Dr. Ernesto Morales discusses evidence-based research for accessible airports and airplanes, emphasizing co-design, sensory needs, and the need for accountability in aviation accessibility.

In episode 61 of the Happy Space Podcast, I spoke with Dr. Ernesto Morales, Full Professor at Université Laval, about two federally funded projects on accessible aviation in Canada. One focuses on airport accessibility, while the other addresses aircraft lavatories. Ernesto shares how involving 72 participants with diverse disabilities through walking interviews and mockups helped surface nuanced barriers and identify improvements. We also discuss the challenges of coordination between stakeholders, the need for sensory-friendly spaces, and the importance of dignity in travel. Ernesto stresses the value of co-design and inclusive research methods, calling for regulatory clarity and deeper accountability in delivering equitable air travel experiences.

Ernesto Morales studied architecture and finished a Masters’ Degree in Industrial Design in Mexico City. He obtained a grant from the Government of Mexico to study his Ph.D. in Design at the Faculté de l’aménagement, of the University of Montreal. He did his first post doc in “Environmental Gerontology” at the Research Centre from the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal and a second post-doc at the Research Centre for Innovation in Health Care at Utrecht, the Netherlands on “Healing Environments”. He is Full Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine at the Universté Laval and he is a Researcher at the Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale in Quebec City. He is also a member of the Quebec government's Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Safety of Buildings for Persons with Disabilities. His research interests fall into the following areas: Inclusive design and adaptation of the physical environment. Design solutions to improve the quality of life of people with permanent or temporary disabilities (either cognitive, motor or sensory) in terms of objects, home spaces or urban design. Working and care environments in health institutions (acute and long-term care) and accessibility in emergency situations.

CHAPTERS

[00:00] Meeting Ernesto Morales and Project Overview

[02:00] Walking Interviews at Airports

[04:00] Designing Solutions Collaboratively

[06:00] Challenges in Airport Coordination

[08:00] Public and Private Reporting

[09:00] Ernesto’s Personal Motivation

[11:00] Co-Design as a Core Practice

[13:00] From Heritage Sites to Airports

[14:00] Merging Qualitative and Quantitative Data

[16:00] Why Canada is Leading in Accessibility

[18:00] Federal and Ministry Involvement

[20:00] Autism, Sensory Input, and Airport Design

[23:00] Stress at Security Checkpoints

[26:00] Benefits of Hidden Disability Lanyards

[28:00] Advertising and Sensory Overload

[30:00] Sensory Zones, Not Just Rooms

[33:00] Washroom Accessibility and Service Dogs

[36:00] Dignity in Air Travel

[38:00] Future Reports and Timelines

[39:00] Centralizing Responsibility for Accessibility

[41:00] Systemic Change Through Procurement and Training

LINKS

Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification

Accessibility Standards Canada

Airports

Quebec City

Calgary Airport

Ernesto’s Website

IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)

LOGO - Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Plane Mockup Photos -...