DOT to Hold Virtual Meeting on Air Travel with Wheelchairs

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Mar 15, 2022

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding a March 24 video meeting to discuss the challenges of flying with a wheelchair.

United Spinal Association’s March 15 bulletin said the DOT wants to “listen and learn from persons who use wheelchairs on the difficulties that they encounter during air travel.

“United Spinal, along with Paralyzed Veterans of America and a number of other disability organizations, have been making the case that for far too long, air travel with a wheelchair too often results in damaged wheelchairs, and even worse it can result in serious physical injury to Americans with disabilities.”

The Zoom meeting will take place Thurs., March 24, from 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

On the meeting’s registration page, the DOT said, “During this meeting, there will be an opportunity to listen and learn from persons who use wheelchairs on the difficulties that they encounter during air travel and for airlines to discuss both the challenges that they face in providing accessible air transportation and the actions that they are taking or plan to take to improve the air travel environment.

“The Department will also request and gather relevant information from the public and attendees on related topics, which will enable the Department to move more expeditiously on any necessary action to advance safe accommodations for air travelers with disabilities using wheelchairs.”

United Spinal’s announcement noted that attendees need to register by March 21, which is also the deadline to ask to speak during the meeting and to submit written materials that will be reviewed during the meeting. Those requests should be sent to FlyingWithWheelchairs@dot.gov. Click here for more information about the meeting.