b'ACCESSIBILITY|INCLUSIVITY SPECIAL REPORT MCI 53To add the realism of roaring engines, moving wingDuring MCIs open house this February, the public was invited mechanisms, screeching tires, pilot voiceovers and other sounds,to check out the new terminal. Aviation Department personnel ambient audio reverberates throughout the entire experience.answered questions and also received a lot of positive feedback There are also the usual in-flight chimes and announcements,about the inclusive and accessibility features. like a ding at 10,000 feet, the okay to take out laptops and theOne couple was especially interested in the all-gender seatbelt sign turning on and offsights and sounds that can berestrooms and shared that their youngest child is preparing to jarring to some passengers.transition to another gender. They had no idea that kind of amenity Meyer gives Dimensional Innovations high marks for the customwould be available at their hometown airport and were thrilled to audio, video and lighting it helped create. DI really did a greatsee it. The couple told Meyer that MCI is caring for our kids in job, he says. They did an amazing thing here in Kansas City. ways that we didnt even know they could be cared for. During their practice experience, passengers can read a special safety card with information about the Airbus A-321 used in the simulation, complete with extra details such as the airplane serial number, where it was made and the airlines that operated it. Air travel is amazing; its the closest thing weSEAMLESS.have to time travel, Meyer remarks, adding that MCIs simulator experience helps people whoIMMERSIVE.might otherwise not feel comfortable enough to fly. All the things that airplanes allow us to do, places to see, families to reconnect with,ENGAGING.experiences to havethats the goal of this amenity. If we can make air travel accessible for people, thats life-changing.Owen notes that Dimensional InnovationsDirect view LED displays can blend entertainment and can develop similar simulations for otherinformation to immerse travelers along their journey. airports. Were always ready to createConnect with our Daktronics airport team to learn how remarkable, memorable experiences forour technology transforms spaces into high-definition businesses of all types. If the opportunity arosestructural artlike an iconic clock tower.to work with another airport or facility on this type of element, wed definitely be interested! DAKTRONICS.COM/AIRPORTSHeartwarming ResultsThe Kansas City Aviation Department is justifiably proud of MCIs accessible, inclusive terminal design and amenities. We wanted to raise the bar, but we also recognize that its hard if youre not building a whole new terminal, Meyer remarks. We had a blank sheet of paper to put all this stuff in. That said, he hopes other airports will outdo what MCI has done. I want the next airport to come in and see what we did and move it further, he says. Because in the end, the customer wins. Were caring for people, no matter where theyre flying from.Pierce reflects on the power that airports have to help open the world for people. Their journeys begin and end in the buildings we design, he remarks. If those terminals areAAAEBOOTH #1204 not accessible, we close off the possibility ofCONFERENCE &JUNE 3-5, 2023 these experiences to vast segments of theEXPOSITION DENVER, C0public. Even the smallest changes can make all the difference to individuals.AirportImprovement.comMay | June 2023'