August 7, 2013
*Press Release* * * * * The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had convened a meeting today to get inputs from the disability sector with respect to Standard Operating Procedure for screening passengers with disabilities. The meeting was called in the background of the protests against the insensitivity and inappropriateness displayed by security personnel at airports while checking persons with disabilities, which in many instances leave such persons humiliated and traumatized. There have been several instances in the recent past where persons with disabilities using artificial legs (prosthetic aid), wheel chair users, and persons with visual impairments, etc. have had to undergo indignity merely because of lack of awareness, training and sensitivity of the personnel and agencies concerned. There are not clear rules/procedures for security checks of persons with disabilities at the airports in the Civil Aviation Rules (CAR) on Carriage by Air Persons with Disability and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility. The disability sector was represented at the meeting by Mr. Muralidharan, Assistant Convener of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) and Ms. Anjlee Agarwal, Executive Director of Samarthyam, National Centre for Accessible Environment. Placing the views of the sector Anjlee Agarwal and Muralidharan emphasized that while increasing security threats pose a challenge to security personnel in charge of airport security, procedures have to be so devised that security checks on persons with disabilities are done in a manner which is both dignified and do not in any manner seem to be intrusive of their privacy. They urged that a system be put in place where prosthesis users, wheelchair users, those using braces, crutches, and other such assistive devices undergo a search without stripping and removing the artificial limb or making them transfer from their wheelchairs. These suggested procedures are as per international best practices. They also highlighted issues regarding hidden disabilities like hearing impairment, Autism etc. and visible and severe disabilities such as cerebral palsy. They emphasized that security personnel need to be sensitized as to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. The fact that two persons using similar kind of assistive devices do not have similar needs should be borne in mind while carrying out security checks. For example two persons using wheelchairs would have different requirements, based on their disabilities. Anjlee demonstrated assisted wheelchair transfer to highlight that it is extremely cumbersome and unsafe to transfer in a wheelchair other than those prescribed for use, which are customised as per needs. Also, due to security reasons the wheelchairs provided by airlines have four small wheels making it impossible to move independently and use basic services like wash rooms, eatable counters, etc. A you tube video on prosthetic aid was shown to raise awareness among the BCAS decision makers in the meeting that how difficult and undignified it is to take off the prosthetic limb for the sake of passing it through the X-ray machine. This may also damage the aid while passing in the luggage conveyer belt of the X-ray machine if improperly handled. A sensitization, refresher/ orientating training and SOP amendment in light of the diverse needs of persons with disabilities during security checks should be imparted regularly to all who come in direct contact with the passengers at the airport. Detailed suggestions from the perspective of persons with diverse disabilities were submitted at the meeting, based on inputs received from several organizations and individuals working in the sector (including but not restricted to Amba Salelkar of Inclusive Planet, Suranjana Ghosh, Rajesh Bhatia, Smiti Bhatia and Nilesh Singit) drawing attention to the varied manner in which each specific disability has to be approached in the matter of screening and security. The note is given below. We are hopeful that the BCAS will adopt an SOP that would incorporate practices that would make air travel comfortable, safe and dignified for all, including persons with disabilities. Anjlee Agarwal, *, *Executive Director, *SAMARTHYAM, National Centre for Accessible Environments, *[samarthyain...@yahoo.com], (M) 9810558321 Muralidharan, Assistant Convener, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), nprd...@gmail.com, 9868768543** * * * * *Suggestions made to the BCAS:* *I. **Training of Security Staff* While there is no doubt that security is paramount, the dignity of persons with disabilities must not be violated during the security process, particularly when it is possible to conduct security screening while completely respecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Some of the problems faced by passengers with disability include persons in wheelchairs being asked to stand up, people being asked to remove their clothes to remove prosthetic limbs/calipers for screening in X ray machine. Given below are the best practices to be followed during the security process: Screeners shall be trained to: a. Be courteous and friendly b. Treat everyone fairly and equally c. Be respectful