Abstract of Dissertation presented to COPPE/UFRJ as a partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.)

ACCESSIBILITY OF TOURISTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO THE AIR

TRANSPORT

Rafael Teixeira de Castro

April/2010

Advisors: Ronaldo Balassiano

Respício Antônio do Espírito Santo Jr.

Department: Transportation Engineering

The difficulties faced by people with special needs in air transport are

countless. Many authors have investigated this issue; however, only few

researches were dedicated to observing, perceiving and listening to these

individuals’ needs. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the accessibility

of people with special needs in air transport as a factor for social inclusion. By

interviews and interaction with people with special needs, “flowchart models”

were developed with the objective to understand the real difficulties imposed by

the terminals. The methodology used was a qualitative research based on

questionnaires and interviews to people with mobility impairments in partnership

with NGOs in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The findings point to the essentiality of

airport planners, designers and managers hear the voice of these costumers in

order to provide the service they wish to have which is guaranteed by the

legislation. Listening to these people, learning about their differences and how

to deal with them, is of great value for the development of accessible airport

facilities.