New Visual Paging System at Midway Elevates Communication for Travelers

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has launched a new visual
paging system at Midway International Airport to enhance communications for deaf and
hard of hearing passengers. The system displays text messages on Flight Information
Display System (FIDS) monitors throughout the terminal to help connect passengers
with family or friends, provide visual customer service messages, and when necessary,
emergency notifications.

“The CDA is constantly exploring new technology and amenities to enhance our
customer service and assistance for each and every traveler at Chicago’s airports,” said
CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. ”This new Visual Paging System aligns with
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s vision to make Chicago the most accessible city in the nation. “

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If a family member or friend
needs to reach a deaf or hard of hearing passenger, the complimentary visual paging
service is available by calling (773) 838-9660 or (773) 838-9661 (TTY). The message
can be displayed on as many as 24 FIDS monitors located throughout the terminal. The
CDA worked with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) to develop this
new technology and provide staff training.

"This system represents our ongoing commitment to make Chicago's airports and the
traveling experience more accessible to people with all types with disabilities," said
Commissioner Karen Tamley, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.

The visual paging system is the latest of several initiatives undertaken by the CDA to
enhance the travel experience for passengers with disabilities at Chicago’s airports. In
April 2010, the CDA introduced a new disability awareness and assistance program at
O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Through the program, airport employees are
trained to effectively recognize and help travelers who may require additional assistance.

As part of the program, the CDA developed a purple airplane icon to symbolize the
program. The “Purple Airplane” symbol designates travelers who need additional
assistance as well as staff and security personnel at Chicago’s Airports. The “Purple
Airplane” artwork is available for download from www.flychicago.com. Travelers can print
stickers on readily available labels prior to arriving at the airport. Airport employees who
have completed the training program wear purple airplane pins.

The CDA has also developed informational materials to inform travelers with disabilities
about the resources available to them at O’Hare and Midway International airports. The
brochures include a map highlighting accessibility throughout the airports and are
available at both airports and online.

Over the years, the CDA and MOPD have worked collaboratively to provide the best
possible customer experience for travelers with disabilities. An airport-specific training
program is now in place to educate CDA and key airport staff about how to recognize
and address the needs of customers with disabilities. More than 400 front-line airport
employees from the areas of terminal management, security, concessions, ground
transportation traffic management and Traveler’s Aid have received the training and
wear a purple airplane pin signifying their willingness and ability to assist travelers with
disabilities.