Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was recently honored by the Federal Aviation Administration as winner of the 2018 Civil Rights Advocate and Partner ADA/Sec. 504 Award. The award lauded ATL’s efforts to enhance accessibility for passengers and guests with disabilities.
 
Led by ATL’s customer experience team, recent initiatives include establishing an Airport ADA committee advisory board, enhancing information desk services, and establishing a recurring program for detailed, internal self-evaluations.
 
“At Hartsfield-Jackson, we continue to strive to ensure a best-in-class experience is accessible to all of our guests,” said Balram “B” Bheodari, interim Airport General Manager. “Receiving this award is a testament to all of our hard work. I couldn’t be more proud of our team and this recognition.”
 
The advisory board serves as a catalyst for making the Airport more accessible and user-friendly to travelers by identifying barriers and solutions and informing the public about services and initiatives. In addition, improvements made to the Airport information desks, including adding hearing loops and teletypewriter (TTY) devices, supplement services already provided by trained staff.
 
The 2018 Civil Rights Advocate and Partner ADA/Sec. 504 Award was presented on July 17 at the Ninth Annual FAA National Civil Rights Training Conference for Airports in Arlington, Virginia. Organized by the FAA Office of Civil Rights, the conference provides U.S. airports with training, guidance, technical assistance and regulatory updates in multiple civil rights program areas, including airport accessibility.