Shape the Future of

Air Travel

Free Webinar

WEBINAR OPT 1

Shape the Future of Air Travel

Join Open Road Access (ORA) and members of the Rights on Flights campaign for a groundbreaking webinar that brings together the disabled community, industry experts, and changemakers. Together, we will develop actionable solutions to address the challenges faced by disabled travellers and create a roadmap to make air travel accessible for all.
 

Date: Tuesday 8th October 2024  |  Time: 12:00 PM  |  Duration: 1 hour

Collaborate on a Vision for Air Travel

Our panellists will share insights into legislation, infrastructure and the latest developments within the Rights on Flights campaign. You will then have the chance to participate in a constructive discussion and share your vision for the ideal air travel experience. Your input will be used to shape a comprehensive, community-driven roadmap that advocates, including Rights on Flights, will use to influence policymakers, airlines and other stakeholders to drive tangible change.

 

Focus on Solutions, Not Challenges: A Platform for Collective Action

This session is not just be about discussing the challenges or specific grievances – which we know all too well. Instead, this is a platform to voice your needs and shape the solutions in a collaborative and respectful space.

 

Why Your Participation Matters

  • 43% of wheelchair users report feeling unable fly due to the challenges encountered (AbleMove).
  • The percentage of disabled travellers flying has decreased from 40% in 2019 to just 34% in 2023.

These statistics highlight the need for urgent reform in the aviation industry. Your input is crucial - Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future and make air travel fair and equitable for all.

Why Attend?

  • Collaborate with fellow travellers and experts to address existing issues in air travel.
  • Contribute to a visionary roadmap for positive change.
  • Have your voice heard by policymakers and airlines.

What to Expect?

  • Insightful panel discussion: Hear from industry experts.
  • Interactive breakout sessions.
  • Q&A session: Engage with our expert panel.
  • Post-event follow-up: The roadmap will be shared afterwards, and we will continue to update you on ongoing discussions and progress.

Meet Our Panel

An image of Chris Wood.
Christopher Wood MBE

Founder, Flying Disabled

Chris is a campaigner and lobbyist in aviation and disability, he is also an Aviation Accessibility Consultant. Additionally, he is a member of the UK Civil Aviation Authorities ‘Access to Air Travel’ advisory group and an intrinsic part of the quartet of #RightsOnFlights. In the past Chris has sat on boards for the FA and the Consumer Credit Trade Association.

Chris is also one of the hexad of founding members of Rights On Flights (RoF). Among the many things RoF would like to do, legislation is high on that list. We are starting to work with the Department of Transport to initiate that to make accessible air travel better.

Chris has also set his sights on bringing wheelchair air travel in line with land and sea. His goal is to establish the solution “to enable a wheelchair user to stay in their chair whilst on a flight” – he is now one third of the Air4Alll consortium that is collaborating with Delta Flight Products and Sunrise Medical to bring a prototype to market designed around airlines not losing any pax places.

His two children now in their twenties are keen to travel, he does not want the fact that they are both in wheelchairs to hinder their aspirations in both work and of course pleasure. A common yearning to everyone who uses a wheelchair.  Chris received an investiture in 2021 in Her Majesty the Queens Birthday Honour’s list with an MBE, this was for his work in Accessible Aviation.

David Dew-Veal
David Dew-Veal

Director Strategy & Innovation

David is a transformation and innovation leader in the accessible transport space.

A recognised thought leader, author and public speaker, David is passionate about addressing the transport accessibility gap. He uses his platform to highlight the significance of the issue, advise on solutions and drive social change.

Currently, Director of Strategy and Innovation at Proximo Group (ORA's parent company), he drives strategic direction, product development and sustainable business growth, through emerging technologies and digitisation. 

David began his career at Motability Operations, before moving to KPMG where he advised clients in the mobility and infrastructure sector.

In addition to being a panellist, David will also chair the discussion.

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Martn Sibley
Martyn Sibley

Co Founder and CEO

Martyn, a non-executive director of Proximo Group, works at the intersection of business, technology, and leadership to drive inclusivity.

As a wheelchair user, Martyn has overcome personal challenges and pursued various passions, including scuba diving and working in London. His mantra, "Everything is possible," reflects his achievements. 

After earning degrees in economics and marketing, Martyn began his career at a disability rights charity. He quickly became a prominent influencer, regularly featured in the UK's Disability Power 100. He's also a published author and international speaker.

Martyn co-founded Disability Horizons, the first online disability magazine, and Accomable, an accessible accommodation platform acquired by Airbnb.

His latest venture, the award-winning Purple Goat agency, partners with global brands to amplify disabled voices in advertising.

Rights on Flights logo

Rights on Flights

Founded by Sophie Morgan, Rights on Flights aims to enhance air travel for disabled passengers. The campaign is calling on airlines and other actors to be held accountable for damage to wheelchairs and essential mobility devices, timely assistance for disabled travellers and push for legislative changes that empower the UK Civil Aviation Authority to impose fines on non-compliant airlines. Through public engagement and advocacy, the campaign strives to create a more accessible and dignified flying experience for all.

Open Road Access Logo

Open Road Access

Designed by wheelchair users for wheelchair users, ORA offers a flexible and hassle-free wheelchair accessible vehicle rental service. With rental options from 1 day to 1 year, ORA’s all-inclusive package features door-to-door delivery and collection, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Dedicated to delivering seamless accessible transport, ORA ensures mobility and convenience for all users.

Unable to Attend?

If you can’t attend live, all registrants will receive the recording afterwards.

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By registering, you consent to being recorded and understand that the recording may be shared publicly.