Understanding Invisible Disabilities
About this course
This online asynchronous course provides cabin crew members with the knowledge and skills to better support passengers with invisible disabilities. Learners will learn to differentiate between visible and invisible disabilities and explore common conditions such as anxiety disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and dementia.
Learners will understand how these conditions affect a passenger’s travel experience, including communication needs, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural responses. They will also learn practical strategies to support passengers before, during, and after flights, including communication techniques, safety practices, de-escalation methods, and emergency responses.
By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to foster a more inclusive and supportive travel environment that ensures a safer and more positive experience for all passengers.
What you will learn
- Differentiate between visible and invisible disabilities, providing examples and understanding how these distinctions affect individuals’ experiences.
- Describe common invisible disabilities, including anxiety disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and dementia, along with their symptoms, individual differences, and associated comorbidities.
- Identify and respond to specific needs, sensory sensitivities, and behaviours of individuals with invisible disabilities during travel.
- Apply strategies to support passengers with invisible disabilities before, during, and after flights, including communication techniques, safety measures, and emergency responses.
- Demonstrate appropriate de-escalation and post-emergency support, including managing meltdowns and high-risk situations effectively.
- Foster an inclusive and dementia-friendly travel environment, ensuring accessibility, comfort, and positive interactions for all passengers.