Terminal Accessibility

Terminal Accessibility

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At O’Hare, we’re committed to accessibility. Please ​note:

  • Airline Accommodations:All ADA-related requests- including wheelchair assistance, medical needs, and service animal arrangements- must be made directly with your airline.
  • TSA Assistance: For security screening accommodations, contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 or visit their website.

For airport-related accessibility services, comments, or complaints, reach out to:
Xochitl Rodriguez, ADA Coordinator
📞 773-894-3728
✉️ [email protected]
Available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM CST (excluding city holidays).

Additional Resources

Mobility​​ Impairment ISA_Approved.png

To assist you through O'Hare, each airline offers wheelchair assistance to passengers with mobility impair​ment. This service can assist you in traveling to or transferring between gates. Each airline coordinates their own wheelchair assistance. Contact your airline​ prior to travel to add this to your reservations.


Aira

We have partnered with Aira to provide free access to on-demand remote visual interpreting to those who are blind or have low vision. For more information visit aira.io​.

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Aira

Aira with Audio Descriptions

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American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation

ASL interpretation services are available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing travelers. Passengers may request assistance at Airport Information Desks or from Airport Information Ambassadors, who can connect travelers with a live ASL interpreter through a video remote interpretation service. Airport Information Desks are located in baggage claim areas and in the secure side of each terminal beyond the security screening checkpoints.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

We have partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program​ to offer additional support to travelers with invisible disabilities such as autism, PTSD, or hearing loss.

Lanyards, bracelets, hats, and other Sunflower items with a green background and a sunflower enables individuals to discretely indicate that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional assistance, understanding, or more time.

HD Sunflower Lanyards are available at all information desks, locations and hours below: 

Terminal 1: Gate C18, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat-Sun 10am-7pm 

Lower Level near door 1C, Mon-Sun 10am-8pm 

Terminal 2: Gate F4, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat-Sun 10am-7pm 

Lower Level near door 2C, Mon-Sun 10am-8pm 

Terminal 3: Gate K2, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat-Sun 10am-7pm 

Lower Level near door 3C, Mon-Sun 10am-8pm 

Terminal 5: Gate M15, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat-Sun 10am-7pm 

Upper Level lobby near doors 5C/5D 

Multi-Modal Facility: near door 4, staffed 24/7 

Video: how Chicago’s airports are using the Sunflower lanyard to help travelers with invisible disabilities.​


For further information about the Sunflower please visit hdsunflower.com.​

​Sensory-Friendly Resources

Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports offer a variety of sensory-friendly resources to support travelers who experience sensory sensitivities.

These resources include:

  • Sensory Maps – visual guides that highlight high- and low-sensory areas in each terminal to help travelers plan their routes.
  • Social Stories – step-by-step guides with pictures that explain what to expect at the airport.
  • Sensory-Friendly Videos – short videos showing key parts of the airport journey from a traveler’s point of view.
  • Sensory Bags – available at airport information desks, these kits include calming tools such as fidgets, headphones, and visual aids.

Together, these items are designed to reduce stress and create a more comfortable travel experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities or hidden disabilities.

Airport Transit System (ATS) ATS.jpg

​The ATS station platforms and train cars are fully ADA complaint. There are no longer wheelchair positions areas on the new train. All parking shuttle buses kneel when requested and have two wheelchair positions with securing devices.

Security 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers assistance to travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or those who might need special accommodations during the security screening process.

TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. You may call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. For more information, call (855) 787-2227, email [email protected] or visit tsa.gov.​

At the airport, travelers requiring special accommodations or who are concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance.


Companion Plus RestroomChanging Places.jpg

The Companion Plus Restroom is a private, fully accessible space designed for travelers with disabilities who need extra support, including those who require help from a caregiver for toileting or changing. Located in Terminal 2, across from the Family Lounge. ​

This restroom includes:

  • A powered ceiling lift system to help transfer individuals to and from the adult-sized changing table (supports up to 330 lbs)
  • Two accessible showers: one with a roll-in design and one with a transfer seat
  • An accessible toilet and sink
  • Grab bars and clear floor space for mobility equipment
  • Two emergency pull cords are connected to the O’Hare Communication Center (OCC)
  • Automatic door and bright LED lighting 

This space offers comfort, safety, and dignity for travelers with complex needs and their caregivers


Restrooms Toilets.jpg

All restrooms located throughout the airport have wheelchair accessible facilities. In addition, there are All Gender (Single User) Restrooms located in all terminals.

