During the IAAPA Europe, Middle East and Africa Spring Forum at Gardaland Park in Peschiera del Garda, Italy, THRILL Lab Director Dr. Kathryn Woodcock was honoured with a Career Special Award for Professional Merit. This award recognized her leadership in the attractions industry project promoting expanded accessibility and risk-informed rider eligibility for rides.
Dr. Woodcock says, “interest and awareness of ride accessibility has been growing in recent years, with Americans with Disabilities Act raising expectations not only for children with disabilities and their parents but also adults with disabilities and their families as well, that most rides would be accessible to as many people as possible. Designer/engineers and owner/operators need tools to review ride eligibility criteria to ensure that restrictive eligibility criteria are justified. The Italian manufacturers, and other industry experts, medical experts, and consumer community have given strong support to moving this project forward worldwide.”
The Rider Eligibility Task Group continues to meet and host open workshops at ASTM F24 meetings and IAAPA Expos.
For more information about the Parksmania Awards (in Italian).
(Stage photo courtesy of Jim Seay of Premier Rides.)
