Flying Without 'Ears': The Challenges of Travelling While Deaf/Hearing Impaired.

It was in November 2019.

I had just completed a three weeks visit with my sister and her family in Abuja.

It was time to go back to base and that is where most of  the challenges began.

You see, the first time I travelled by air, I was with family. That made things a lot easier and less stressful because all I needed to do was just to follow them anywhere they went without much ado until we boarded the plane.

When I had to go to Lagos, Nigeria for the African Sickle Cell Congress, I had a travel companion. He was more or less, my ear and mouth as he made sure that we both did all the necessary paper work and checked into the right plane.

From Lagos, I had to continue to Abuja to visit my sister as earlier mentioned. 

The first challenge was trying to navigate my way. Being someone who loves to pause and observe, I quickly did a scan around where I stood to check-in to making sure I was standing at the right check-in. Well I saw 'Abuja' and I walked that way. After the luggage check-in, we had to wait and that is where the first worry hit. 

I scanned the waiting room and there is no visible anything announcing when we are supposed to board the plane.

I was worried. 'How do I hear?' I wondered.  I did the only reasonable thing I could do amidst the fear and worry. I approached a total stranger and asked: 'Excuse me, are you flying to Abuja?' The answer was yes. So, I said my thanks, quietly looked for a place to sit down and discreetly zeroed my eyes on the said person, watching their every move.

After waiting for a while, I noticed people walking towards an exit. My stranger helper also got up and I did same. I followed until, I lost sight of them. 

It is getting a little panicky. There is still no screen announcing which way Abuja is heading.

Deep breaths as I sight a woman in military uniform. I approached her and asked: 'Excuse me Ms. Where please is this line leading to?' 'Abuja' came the reply.

With a sigh of relieve,  I said my thanks and joined the queue. We reached a place where we had to take buses to where we had to board the plane. No carriage way to walk through. I was worried sick and was like what if I entered the wrong bus? I looked around, still no sign of the various destinations.

I remember telling  the military lady I had met earlier  that I am hearing impaired. Apparently, there probably wasn't anything she would do or she couldn't be bothered and so, more questions and more 'yes, this is for Abuja' from random strangers followed until I boarded the plane. Even while in the plane, I had to ask again. 'Excuse me, is this plane Abuja bound?' Make plane nor come carry me go different town abeg!

Finally, we arrived Abuja and I went home to the warm embraces of my family.

Fast forward to three weeks later, I am on my way to Cameroon. Being an International Airport, I felt the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport would be different.

I was in for some rude awakening.

Accompanied by my brother-in-law, he could only go as far as was required because non travellers were not supposed to cross a certain area. Despite telling the officials I am hearing impaired, it was one very stressful and confusing period for me, while waiting to board the plane to Yaounde, Nsimalen, Cameroon.

During check-in, I looked around and there was no screen announcing which flights were now boarding. I couldn't hear the voice over any speaker and that got me freaking and thoughts of what if I miss my flight raced through my head non stop.

I was moving from one officer to another trying to get someone's attention. I mean someone who really got it and would help me. It was a stressful check-in period. And an even more stressful waiting period ensued.

I had to revert to asking my 'Are you flying to...' questions.

The person who bore the brunt of my questions must have wondered what kind of a villagoise is here at the airport flying.

I didn't care what anyone thought. What was paramount on my mind was to make sure I boarded the right plane. So, when I saw the confused looks on their faces after asking them questions for the umpteenth time and they asking me if someone would pick me up at the airport, I told them not to worry, I could easily find my way home once we get to Nsimalen. Being hearing-impaired and unable to hear any announcements not to talk of the absences of any screen information to rely on, I just needed some help to make sure I boarded the right plane.

An 'Oh' followed and then silence and then a tap on my shoulder few hours after to notify me we were now boarding. With a grateful smile, I said my thanks when we all got into the plane, notified my brother-in-law through a quick text and switched off my phone shortly before take off.

This experience has made me ask a lot of questions. We talk a lot about inclusion but just how inclusive are our societies for people with all forms of disabilities? When I bought my ticket, I said they should mention I am hearing impaired. We both combed the list of medical and other  needs for attention on the ticket and there was NONE in place for someone who is deaf or hearing impaired. 

And in thinking of these challenges I faced during my travel, I couldn't help thinking of someone who is both deaf and non-verbal. How do they communicate their needs amidst such daunting challenges? 

Someone could build a structure and include a ramp for a wheelchair user for example, which is laudable. However, what obtains for those with invisible disabilities like me with hearing impairment? What actions are taken into consideration to ensure we get the best out of services we use without much stress and hassles? I shared  a part of this story on my Facebook page and it was an interesting debate that followed, with many calling on policy makers to take my concerns into consideration. 

My travel experiences are not vast and so, I don't know how inclusive other societies may be when it comes to such seeming mundane things. I am however, hoping that these issues raised would be taken into consideration when inclusiveness comes into play for a more justified and inclusive society for all.