ODO’s new certification program for wheelchair service providers is now underway. The first Train-The-Trainer classes for Gateway Group One (GGO), taught by Eric Lipp and Laurel Van Horn, took place in Newark and Los Angeles in April and May. The 26 newly certified GGO trainers are now conducting classes for frontline staff at airports across the country including Newark, Los Angeles, Houston, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Wichita, Oakland and Panama City. Over 1500 GGO employees are expected to become Certified Access Providers in 2013.
News & Events
Gateway Group One Certification Training Now Underway
New ODO Aviation Certification Program
Beginning in early 2013, Open Doors Organization will offer a new and unique Aviation Access Certification Program designed to raise the quality of and standardize service by airline wheelchair service employees nationwide. Eric Lipp, ODO Executive Director, announced the new program on October 17 at the 2012 Universal Access in Airports conference in Seattle.
“Our aim in creating this new training and certification program,” Mr. Lipp said, “is to help these employees do a better, safer job and to realize how valuable their services are, thereby enhancing the quality and experience for both customers and employees. Now there will be a gold standard that includes training that was developed by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.”
Read the Press Release.
UAIA 2012–The Best Yet!
Universal Access in Airports, which took place on Oct. 16-18 in Seattle, had record attendance and strong educational content from start to finish. Our heartfelt thanks go out to our many sponsors, panelists and attendees. Highlights included an impassioned opening speech by Brad Tilden, the new CEO of Alaska Airlines, and presentation of the 2012 Disability Access Professionals Award to Ray Prentice, Director of Customer Advocacy for Alaska Airlines.
UAIA 2012 Program pdf
Updated CRO Refresh Webinar
Open Doors Organization is pleased to introduce our updated 2013 CRO Refresh Training course which features an interview with Anne Hammond from the US Department of Transportation (DOT). This webinar is designed to help airlines meet the annual training requirements for their Complaints Resolution Officials. The webinar focuses on those areas which tend to generate the most complaints such as service in the terminal and seating issues. It also includes the latest rulemaking and guidance from the DOT as well as details on recent DOT enforcements.
For details or registration, go to Web Event Solutions.
Featured Training
ODO Disability Awareness Course Offered by Airports Council International
ODO’s first training module developed for Airports Council International (ACI) is now open for registration at the ACI Online Learning Center. Entitled “Passengers with Disabilities and Reduced Mobility Awareness Training,” the course will provide participants with an awareness of, and appropriate responses to, customers with physical, sensory, mental, and hidden disabilities, as well as those using service animals.
Disability and Reduced Mobility Awareness Training is mandated for airline and airport frontline staff not only in the US under the Air Carrier Access Act but also in Canada under the Canada Transportation Act and in Europe under EC 1107.
The self-paced eLearning module takes approximately 2 hours to complete and costs $95 per enrollment.
Featured Project
ADA Motorcoach Training
In January 2012 Open Doors Organization (ODO), in cooperation with the United Motorcoach Association (UMA), launched a new training program for intercity and charter/tour bus operators. The program is designed to help companies meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and also provide the best possible service to their clients with disabilities including older travelers.
The lively, full-day training is conducted by two trainers, one a disability expert from ODO, the other a UMA board member and motorcoach operator. The morning session, which covers ADA basics, disability awareness and service on the coach, is for all personnel including drivers. The afternoon session, which addresses company policies and procedures, is for management
and sales staff.
The training is being marketed to state bus associations as well as to individual companies and groups of companies. For details and pricing, email
Laurel Van Horn, Director of Programs.
Next Group Trainings:
Ontario, CA, July 30, 9am-5pm
Doubletree by Hilton Ontario Airport
222 N. Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764
San Jose, CA, August 1, 10am-6pm
Holiday Inn San Jose Airport
1350 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95012
Sponsored by California Bus Association
For details, email Suzie Petersen
