Four years ago, Michelle Niedens, now director of the Cognitive Care Unit at the KU Medical Center’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, said, “Wouldn’t it be great if our new airport was dementia-friendly?”
That vision inspired the rest of the Dementia Friendly KC team, and we sprang into action. We first met with Jolie Justus, who sent us to Pat Klein, Aviation Department Director.
He welcomed us, saying he wanted our new airport to be as inclusive as possible. He was instantly interested in becoming dementia-friendly. From there, he invited us to a number of design meetings, where the national team warmly welcomed us and listened carefully to our suggestions. We also participated in a variety of community meetings, advocating for travelers who are living with dementia and for their care partners.
Along the way, we received help and guidance from Michele Ohmes, ADA Specialist, who also advised and advocated for us.
Sara Barsel and her team, the Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group, supported our efforts by sharing information and offering important international connections. Ian Kenneth Grant Sherriff and other members of the International Dementia Air Travel Group, including airport professionals from Heathrow, Gatwick and Brisbane, also supported our efforts, shared best practices, and encouraged us.
Ian told us, “It’s a privilege to be part of your journey to change the way people look at dementia in America.”
We and Michelle Niedens toured the new airport and marveled at how dementia-friendly (and inclusive) it is. Here are a few highlights:
The Quiet Room
We felt instantly soothed as we walked into the Quiet Room, with its forest green walls and comfortable chairs (easy to get in and out of). It also had plenty of plugs, so people could quietly recharge their technology.
Flight Simulator Room
The design team created an amazing state-of-the-art pre-flight experience for those who have issues with flying, complete with a simulated cabin, a chance to try stowing luggage and a restroom, so people can practice opening and closing those tricky bathroom doors. Justin Meyer, Deputy Director of Aviation, gave us a private tour of the Simulator.
Family Adult Restrooms
These are spacious and practical restrooms, complete with an adult changing table and plenty of space. As a bonus, the airport created a separate changing room. There are also helpful red and green lights showing which stalls are available.
(There are many other helpful features, such as an Accessible play area and a Sensory room.)
We are so grateful to all the people who helped bring this vision to life by believing in and advocating for a dementia-friendly and inclusive airport. Please help us spread the word to those who might benefit.
Deborah Shouse and Ron Zoglin are cofounders of Dementia Friendly Kansas City, a small group of determined volunteers dedicated to making Kansas City more inclusive and welcoming for those who are living with dementia. Members included the Kansas City Public Library, the Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter, the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, the Mid-America Regional Council, The Creativity Connection, along with community volunteers, care partners, and people who were living with dementia.