Terminal 1: B1 (2), B10, C19(2), Baggage Claim (2)
Terminal 2: Across from the Family Lounge (2), E5, Baggage Claim​
Terminal 3: G11, Rotunda, H2, H5, H12 (2), K1, L10, L21, L24 (2), Baggage Claim (2)
Terminal 5: Outside security near Checkpoint, Food Court Area
Multi Modal Facility (Rental Cars/Lot F): North and South Escalator Core on Level 1​


Mother's Room Lactation.jpg

Mother's Rooms are available in each terminal. This amenity offers a clean and comfortable room for traveling mothers to nurse, use a breast pump or care for young children. Each Mother’s Room features comfortable seating, a sink, electrical outlets, a diaper changing surface, soft lighting and is ADA compliant. The Mother’s Rooms at O’Hare are open 24/7 and have been designed to be secure, spacious and sanitary.​

Locations

There are Mother's Rooms in each terminal:

  • Terminal 1: Concourse B | Gate B10
  • Terminal 2: Concourse F | Crossover Between Gates E5 and F9
  • Terminal 3: Rotunda, next to the Yoga Room
  • Terminal 3: Concourse L | Gate L6
  • Terminal 3: Concourse L | Gate L26
  • Terminal 5: Concourse M | Gate M8
  • Terminal 5: Concourse M | Gate M20​
  • Terminal 5: Concourse M | Gate M32​
  • Terminal 5: Concourse M | Gate M37​
  • Multi-Modal Facility: 2 Locations on Level 1 - North and South Side​​​​​
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Lactation Pods Lactation.jpg

Lactation pods provide a safe, private space for mothers to nurse or pump while on the go. The pods at O'Hare were developed by Mamava, a nationwide developer of lactation suites for offices and transportation hubs. Additional lactation pods are scheduled to be installed in Terminal 1 in mid-2022.

Locations

  • Terminal 1: Concourse B | Gate B7
  • Terminal 1: Concourse C | Gate C11
  • Terminal 1: Concourse C | Gate C23
  • Terminal 2: Concourse E | Gate E1
  • Terminal 2: Concourse F | Gate F3 near Family Lounge
  • Terminal 3: Concourse G | Gate G11
  • Terminal 3: Concourse K | Gate K1
  • Terminal 3: Concourse K | Gate K6
  • Terminal 3: Concourse K | Gate K20
  • Terminal 3: Concourse L | Gate L22

Travelers Aid​

Travelers Aid Chicago​ is a social service agency located at O'Hare. It provides guidance, support and advocacy services for passengers during travel. The professional staff in both the booths and the main office can assist with crisis intervention information as well as social services for travelers and visitors.​


Baby Diapers

Select vending machines carry diapers, pacifiers, formula, bottles, wipes, snacks, activity kits, and toys. Click here to search for locations (Type in keyword: diaper)

Service Animal Relief Areas SARA.jpg

Interior Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) at O'Hare are approximately 10' x 8' and include a sink, relief pad, paper towels, and water hose. Exterior Service Animal Relief Areas are approximately 16'x10' and are gated with a latch. All animals must be accompanied and leashed by the owner.​

Outside Security

These SARAs are outdoor, gated areas designated for service animal relief and are accessible at all times.

Terminal 1 – Location: Outside Arrivals/lower level Door 1A.
Directions: Exit through Terminal 1 Lower Level Door 1A, near United Baggage Claim #15. Turn left. The SARA is within a black fence, approximately 40 steps from the exit door.

Terminal 2 – Location: Outside Arrivals/lower level Door 2E.
Directions: Exit through Terminal 2 Lower Level Door 2E, near Baggage Claim #1. Turn right. The SARA is within a black fence, approximately 50 steps from the exit door. The gate is on the far side of the fence.

Terminal 5 – Location: Outside Arrivals/lower level Door 5B
Directions: Exit through Terminal 5 Lower Level Door 5B, near Baggage Claim 10. The SARA is within a black fence, approximately 50 steps from the exit door.

Multi Modal Facility (Rental Cars/Lot F) – Location: Outside
Directions: Exit through Door 6, turn right. The SARA is within a black fence, approximately 50 steps from the exit door.


Inside Security

This SARA is designed for service animal relief, and is accessible at all times when one is within security.

Terminal 1 C Concourse - Location: Post security, next to gate C10
Directions: From gate C10, follow the hallway towards gate C12. The SARA is located on the right wall just past Gate C10.

Terminal 3 Rotunda – Location: Post security, in the Rotunda (between Terminal 2 & Terminal 3)
Directions: From the Rotunda, take the hallway towards Terminal 2. The SARA is immediately on the left.

Terminal 3 Main Hall – SARA is closed due to construction. ​The main hall Sara in T3 is closed off by a construction wall.

Terminal 3 Gate L26- Location: end of the hall across from the windows.

Terminal 5 (2) – Location: Post security, near gate M8

Directions: From Gate M8, follow hallway towards Gate M7. SARA is on the left, immediately past M8.​

Terminal 5 Sterile Corridor- Location: Prior to the Custom Boarder Protection area.

Terminal 5- Location: International baggage claim area. 


Self-Service Repair Stations repair station icon.png

Self Service Repair Stations


Each terminal's baggage claim area features a convenient Self-Service Repair Station designed to help travelers quickly handle minor luggage, equipment, or assistive device repairs. These stations are equipped with mounted air compressor (130 PSI Max Pressure), tool kit, wheelchair charging unit, and a padded bench allowing passengers to fix issues on the go. The stations are located near the information desks for easy access.

Elevators​ Elevator.jpg

Elevators ​located in all terminals provide access to all passenger levels of the terminal complex. All elevator button panels are equipped with Braille and raised numerals.

Clic​k here​(opens in new tab) to view a list of the elevators at O'Hare.​

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