Miami International Airport earns high praise from FAA for airport accessibility

In recognition of its outstanding achievements in airport accessibility, Miami International Airport has received the Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award from the Federal Aviation Administration during its 13^th Annual National Civil Rights and Training Conference for Airports on 28 July 2022. The award came just two days after the 32^nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law on 26 July 1990.

The award honors ADA coordinators and airport sponsors who have demonstrated excellence in meeting the letter and the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

“Congratulations to the entire MIA team for once again being recognised as an industry leader in passenger accessibility. I am committed to making air travel as easy, safe, and accessible for all our visitors, regardless of disability, as we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. My administration has prioritised accessibility across the government and county, including a full-funded and staffed ADA compliance office and the relaunching of an internship programme for young people with disabilities. I’m extremely proud to see MIA bolster that commitment and be recognised with this prestigious honor from our federal government.” Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava.

MIA was recognised for its myMIAccess programme, which provides a diverse menu of services for travellers with disabilities. Most recently, in May 2021, MIA became the first airport in the U.S. to install wheelchair charging stations airport-wide. The charging stations offer people with electric mobility devices the opportunity to enjoy travel without the stress of low batteries. In November 2020, MIA opened its second multi-sensory room for passengers with cognitive and developmental disabilities to enjoy a calm environment while travelling.

That same year, MIA became one of 10 U.S. airports and 60 worldwide to provide sunflower lanyards free of charge to passengers with hidden disabilities. The lanyards are a discrete way to communicate to airport staff that those passengers may need more time or have additional questions while travelling.

MIA also hosts quarterly ADA Open Access Committee meetings, which provide an open forum for dialogue between airport users, airlines, service companies, and airport leadership. The committee is led by a community member and disability advocate who acts as the chairperson in all meetings.

The Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award is the second industry honor within the last year for the myMIAccess programme. Last October, MIA was the overall winner of the 2021 Airport Accessibility Award during the 6th Annual Airport Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) Leadership Conference, after earning 50 per cent of the votes from the virtual conference’s 159 attendees from 42 countries around the world.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from the FAA, in recognition of our efforts to engage with the local disability community and provide a smoother travel experience for them. We take great pride in responding to the diverse needs of our travelers and in making our services more accessible and inclusive for all,” said Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO.