A Universal Seating Device to Improve Accessibility for Air Passengers with Mobility Disabilities

An ACAN is a public notice indicating to the supplier community that a department or agency intends to award a contract for goods, services or construction to a pre-identified supplier, thereby allowing other suppliers to signal their interest in bidding, by submitting a statement of capabilities. If no supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, on or before the closing date stated in the ACAN, the contracting officer may then proceed with the award to the pre-identified supplier.

Through this requirement, Transport Canada is seeking a supplier/vendor to provide an orthopedic position device/aisle chair to be constructed and tested for feasibility, suitability, and safety of use on-board commercial aircraft. The device will support posture and alleviate issues related to pressure from being seated for extended periods of time for adult passengers with mobility impairments (such as wheelchair users; people who cannot hold themselves upright without support or those who have other mobility, flexibility, or pain-related disabilities). The supplier may use laboratory facilities and professional expertise to carry out the testing protocols.

Mass-market orthopedic positioning devices designed for use during air travel are only available in pediatric sizes. The Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) for Special Needs Flyers is currently the only FAA-approved alternative for passengers with mobility limitations. It is approved only for children as an alternative to bringing a car seat on board. This harness system can also be used by adults who cannot independently support their torso, but if the user is taller than 40 inches and over 44 lbs., a special permit must be obtained from the FAA or Transport Canada. The CARES system is strictly a harness and does not alleviate issues related to pressure from being seated for extended periods of time. For adult passengers who require orthopedic positioning devices to travel safely, the only current option is to custom-order a bespoke device, then individually seek prior authorization to use it. This is not financially feasible for most people with disabilities. The cost and inconvenience of ordering and seeking authorization to use a bespoke orthopedic positioning device are significant and prohibitive barriers to accessibility.

This project will support the development of a unique and innovative orthopedic positioning device/portable aisle chair designed specifically for those with mobility disabilities which won’t require any structural modifications to the aircraft. Classified as an orthopedic positioning device, the device is required to be innovative, ergonomic, lightweight, malleable seat with adjustable supports and a harness. It is to be designed to be adaptable to meet diverse needs, accommodate optional add-on accessories and collapsible to be easily carried on-board by the passenger. It must fit on existing aircraft seats without interfering with the seatbelt or seat functionality and must not require any modifications to existing cabin equipment. It must also function as an aisle chair.

The AbleFly Comfort Device (ACD) will be the first and only product available in the market to support the needs of adult air passengers with mobility disabilities. Through testing, this requirement will determine if the ACD can increase the safety, accessibility and comfort of air travel for the large and growing population of Canadians with reduced mobility