Resumo As mudanças em relação ao entendimento da deficiência no mundo buscam a efetivação da inclusão social e a maior participação das pessoas com deficiência em todos os contextos e atividades. Entretanto, no transporte aéreo há inúmeras barreiras que podem dificultar a viagem dessas pessoas. Assim, este estudo busca compreender as experiências de passageiros com deficiência no transporte aéreo brasileiro, a partir das perspectivas de diferentes atores sociais, incluindo profissionais que atuam em associações, centros de referência em reabilitação, órgãos públicos e passageiros com deficiência usuários do transporte aéreo. Para desenvolvimento do estudo foram realizadas 20 entrevistas semiestruturadas entre 2012 e 2013. Os resultados indicaram que os passageiros com deficiência encontram inúmeras dificuldades no transporte aéreo ao longo de todo o processo de viagem, inclusive fatores associados aos aeroportos, às aeronaves e aos serviços e procedimentos das companhias aéreas. Sugere-se que projetos envolvendo os usuários sejam desenvolvidos, para que seja possível compreender as reais necessidades desses passageiros e desenvolver soluções que assegurem sua independência e segurança no uso do transporte.

Abstract Changes in the world’s perception of disability seek the promotion of social inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all contexts and activities. However, there are numerous barriers in air transport that may make travel difficult for passengers with disabilities. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the experiences of passengers with disabilities in the Brazilian air transport from the perspective of different actors including professionals who work in associations that provide services to people with disabilities, reference rehabilitation centers, public agencies, and air travelers with disabilities. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted between 2012 and 2013 with these participants. The results indicated that passengers with disabilities face an array of challenges and difficulties during all stages of air travel, including factors associated with airports, aircrafts, and airline procedures and services. Therefore, it is suggested that further studies involving air travel users are carried out aiming at fully understanding their real needs and finding solutions to ensure independence and safety in the use of this means of transport.

Abstract There has been significant growth in air transport worldwide, as well as in Brazil. However, studies have emphasized that disabled, obese, and elderly passengers face difficulties when using this means of transport. Among these difficulties, issues related to passengers’ own assistive devices, including damage, loss, or the impossibility of using during the entire flight, stand out. Therefore, the present study aims to understand the trends in assistive technology focusing on cabin design. This research is based upon literature review, interviews with manufacturers and research centers, visits to specialized trade fairs, and patent search. The results revealed a great diversity of assistive products, its trends, and an increase in their use, which affect aircraft cabin design, especially in terms of space, access, and stowage of these devices.