throughout the screening process d. Assess the needs of person to be screened e. Ask, and not assume the type of assistance needed f. Provide appropriate screening options. *II. **Screening Process* [image: *] For passengers using wheel chair or other mobility aid the screening officer shall advise of the screening process that will be required prior to entering the Departure Lounge. Passengers are to advise the screening officer of their condition and if required, request separate screening to avoid passing through a metal detector. [image: *] The Screening points should have, full body scanners, chairs and walking aids for semi ambulant walking-aid user. [image: *] Full body scanners should be used for passengers using their own wheelchairs and should not be asked to stand up or transfer to wheelchairs provided by the airport. A wheelchair user unable to move, raise hands, etc. shall be subjected to secondary screening and shall undergo a pat down (frisk search) of the person by a screening officer of the same gender. Screening officers shall obtain consent to conduct a frisk search. Before a frisk search is carried out, the screener shall offer the use of a private search room. Private screening rooms shall be available upon request. [image: *] *For passengers who are blind/low vision, the screening staff shall*: o offer screening options to stand or sit for primary screening; o assist persons through the Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD); o provide an option for private screening; o where a physical search of personal belongings is required, replace all items where they were originally located; o make certain that an assistance animal, such as a guide dog, is not separated from a person during screening; o shall make or put up identification mark on the baggage; o identity card or badge No. of the “assistance” provided to escort the passenger who are blind/low vision must be communicated in writing. [image: *] *For passengers with Hearing Impairment, the following techniques can be used*: o speak in a normal tone and pace, in a clear and concise manner; o use hand signals and gestures to help express spoken direction (pointing and nodding); o maintain eye contact at all times and speak directly to the person with the impairment; o point out visual alarms by physical indication; and o if communication difficulties persist, screening officers shall use written instructions to communicate to the guest. [image: *] *For passengers with hidden disabilities the following techniques can be used:* o If requested, allow escort to assist, and go through security check, with person with disability of opposite sex. [image: *] *Security Guidelines in relation to persons with prosthetic limbs*** o Passengers with prostheses or calliper (usually worn by patients with mobility impairment) can be screened without removing them. o Under no circumstances should travellers wearing prostheses be asked to remove it & made to put the prosthetic device into the x-ray scanner that is used to scan hand baggage. o Passengers with prostheses should be screened using advanced technological mechanisms such as Explosive Trace Detectors (ETD), metal detector, imaging technology and/or a thorough pat down, based upon their abilities. Airport Operators will be mandated to procure Explosive Trace Detectors and other necessary equipment according to international standards. o The passenger should inform the Security Officer of the existence of a prosthetic device or calliper, his or her ability, and of any need for assistance before screening begins. o Upon production of the Government Disability ID Card, the security official will begin the specified screening process ensuring discretion and privacy for the passenger. o Regardless of whether a passenger is screened by a metal detector, imaging technology, Explosive Trace Detectors (ETD), or a thorough pat down, a prosthetic can be subject to additional screening if deemed necessary by the Security Official, provided that an officer of the same gender as the passenger will need to see the prosthetic, which may require the lifting of clothing without exposing any sensitive areas or indecent exposure or removing a belt that secures the prosthetic device to the passenger’s body. This procedure will always take place in a closed private room or setting. In cases where the person with disability is accompanied by an escort, under no circumstances, shall the escort be asked / demanded to move away from the person except when the concerned person with disability wants so. o If any trace of explosive material is detected, the passenger will have to undergo additional screening. o If a passenger cannot or chooses not to be screened by imaging technology or a walk-through metal detector, the passenger should be screened using a thorough physical pat-down procedure instead. A physical pat-down procedure should be used to resolve any alarms of a metal detector or anomalies identified by imaging technology. *If a physical pat-down is required in order to complete screening, the following points should be considered:* a) The pat-down should be conducted by an officer of the same gender. The passenger can request a private screening at any time and a private screening should be offered when the officer must pat-down sensitive areas. During a private screening, another CISF employee of the same gender as the passenger should also be present and the passenger may be accompanied by a companion of his or her choosing. b) A passenger may ask for a chair if he or she needs to sit down. c) A passenger should be given the right to inform an officer before the pat-down begins, of any difficulty in raising his or her arms, remaining in the position required for a pat-down, or any areas of the body that are painful when touched. d) A passenger should not be asked to remove or lift any article of clothing to reveal a sensitive body area. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security shall document a Standard Operating Procedure to be followed by the security staff deployed at all Airports in India, on screening of people who are amputees and wear prostheses. The document should, inter-alia, specify the following: a) A document listing the steps to be followed for screening passengers using prostheses should be readily available with security personnel deputed at all airports. b) All security personnel, irrespective of rank, should undergo periodic trainings (at least once in every quarter) on the security procedures that need be followed for screening passengers wearing prostheses. An annual training calendar should be available for imparting first time/re-enforcement training to these personnel. c) Manufacturers of prostheses like Ottobock, Endolite etc, who have a pan India presence should be engaged by Bureau of Civil Aviation to give a firsthand feel of different types of prosthesis and the parts used in them. The frequency of the training should be at least once in every quarter. *III. **Additional * a) Security Officials should be trained in the identification of various notification cards for persons with disabilities and medical conditions and how to ascertain the genuineness of the same. They should be trained to accept these cards and proceed with the security protocol accordingly. b) Security screening process drawn up by the BCAS must be vetted by the DCGA and ensure that it complies with all applicable civil liberties and civil rights laws, regulations and policies and do not discriminate against travelers on the basis of disability. The protocol must be drawn up in consonance with persons with disabilities through a dialogue wherein the concerns of both parties are addressed. c) BCAS must create an internal disciplinary mechanism whereby its officials can be held accountable for any violation of the civil rights of travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. The Complaints Resolution Officer, under the Committee recommendations, should assist the aggrieved passenger in clarifying the protocol with the Security Officers, as well as helping the aggrieved passenger file a Complaint in the BCAS internal disciplinary mechanism. d) Internal audit reports should be made public and hosted on the website of BCAS. As a follow up, the BCAS should also host a Corrective & Preventive Action Report (CAPA) on the deficiencies noted during the internal audit review on their website along with timelines. e) Along with the website, the BCAS must also maintain a separate helpline pertaining to information on security checks. The helpline should be available 365 days from at least 9:00 am until 9:00 pm IST, every single day of the week to answer any questions of travellers with disabilities and medical conditions and their loved ones who want to prepare for screening process before flying. f) Best practices should ensure there is a private screened area in close proximity to main security screening area to make private screening convenient for the persons with disabilities, without any open sections like roofs or doors for a close scrutiny check. As and when a deaf/hearing impaired person is to be searched, the Security Officer will call for a sign language interpreter facility. * * *IV. **Groups for which special instructions must be specified on the BCAS website** *(reference can be made to http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/travelers-disabilities-and-medical-conditions ) o Have Difficulty Walking or Standing o Uses Wheelchair or Scooters o Cannot Remove Shoes o Have Metal Joint Implants o Have Internal Medical Devices o Needs Medication o Have Medically Necessary Liquids o Need Dressings and bandages o Have Medically Necessary Radioactive Substances o Use Portable Oxygen o Have CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs o Use Nebulizers o Have Diabetes o Have Ostomies o Have an External Medical Device o Are Breast Cancer Survivors o Have Children with Disabilities o Have Autism or Intellectual Disabilities o Are Blind or Visually Impaired o Use Service Dogs o Have a Prosthetic device o Have a Cast, Brace, or Support Appliance o Have Difficulty Being Touched o Are Deaf or Hearing Impaired o Have Difficulty Waiting in Line o Those who want to wear gloves, socks, scarf or facial / nasal mask and cannot remove due to their sensitivity to external temperature like cold, air condition smoke, etc. Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. 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