ADA and Title VI
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority's (CRAA) vision is "connecting Ohio with the world" and we are committed to serving the disabled community traveling through all of our airports. Our ADA Programs is designed to assist travelers with disabilities in understanding CRAA's ADA initiatives and programs as they navigate CRAA's airports — John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), and Bolton Field Airport (TZR) efficiently and successfully.
CRAA’s ADA program objective is to ensure and provide equal access and a superior travel experience to disabled travelers using CRAA airports and facilities.
In addition, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA or Airport) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, is denied the benefits of, or is otherwise subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or creed under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance at CRAA airports – John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport, and Bolton Field Airport as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (PL100.259), and Section 520 of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. CRAA further assures that every effort shall be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all its programs and activities, regardless of whether those programs are federally funded or not.
CRAA requires Title VI assurances from each tenant, contractor, and concessionaire providing an activity, service, or facility at airports under lease, contract, or franchise from CRAA. CRAA also requires that such tenants, contractors, and concessionaires require Title VI assurances of their respective subcontractors/sub-concessionaires.
It is also the policy to comply with Executive Order 12898 (1994), Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, and Executive Order 13166 (2000), Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
CRAA is committed to ensuring that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. Additionally, CRAA will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with limited-English proficiency.
Filing a complaint
Any person who believes that they have been or are being subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or creed by the Airport, airport employees, tenants, vendors, or agents has the right to file a complaint with CRAA, or directly with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Civil Rights. Complaints may be filed with both agencies simultaneously.
A discrimination complaint must be written including all the information requested on the complaint form, which can be downloaded here.
Complaints should be submitted via email, mail, or hard copy to:
Suzanne Bell, Senior Attorney (ADA/Tile VI Coordinator)
Columbus Regional Airport Authority
4600 International Gateway
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Legal@ColumbusAirports.com
More detailed information on how to file a Title VI complaint and how it will be processed can be found here.
Discrimination complaints must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days of either:
- The alleged act of discrimination.
- Date when the person(s) became aware of the alleged discrimination.
- Date on which the conduct was discontinued if there has been a continuing course of conduct.
As well as internal investigation by CRAA, any complaints received against CRAA, our employees, tenants and concessionaires, will be forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration for investigation. The contact information for the FAA is:
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of Civil Rights, ACR-1
800 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20591
Phone: (202) 267-3258
Passenger Information
Aira for visually-impaired visitors
Blind and low-vision travelers can better maneuver our airport facilities by using a free service called Aira. Made possible with geo-fencing technology, a smartphone app and/or “smart” glasses, Aira connects visually-impaired persons with a trained, remotely-located agent who can see where the traveler is and can guide them as needed. CMH is among more than 30 U.S. airports offering this customer service option. Learn more about Aira.
Car rentals
The rental car center located west of the terminal on International Gateway has shuttle service available from the airport terminal. Each shuttle is equipped with accessible lifts or ramps. For travelers needing assistance, they may contact the car rental company directly.
Drinking fountains and telephones
Public drinking fountains comply with ADA standards and requirements. CRAA has public telephones located at Bolton Field and John Glenn Columbus International Airports. TDD/TTY services are available 24 hours a day through the telephone/911 system via the Communications Center.
Elevators, escalators, moving walkways
CRAA's elevators, escalators, and moving sidewalks meet ADA standards including Braille signage. Emergency telephones connected to the Communications Center are in all passenger elevators.
Emergency evacuation procedures
CRAA has developed and adopted formal emergency evacuation policies for John Glenn Columbus and Rickenbacker International Airports to ensure an effective strategy when dealing with emergency evacuation of the airport terminals. The emergency evacuation procedures address the traveling public, airport employees, airport organizations and tenants, including individuals with disabilities, such as mobile, visual, auditory, both visual and auditory impairments, cognitive impairments, and non-English speaking needs and requirements.
Jetbridges
Jetbridges maintained per manufacturer specification. Individual airlines are responsible for providing needed assistance to individuals with disabilities to meet the requirements of the Air Career Access Act.
Journey care kits
Our Journey Care Kits provide resources for travelers with visible and hidden disabilities to prepare for their upcoming air travel experiences. The kits include sunflower-themed lanyards and wristbands, providing a discreet sign to airport staff that someone might like additional assistance or time when moving through the airport. Lanyards are available in-person at our information booths on the ticketing and baggage claim levels. For a full Journey Care Kit, please email CustomerService@ColumbusAirports.com 60 days before a scheduled flight.
Nursing/lactation rooms
In compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act of 2017, CRAA airports – John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport offer traveling parents’ access to private nursing/lactation rooms. These nursing/lactation rooms allow nursing parents the option to feed their babies and manage personal needs in comfort and privacy.
Parking
On-airport parking is available 24 hours a day and includes ADA designated parking spaces in all airport parking areas. Vehicles properly displaying a valid permit idenfitifaction may use these spaces.
Passenger security screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for the security of airline passengers, their belongings, and the aircraft. Please visit TSA's guide to airport passenger security screening for travelers with reduced mobility and medical conditions for more information.
Service animal relief areas
Passengers traveling with pets or service animals can utilize the Pet Relief Area and the Service Animal Relief Areas within CRAA’s John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
Shuttle/ground transportation
The shuttle/ground transportation vehicles servicing CRAA parking lots and facilities are required to be equipped with wheelchair lifts. The shuttle buses servicing CRAA surface lots are equipped to accommodate one (1) wheelchair. The buses servicing the rental car facility (CONRAC) accommodate two (2) wheelchairs. All buses are checked on a regular basis, and all drivers are trained on proper operation of the wheelchair lift.
Taxicab service
The taxicab fleet currently operating at CRAA has lift-equipped vehicles. Travelers needing this service are encouraged to contact the taxi providers in advance of their arrival time to ensure the taxi service is aware of their accessiblity needs.
Terminal signage
Tactile Braille designations appear in each public elevator and directional signage throughout the terminal includes universal pictograms. Way-finding assistance is available from Airport Ambassadors stationed in centrally located information centers on ticketing and baggage claim levels.
TSA Cares
The TSA Cares helpline assists travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll-free 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. In additional, passengers should contact TSA Cares if additional assistance is needed during the screening process.
Visual paging displays
Hearing impaired passengers and others can be paged and view important airport information broadcasted visually on our Flight and Baggage Information Display System (FIDS/BIDS) monitors located throughout the terminal. Contact the Airport Communication Center at 614-239-4029 for more details, or stop by one of the Information Centers located within the airport.
Wheelchair accessible and family restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located throughout CRAA airport terminals. Family restrooms can accommodate travelers who require companion care assistance. All CRAA restrooms and family restrooms comply with ADA standards and requirements.
Wheelchair assistance
Travelers who need wheelchair assistance may arrange this service directly through the airline they are using. To ensure availablity and timely service, it is strongly recommended that requests be made in advance of the travel date. Wheelchairs may also be requested from the airline at the ticket counter or curbside (if available) on the day of travel.
ADA/Title VI Team
Contact information:
Suzanne Bell, Senior Attorney
Legal & Administration
Columbus Regional Airport Authority
4600 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219
SBell@ColumbusAirports.com
614-239-5032
Notice of non-discrimination
A copy of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority's nondiscrimination poster can be downloaded here.