| Ontario, CA – July
2025 / NewsmakerAlert:
Southern
California’s Ontario International
Airport (ONT) will host a public celebration of the 35th anniversary
of the Americans With Disabilities Act
(ADA) on Thursday, July 24, from 10-11 a.m. in the Terminal 4 baggage
claim area. The event is part of Disability
Pride Month and will honor the sweeping impact of the ADA in expanding
access and opportunity for people with disabilities.
Signed
into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA has fundamentally changed the travel
experience for millions of Americans. At ONT, the law’s influence is visible
throughout the airport, from its infrastructure and services to staff training
and culture.
“Accessibility
is fundamental to our mission of delivering a safe, seamless and welcoming
travel experience,” said Atif
Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport
Authority (OIAA). “The ADA has elevated expectations and outcomes across
air travel, and we’re proud to honor that legacy while continuing to invest
in an airport experience
that serves all travelers with dignity and care.”
As
part of the celebration, ONT officials will spotlight key improvements
driven by the ADA, including:
-
More
Accessible Terminals: The ADA required airport terminals to become
accessible to travelers with mobility, hearing, and vision impairments.
At ONT, this has meant the installation of curb cuts, tactile signage,
accessible parking and elevators, as well as lowered ticket counters and
accessible restrooms. The airport is currently upgrading second-floor restrooms
in both terminals as part of its TSA checkpoint expansion project.
-
Wheelchair
Assistance Services: All airlines operating at ONT are required by
the ADA to offer wheelchair assistance from curbside to gate, including
boarding and deplaning. These services are now standard and widely utilized,
helping ensure mobility challenges do not impede travel.
-
Enhanced
Communication Systems: In compliance with ADA standards, ONT has invested
in accessible communication technology, including high-contrast visual
paging systems, large-font electronic displays and clear audible gate announcements.
Current upgrades include a new paging system and improved terminal signage
for easier navigation.
-
Service
Animal Relief Areas: The ADA’s recognition of service animals led to
the creation of designated relief areas in airports. ONT has established
“Barking Lots” near Gate 210 in Terminal 2 and Gate 410 in Terminal 4,
offering travelers and their service animals convenient and accessible
facilities.
-
Staff
Training and Non-Discrimination Standards: The ADA prohibits discrimination
based on disability and requires reasonable accommodations in service delivery.
At ONT, this commitment is supported through regular workshops and training
for staff and airline partners to better understand, assist and communicate
with passengers with diverse needs.
Travelers,
community partners and local media are invited to attend the July 24 event
to recognize this important milestone and celebrate the continuing efforts
to make air travel more inclusive for all.
|
|
About
Ontario International Airport
Ontario
International Airport (ONT) is California’s most popular airport, according
to J.D.
Power’s most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located
in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los
Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport
which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports
in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available
at www.flyOntario.com. Follow
@flyONT on Facebook,
X/Twitter,
and Instagram.
About
the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)
The
OIAA
was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City
of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction
for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the
benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport’s
four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem
Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman
(Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary),
Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business
executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).
ONT/OIAA
Media Contact:
Steve
Lambert
909-841-7527
LinkedIn |
