Hello again; I hope you are taking steps to care for yourself and your family while moving forward to your goals.
I trust you were impressed by the progress that Mike May, his team, and others are doing to improve accessibility.
You can Check out Mike's interview here.
Just in case you haven't heard it yet.
Please visit https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobilitymatters2022
for more information about the event or to register to attend.
Today, I'm speaking with Walt Marchbanks. He is the director of accessibility at Portland International Airport
But his position is so more than that. Or at least it extends far beyond what this blind man would usually think of as disability.
During my conversation with Walt I came to the understanding that at Portland International, PDX, they are on a continuing journey to make the travel experience inclusive and as painless as possible for as many people as possible.
This required them to take an exhaustive look at all the physical properties of the airport as well as the processes used by them and the airlines operating out of PDX.
And it lead them to some unusual applications.
Including ideas like a volunteer music program, an animal therapy program, and adoption of the sunflower program to make employees aware of hidden or invisible disabilities.
It lead them to include a quiet room for people with autism or anyone just needing a break from the pressures of air travel.
Finally, he gave examples of where they are having to anticipate the future needs across age, gender, race, and yes disability.
And he and his team are proving that designing and planning for inclusion makes everyone's experience more pleasurable.
Walt is a very engaging guy, and I know you are going to enjoy our conversation.
Now on to the show.
About Walt
Walt has been with the Port of Portland for over ten years and has served in multiple roles.
Most recently serving as the Port of Portland’s Passenger Programs and Services Manager since July of 2016.
In this role he is primarily responsible for the PDX Canine Therapy Program, Airport-Wide Customer Service Program (PDX People) and the PDX Volunteer Music Program.
Throughout his career, Walt has fostered incredible partnerships with tourism agencies (Travel Oregon/Travel Portland), diplomatic agencies, special needs agencies (Guide Dogs for the Blind, PSU Institute on Aging, etc.), and all 75+ tenants that operate out of PDX.
Walt currently chairs our PDX Accessibility Committee which serves to ensure that considerations and accommodations are made for all airport users, regardless of age or ability, and are factored into planned new construction and refurbishment projects and designs.
C.M.
Passenger Programs and Services Manager
Portland International Airport
Connect With PDX
Website: www.flypdx.com/accessibility
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flypdx
Twitter: www.twitter.com/flypdx
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pdxairport
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/company/port-of-portland
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/portofportland
I feel like I learned a lot. I came away understanding that when you have there right goals you can create an experience that makes everyone's lives better.
For example by creating quiet space for people with autism, they also created spaces for people who are just overwhelmed with the speed and noise of traveling by air.
I hope these conversations are causing you to have ideas about how you can personally help make the lives of people with disabilities better.
And of course I want you thinking about signing up for and attending the conference.
Again the link is:
https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobilitymatters2022
Personally, I would appreciate it if you would share these conversations with your friends and family.
Because as I always say we can't change lives if they never hear this content.
Also,