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Delta Regional Partner Flight Attendant Goes Above and Beyond for Deaf Passenger
Always refreshing to read good stories about Delta and their regional partners.
A Deaf Girl Got on a Delta Flight. What Happened Next Truly Stunned Her When Ashley got on this Delta flight, she suddenly had a strange experience -- a surprise. A handwritten note from a flight attendant. It read: Hi, Good Morning Ashley. My name is Janna and I will be your Flight Attendant on today's flight to JFK. There are two buttons above your head. A yellow one that controls the reading light and a big gray one with a person on it that you can use to call me if you need anything. In the case of emergency, the nearest exit is behind you. Those are our over-wing exits. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any assistance. Again, my name is Janna and welcome aboard our CRJ 200 aircraft. |
Originally Posted by Ysitincoach
(Post 31303051)
Always refreshing to read good stories about Delta and their regional partners.
A Deaf Girl Got on a Delta Flight. What Happened Next Truly Stunned Her |
I wonder how many FAs know ASL and whether airlines do anything to encourage FAs to learn some sign language. On the ground at a major airport, I'd think that someone would be available at least via Skype if there were major communication difficulties, just like speakers of major foreign languages can be called upon to help. It's unclear whether the daughter was traveling as a UM or was over age 15 and able (or forced) to fly independently. |
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 31304186)
It's unclear whether the daughter was traveling as a UM or was over age 15 and able (or forced) to fly independently. the linked story states she is 16 |
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 31304186)
I wonder how many FAs know ASL and whether airlines do anything to encourage FAs to learn some sign language. On the ground at a major airport, I'd think that someone would be available at least via Skype if there were major communication difficulties, just like speakers of major foreign languages can be called upon to help. It's unclear whether the daughter was traveling as a UM or was over age 15 and able (or forced) to fly independently. |
Originally Posted by steveholt
(Post 31305442)
Not ASL, but Virgin Atlantic has a program which allows for deaf customers to request a British Sign Language-speaking flight attendant, although it's only on international flights and requires 12 weeks notice. (Do VS even operate any domestic flights anymore?)
The Virgin Atlantic program is also pretty special. I wonder how well publicized it is? I wonder if they pay a bit more for the specialized skill. We have a friend who is profoundly hearing impaired, so I'll pass this along. I never heard them mention it, so they may not know. GC |
Originally Posted by GeezerCouple
(Post 31305460)
OP's post is genuinely special. (Well, the flight attendant's behavior, anyway!)
The Virgin Atlantic program is also pretty special. I wonder how well publicized it is? I wonder if they pay a bit more for the specialized skill. We have a friend who is profoundly hearing impaired, so I'll pass this along. I never heard them mention it, so they may not know. GC |
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 31304186)
I wonder how many FAs know ASL and whether airlines do anything to encourage FAs to learn some sign language. On the ground at a major airport, I'd think that someone would be available at least via Skype if there were major communication difficulties, just like speakers of major foreign languages can be called upon to help. It's unclear whether the daughter was traveling as a UM or was over age 15 and able (or forced) to fly independently. When I first saw the headline, my assumption was it was cabin crew that communicated via ASL, I'm always touched at the amount of Disney Parks character actors that are fluent in ASL. It melts the heart to see them reach deaf children in a special way. |
This seems like a good thread in which to post about the Navigating MSP program, in which Delta plays an important part. This program, usually on the first Saturday of each month, is aimed particularly at families who will be traveling with a child/children with autism, but open to families and adults with any disability. Even adults with extreme fear of flying sometimes attend. The operation of the program relies on the Autism Society of Minnesota, the MSP Administration, MSP Travelers Assistance volunteers, TSA officers, and Delta staff, including ground staff, flight attendants, and pilots. The families or individuals participating in the program come to MSP for a trial run of taking a trip. Accompanied by airport volunteers the participants are given gate passes to get through a TSA checkpoint, receive special attention and explanations from TSA officers while going through the screening, are told of resources in the airport that may be helpful (e.g., quieter areas of the airport), go to a gate, and board a Delta aircraft. Once on the plane Delta flight attendants and pilots talk to the participants about what they will experience on a flight and give advice about techniques to help deal with flying. At least two of the pilots have kids of their own on the autism spectrum and talk from their experiences as parents. The kids who attend this program receive gifts —- stuffed animals, certificates, wings. Families and individuals can participate in this program as often as they want before a flight or even without ever taking a flight. There is one developmentally disabled man of about 30 who comes with his parents every month because he loves airplanes. This program is one of my own favorite activities as a Travelers Assistance volunteer at MSP. It is heartening to see the kids, who face all sorts of special challenges every day, become more comfortable with the airport just in two or three hours. |
Originally Posted by CarmenOM
(Post 31307175)
This seems like a good thread in which to post about the Navigating MSP program, in which Delta plays an important part. This program, usually on the first Saturday of each month, is aimed particularly at families who will be traveling with a child/children with autism, but open to families and adults with any disability. Even adults with extreme fear of flying sometimes attend. The operation of the program relies on the Autism Society of Minnesota, the MSP Administration, MSP Travelers Assistance volunteers, TSA officers, and Delta staff, including ground staff, flight attendants, and pilots. The families or individuals participating in the program come to MSP for a trial run of taking a trip. Accompanied by airport volunteers the participants are given gate passes to get through a TSA checkpoint, receive special attention and explanations from TSA officers while going through the screening, are told of resources in the airport that may be helpful (e.g., quieter areas of the airport), go to a gate, and board a Delta aircraft. Once on the plane Delta flight attendants and pilots talk to the participants about what they will experience on a flight and give advice about techniques to help deal with flying. At least two of the pilots have kids of their own on the autism spectrum and talk from their experiences as parents. The kids who attend this program receive gifts —- stuffed animals, certificates, wings. Families and individuals can participate in this program as often as they want before a flight or even without ever taking a flight. There is one developmentally disabled man of about 30 who comes with his parents every month because he loves airplanes. This program is one of my own favorite activities as a Travelers Assistance volunteer at MSP. It is heartening to see the kids, who face all sorts of special challenges every day, become more comfortable with the airport just in two or three hours. https://www.atl.com/wings-for-autism...ildren-adults/ |
Originally Posted by steveholt
(Post 31305442)
Not ASL, but Virgin Atlantic has a program which allows for deaf customers to request a British Sign Language-speaking flight attendant, although it's only on international flights and requires 12 weeks notice. (Do VS even operate any domestic flights anymore?)
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A language bar for sign language will soon be added to qualifying employees’ uniforms. https://news.delta.com/board-soon-em...anguage-option On the heels of being named "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion" for the fourth consecutive year, Delta will soon be rolling out a uniform language bar option for over 300+ sign languages around the world. Delta is the first U.S. airline to offer this option; and with this improvement, customers and qualified employees will immediately be able to visually recognize when they hold sign language as a common connection. |
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