Our Access In Motion team works with organizations at every stage of their accessibility journey. From early questions to complex portfolios, we bring practical guidance and senior expertise to every engagement.
LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) is the developer and manager of Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. As a newly constructed facility, Terminal B was designed to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the LGP team sought to go beyond compliance, aiming to create an environment where all travellers feel confident and comfortable navigating the space.
Airports are inherently complex environments, particularly for people with disabilities. With high passenger volumes, multiple touchpoints, and continuous movement, even small barriers can significantly impact the travel experience. LGP recognized the opportunity to elevate accessibility as a core component of the terminal’s design and operations.
The Access In Motion team conducted a site visit to assess the facility and better understand how accessibility functioned in practice across the terminal. Following this, a comprehensive RHFAC rating was completed, evaluating systems, processes, and physical design elements.
The resulting report provided a clear roadmap outlining the steps required to achieve RHFAC Gold certification, while also highlighting areas where Terminal B was already performing strongly. This enabled the LGP team to prioritize targeted, high-impact improvements and build on an already strong foundation.
Two key accessibility enhancements were identified and implemented as part of this process. Hearing loop systems were installed at all guest experience desks to support travellers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, tactile attention indicators were installed at the top of stairways throughout the facility to improve safety and navigation for individuals with vision loss.
Following these improvements, Terminal B achieved RHFAC Certification Level Gold in 2023, the highest rating awarded under the program and earning LaGuardia the first airport in the United States to receive RHFAC Gold.
Beyond certification, the process strengthened the LGP team’s internal understanding of accessibility and reinforced an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. It also helped embed accessibility more deeply into day-to-day operations which shapes decision-making, improves efficiency and safety, and enhances both the customer and employee experience across Terminal B.