Participant & Resident Stories
Virgin removes disability advocate over wheelchair motor stowage dispute
Participant & Resident Stories
Virgin removes disability advocate over wheelchair motor stowage dispute
Participant & Resident StoriesAdvocacy & Rights
ABC News — Disabilities · 3 min read · 3 hours ago
Original source
Summarised by Stellar
Key points5 points
- Virgin Australia is reviewing its handling of the incident and stowage requirements for portable wheelchair motors.
- The advocate was removed from the flight after crew required the motor to be stored under the seat, which he said was not possible in his row.
- He had successfully stored the motor overhead on three prior Virgin flights that week, indicating inconsistent crew application of rules.
- The incident underscores the need for airlines to better identify and accommodate specific seating and stowage needs in advance.
- NDIS providers supporting participants who travel by air may need to advocate for clearer accessibility policies and pre-flight planning.
Summary
Shane Hryhorec, a disability advocate with quadriplegia, was removed from a Virgin Australia flight after crew insisted his wheelchair's portable motor be stored under the seat, which he said was impossible in his allocated row. He had flown three times earlier that week with the motor stowed overhead without issue. Virgin Australia says it is reviewing the incident and its stowage procedures. The case highlights ongoing accessibility challenges for people with disability in air travel, relevant to NDIS providers supporting participants who travel.