairments. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disorders. Or the problem can be both physical and mental, such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism.

Screening Method:

Passengers with developmental disabilities may experience impaired cognition, mobility and/or sensory deficit. They must be screened without being separated from their traveling companions.
If the passenger uses a wheelchair follow direction provided in the slide on screening passengers with mobility impairments
Allow passenger or travelling companions to offer suggestions on the best way to approach and screen the passenger, especially if it is necessary to touch during screening.
Offer to screen passenger using walk-through metal detectors.
If passenger declines this option, then screen using a thorough pat down process instead.

Etiquette for Screening Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Use short sentences giving one piece of information at one time.
Be prepared to repeat or rephrase the information
Be calm and patient.
Act naturally and maintain eye contact.
Maintain or enhance self-esteem.
Do not be confrontational or frighten the individual.
Focus on the person – not the disability.

4. Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Passenger to be screened using ETD and a thorough pat down procedure.
In addition to screening the passenger, canes and other devices like Braille note takers must undergo X-ray screening, unless they cannot fit through the X-ray. If an item cannot fit through the X-ray, or the passenger cannot be separated from the item, it should be inspected by an officer. Passengers should tell the officer if they need to be immediately reunited with the device after it is screened by X-ray.

Etiquette for Screening of Blind or Persons with Low Vision

Introduce yourself as a CISF officer and give your name.
Address the person directly when starting a conversation.
Be aware that a noisy environment might be a distraction.
Don’t touch the person without asking permission.
Don’t engage with a guide dog without permission. Remember, they are working!
Be specific when giving directions, but do not point!
To act as a Human Guide, offer your elbow for the person to take.
When faced with an obstruction, straighten your arm behind you so the person knows to move in behind you.
When approaching steps or a slope, pause and explain what’s ahead. Ask if they would like to hold on to the handrail.
Keep in mind the importance and dignity of a cane.

5. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Passengers

Ask the passengers about the type of assistance needed or technology used, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, before screening begins.
Passengers be screened using walk-through metal detectors. If a passenger cannot or chooses not to be screened by a walk-through metal detector, the passenger be screened using a thorough pat down procedure instead.
If a passenger who is deaf orhard of hearinguses hearing aids or a cochlear implant, he or she be screened without removing the device. Additional screening, including a patdown or inspection of a device, may be required if it alarms a walk-through metal detector or appears as an anomaly when screened by imaging technology. Devices may also be subject to additional screening if they are X-rayed as part of the passenger’s carry-on bags.

Etiquette for screening of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Passengers

Get the person’s attention. The best method is to wave, but it’s also okay to touch the person on the shoulder or back of the arm.
Have a pen and paper handy.
Speak directly to the person.
Speak clearly and at a normal speed. Be patient.
If you need to speak loudly, do so for the entire conversation. Avoid sounding harsh.
Provide a clear view of your face.
Body language and facial expression should match the message.

6. Persons with Deafblindness

Deafblindness is a condition in which the person may have a partial or complete loss of vision and hearing. Helen Keller was Deafblind.

Screening Method

Ask the passengers about the type of assistance needed or technology used, e.g. hearing aids or cochlear implants, before screening begins.
Screen passengers by walk-through metal detectors. If unable to, conduct a pat-down.
Do not remove hearing aids or cochlear implant.
White Canes and other devices like Braille note takers may undergo X-ray screening.
If an item doesn’t fit in the X-ray, or the passenger cannot be separated from the item, it should be inspected with ETD.
CISF staff to ask passenger if he/she needs to be immediately reunited with the device after X-ray screening

Etiquette

Get the person’s attention. Touch the person on the shoulder or back of the arm.
Communicate by spelling the alphabets on the passengers palm and offer your palm for response (Tactile sign).
Do not touch the passenger or hand something to them without prior explanation.
Guide the passenger’s hand to objects by letting their hand rest lightly on the back of yours.
Do not leave without letting the passenger know by touch or by signal, even for short periods.

7. Have Speech Impairments

Passengers be screened by a walk-through metal detector and ETD.
If the passenger chooses not to be screened by a walk-through metal detector, the passenger be screened using a thorough pat down procedure instead.

Etiquette for screening of Individuals with Speech Impairments

Listen, but if you have difficulty understanding, don’t pretend you understand. Be patient.
Repeat what you do understand for confirmation.
Ask person to spell, rephrase or write down the information. Have pen and paper handy.
If possible, ask questions that require short answers or a nod or shake of the head.
Maintain eye contact.
Move to a quieter location if necessary or possible.

Children With Disabilities

Parent/Guardian should inform the CISF Officer if the child has a disability, and if they think the child may become upset during the screening process. Welcome suggestions from parent/guardian on how to best accomplish the screening process to minimize any confusion for the child.
The parent/guardian should be responsible for removing child from equipment, at parent’s/guardian’s discretion, to accomplish screening.
Parent/Guardian to tell Security Officer what the child's abilities are. For example: whether the child can walk through the metal detector or can be carried through the metal detector by the parent/guardian.
At no time should the Security Officer remove your child from his/her mobility aid (wheelchair or scooter). The parent/guardian should be responsible for removing his/her child from his/her equipment, at parent's/guardian's discretion, to accomplish screening.
If the child is unable to walk or stand, the Security Officer should conduct a pat-down search of your child while he/she remains in their mobility aid, as well as a visual and physical inspection of their equipment. Parent/guardian to remain with his/her child at all times, and to can ask the child screened in private.

Section II: Travellers with Medical Conditions:

1. Travelers with Bandages and Dressings.

If a passenger has dressings or bandages used to cover wounds from an injury or surgical procedure, he or she should inform the CISF officer of the location of the dressings and/or bandages and of any need for assistance before screening begins.
Passengers with dressings or bandages can be screened using walk through metal detector, ETD or a thorough pat down.

2. Travelers with Internal Medical Devices

Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel