Woman with Cerebral Palsy Describes ‘Dehumanising’ Experience at Airport
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By Sarah Johnson
A woman living with cerebral palsy has spoken out about feeling disregarded and dehumanised by airline staff when she requested wheelchair assistance at an airport. Liz Venendaal, a disability advocate with cerebral palsy, shared her detailed account on social media, sparking outrage and prompting others to reach out to the airline on her behalf.
Venendaal, who works as a life coach for people with disabilities, was traveling home from a work trip when she had a layover at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Born with cerebral palsy, Venendaal uses walking sticks in her daily life but relies on a wheelchair for travel and long distances. Despite being familiar with the necessary procedures for safe travel, she described her experience with Delta Airlines at the Atlanta airport as leaving her feeling “helpless” and “invisible.”
Upon arrival at the airport, Venendaal, along with several other passengers, waited for wheelchair assistance to be provided. She observed an airport worker bringing wheelchairs one by one, with no sense of urgency. When a wheelchair was finally brought to her, Venendaal found herself unable to push herself as the chair lacked wheels for self-propulsion. This lack of independence left her reliant on staff to transport her to her connecting gate, causing anxiety about potentially missing her flight.
As another airport staff member began pushing her wheelchair without communication, Venendaal felt a sense of unease. Despite her attempts to inquire about the process and ensure she would reach her gate on time, she received vague and dismissive responses, leading to further frustration and fear of not making her flight.
Desperate for assistance, Venendaal resorted to offering money to an airport staff member, who begrudgingly agreed to help. The dehumanising treatment continued as she and other passengers were left waiting without clear communication or support. Ultimately, Venendaal managed to reach her gate just in time, feeling relieved but deeply disturbed by the entire experience.
This was not the first time Venendaal had encountered difficulties with Delta’s disability assistance services. In a previous incident, she was forced to spend the night at the airport due to a delayed flight and inaccessible assistance. Despite seeking recourse from the airline and sharing her ordeal on social media, Venendaal encountered further challenges in obtaining a satisfactory resolution.
In response to the incident, a Delta spokesperson expressed regret for Venendaal’s experience and assured that the matter was being investigated. Venendaal highlighted the importance of systems accommodating disabled individuals with dignity and communication, emphasizing the need for transparency and proactive measures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Venendaal’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating air travel and serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for improved accessibility and respect for all passengers, regardless of ability. Through her advocacy and courage in speaking out, Venendaal continues to amplify the voices of those who encounter barriers in their journey to equality and inclusion in the travel industry.
In conclusion, Venendaal’s experience serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of inclusive and respectful treatment towards individuals with disabilities within the aviation sector. Her resilience and determination to advocate for change underscore the necessity for airlines and airports to uphold the rights and dignity of all passengers, ensuring smooth and accommodating travel experiences for everyone, regardless of ability.