Tori Lacey, a Toronto woman who uses a wheelchair, has drawn attention to the lack of accessibility in air travel after she was carried off an Air Canada flight in a badly broken aisle chair. The incident, documented in a viral video posted on social media, has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by people with disabilities when flying.
Despite booking her flight through Air Canada’s medical desk, which handles passengers with specific accessibility needs, Lacey encountered difficulties upon landing in Costa Rica for a vacation. The airport did not provide a jet bridge, necessitating her departure through a portable staircase. The aisle chair used to carry her was in poor condition, lacking armrests, broken security straps, and malfunctioning wheels, leading to a distressing and unsafe experience.
While Air Canada stated that all protocols were followed, Lacey’s ordeal sheds light on broader accessibility issues within the airline industry. Disability advocate Maayan Ziv emphasized that Lacey’s experience reflects a systemic problem rather than an isolated incident, calling for airlines to be held accountable for ensuring equitable experiences for passengers with disabilities.
Despite her ordeal, Lacey remains committed to sharing travel content to inspire others with disabilities to explore the world, emphasizing the importance of highlighting accessible travel opportunities.
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