Navigating a busy airport can be a stressful experience, especially if you can’t see what’s going on around you.
AURORA of CNY advocates for New Yorkers living with hearing or vision impairment. In honor of Blind Awareness Month, the organization took Syracuse Hancock International Airport staff on an immersion experience aimed at giving them empathy for travelers who navigate an airport blind.
The first-of-its-kind event was led by AURORA’s own Susan Gray, a member of the blind community. She said it closely resembled her own travel experiences, showing participants the importance of advocacy for accommodation and accessibility.
“If people take a few minutes to do an empathy exercise like this and walk a few steps in our shoes, they get it,” said Gray, the public relations and outreach specialist for AURORA of CNY. “They really understand the need for accommodation and access when they themselves can’t see.”
According to its website, AURORA is the only nonprofit in the area solely focused on advocating for “independence and opportunity for people of all ages with vision or hearing loss.”
Matt Szwejbka, a participant of the event and employee at the Syracuse Airport, walked away with the feeling of empathy Gray had hoped for.
“When I was blindfolded, I lost all confidence and it was extremely scary,” said Szwejbka, customer experience manager for the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority. “My empathy went through the roof for someone who was blind or low vision.”
Szwejbka said this experience has helped him identify areas the airport could improve on to be more conscious of travelers who are blind.
“There are parts that are pretty loud, especially at busy times,” said Szwejbka. “There are measures that can be implemented. This is something as simple as sound softener, sound dampeners, lowering the volume on the overhead announcements so you don’t get the disorienting blast of something.”
For more information on this event and their mission, visit AURORA of CNY’s website.