WASHINGTON – Famous carrier, United Airlines has announced to add Braille to the interiors of its aircraft, becoming the first U.S. carrier to offer the service.
The carrier said it has about a dozen aircraft with Braille markings for individual rows, seat numbers and lavatories. The carrier announced that it expects to equip its entire mainline fleet with Braille by the end of 2026.
The change is a major help for people with blindness and is hailed by human rights groups. The Department of Transportation said over 27 million people with disabilities traveled by air in 2019 and so the aircraft changes would help those with disabilities fly with ease and comfort.
“Finding your seat on a plane or getting to the restroom is something most of us take for granted, but for millions of our customers, it can be a challenge to do independently,” Linda Jojo, executive vice president and chief customer officer of the airline said in a statement.
“By adding more tactile signage throughout our interiors, we’re making the flying experience more inclusive and accessible, and that’s good for everyone,” she elaborated.
The airline said it was jointly working with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and other advocacy groups to implement other tactile navigational aids, including raised letters, numbers and arrows, CBS News reported.
United’s efforts are not just limited to altering aircraft. United’s app was recently changed to make it easier for screen-reading programs to understand.
