Accessibility

Airport Information Center

Need help while in the airport? Our Airport Information Center is located near baggage claim across from the United ticket counter. Our friendly staff is available for assistance prior to the first departure until the last arrival daily.

 

Passengers with Special Needs

South Bend International Airport is accessible to travelers of all physical abilities. We offer a number of services and resources to assist our travelers.

  • Family Restrooms
  • Wheelchairs
  • Hearing Loop that broadcasts information and syncs with hearing aids worn by passengers in the concourse
  • Companion Assistance to the Gate Area – if you need to accompany a departing passenger through security and to the gate area, airline officials may, at their discretion, issue a gate pass at the ticket counter

If you have further questions about your upcoming flight, please contact your airline directly or contact the Airport Authority for additional assistance and support. For more information on TSA screening for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, please visit the TSA website.

 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

SBN wants to ensure that everyone has a comfortable, fulfilling travel experience. Knowing that some of our travelers have physical and/or mental impairments that may not be visible is taken into very careful consideration, and we have enhanced our efforts to ensure that everyone has a superior experience.

SBN is a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program! The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower acknowledges individuals with disabilities that are not immediately seen or obvious, also known as invisible disabilities. The program was created to provide a discreet way to make the invisible visible, and those who participate wear a sunflower lanyard or bracelet for easy recognition. The sunflower paraphernalia indicates to airport personnel that the wearer needs additional support, help, or a little more time.

Airport guests who would like to obtain a lanyard or bracelet can request them from the airline ticket counters, TSA, or the Airport Information Office located near baggage claim. More information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program can be found here.

 

ADA Policy and Procedure

South Bend International Airport has established policies and procedures in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and to ensure better service and access to all customers using its airport facilities, programs or services.

The Airport’s ADA Liaison Officer is responsible for administering the Airport’s overall compliance program and is designated, in accordance with federal regulation, to coordinate the Airport’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities on the basis of disability, including investigation of any complaint communicated to the Airport alleging the denial of access to an Airport service, activity or program based on disability.

Pursuant to Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the grievance procedure is to be used by persons who allege a complaint or a violation of the ADA. Individuals are not required by federal regulations to use this grievance procedure but may file complaints directly with the appropriate enforcement agency. The Airport does not discriminate based on any of the items defined by the Department of Justice.

To file a grievance or provide information please contact South Bend International Airport at [email protected].

Records
All written communication and noted information will remain on file with the South Bend International Airport for a period of three years from the date received. Information provided will be treated confidentially to the extent required by law. Sharing of information, including identity, will be done only as needed to resolve the complaint or as required by law.

These ADA Policies and Grievance Procedures are reviewed annually by the South Bend International Airport to ensure compliance with applicable federal law.

 

Title VI

The St. Joseph County Airport Authority (SJCAA) is a recipient of FAA federal funding, requiring all operations to abide by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C.2000d), prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race, color or national origin; Title 49 of the U.S.C. section 47123, prohibiting discrimination regarding sex or religion; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section 6101 et seq.); prohibiting discrimination based on one’s age.

The SJCAA ensures affirmative action will be taken to eliminate any and all forms of discrimination within the grounds of South Bend International Airport and its programs, no matter the source of funding.

 

Unlawful Discrimination Complaints

Allegations of discrimination should be promptly reported to the Airport Authority Office or the Federal Aviation Administration:

St. Joseph County Airport Authority
Attention: Kerianne Linn
4477 Progress Dr.
South Bend, IN 46628

Federal Aviation Administration
Office of Civil Rights, ACR-1
800 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20591