Accessibility/504 and Title VI Non-Discrimination
Documents and Forms
This page includes the following information for the Airport Authority's Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:
Accessibility/504 and Title VI Complaint Procedures and Forms
Services for Guests with Disabilities
ADA Compliance & Complaint Resolution
In compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, the GFIA Authority does not discriminate on the basis of disability in administration of its aviation-related programs and activities.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Michigan Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Implementation Act, does not discriminate on the basis of disability in administration of its aviation-related programs and activities.
The Airport Authority is committed to providing equal opportunities for the disabled traveling public, applicants, participants, employees and other interested persons. The traveling public and other persons as listed above who believe they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability, or have been denied access to services or accommodations required by law, should contact the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority ADA Coordinator at (616) 233-6000.
Assistance & Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in all public areas of the passenger terminal building, and an animal relief area with wheelchair accessibility is available in the west end of the terminal curb front and post-security on Concourse A.
Guide dogs and other assistance animals are welcome in all public areas of the passenger terminal building. Please be advised that assistance animals are required to be screened when entering the sterile area of the terminal.
For more information on the screening of assistance animals, please see the TSA website.
In compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Carrier Access Act Rule, the airport provides a pre- and post-security animal relief area for service animals that accompany passengers at the airport. The pre-security animal relief area is wheelchair-accessible and located at the west end of the terminal curb front and provides Mutt Mitts, trash receptacles, and benches. The post-security animal relief area is located at the beginning of Concourse A near Gate A4.
GFIA guests with pets are free to access the designated pre-security animal relief area as well.
Handicap Parking
Handicap parking is available in all parking lots, and our shuttles are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
T-Coil Looping Page System
Our paging system is available to patrons who use T-Coil compatible assistive hearing devices.
Our paging system is available to patrons who use T-Coil compatible assistive hearing devices in the public areas of the main terminal Grand Hall and Concourses A & B. Please note: The T-Coil System is not accessible in the restrooms or food & beverage and retail concessions spaces.
Not familiar with the T-Coil compatible hearing loop system technology? Here is a great video that explains it!
Not sure if your hearing aid supports T-Coil technology? Check with your audiologist. We are pleased to be able to offer this technology to improve the travel experience for our patrons with hearing loss.
Wheelchair Assistance
GFIA provides a variety of options to assist wheelchair users throughout the airport.
We have wheelchairs available for guest use, and airline personnel will be happy to assist you with boarding and exiting the aircraft. It is always best to arrange for wheelchair assistance when booking your flight so that your airline communicates the information with airline and airport personnel across your entire travel route.
How to Request Wheelchair Service:
To request wheelchair assistance specifically for your needs at GFIA, you can call (616) 550-7643 in advance of your arrival and speak with a representative of Prospect Airport Services. Or when you arrive at the airport, you can go to your airline's ticket counter or to the Visitor Information Desk in the baggage claim area, or you can request a page for a Passenger Service Assistant and wheelchair assistance from a curb front security officer.
An elevator is available on the north side of the main hall for those who would like to visit the observation deck on our mezzanine level or those visiting the Airport Authority offices.
TSA Cares
Call the TSA toll-free hotline, 1-855-787-2227, for assistance navigating the airport security process.
The TSA Cares toll-free helpline is for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions that need assistance navigating the airport security process. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours ahead for assistance or submit an online request for TSA Cares Assistance HERE.
Learn more about TSA Cares Assistance at www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support.
Companion Care Restroom
A companion care restroom with an adult changing table is offered in Concourse A near gate A8.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is proud to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a global initiative aimed at providing support and assistance to travelers with hidden disabilities.
As part of this initiative, airport staff and partners have been trained to recognize the Sunflower symbol and provide assistance and accommodations accordingly. Passengers with hidden disabilities can request a free Sunflower item at the Airport’s Visitor Information Desk and security screening checkpoint.
Sensory Room
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority is proud to offer a Sensory Room, located at the beginning of Concourse A. This new area is designed to offer support to travelers with sensory sensitivities.
The Sensory Room is intended to provide a therapeutic setting that helps individuals feel comfortable in their surroundings. The space is designed to minimize overstimulation and provide a calm and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages with cognitive and/or development disabilities.
Developed in partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County, the Sensory Room is intended to provide a calm and controlled setting that offers a sense of familiarity for travelers. The space is divided into four different zones, including:
- Transition Zone: Provides a comfortable adjustment from one sensory experience to another.
- Active Zone: Engages multiple senses through various activities.
- Respite Zone: Offers sensory separation and recalibration in a public setting.
- Airplane Simulation Zone: Prepares individuals for new sensory situations to decrease anxiety.
The Sensory Room is open to travelers and can be accessed through a call button next to the entrance door.
