United Spinal Launches Health Access Working Group United Spinal Association is seeking members for its new Health Access Working Group, created to “advocate for improving access to health-care services for the disability community.” Members will work together “to identify health-care accessibility problems, key obstacles and societal barriers that prevent people with disabilities access to the…
Briefly: United Spinal Launches Health Access Group; Travel Insurance Company Names Best, Worst Airlines for Handling Wheelchairs
Airlines Sue Over DOT Rule Strengthening Protections for Wheelchair Riders
The rule, which began taking effect in January, holds airlines accountable for wheelchair damage and delays.
Five U.S. airlines have filed a lawsuit asking the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (New Orleans) to review the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers for Disabilities Using Wheelchairs rule. On Feb. 18, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways Corp., Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines asked the court…
DOT Final Rule: Airlines Required to ‘Meet More Rigorous Standards’ for Passengers with Disabilities
Starting in January, airlines will have additional standards for handling wheelchairs and supporting passengers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new final rule that includes “new protections for people with disabilities in commercial air travel that will ensure that they can fly safely and with dignity.” A Dec. 16 DOT announcement from DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg added that the new, “more rigorous standards” applied “especially for…
Commentary: 3 Takeaways from the DOT’s $50 Million American Airlines Fine
Why this historic penalty could change the way airlines treat wheelchair riders and their equipment.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines $50 million, saying in an October announcement that the carrier “failed to provide safe, dignified, and prompt wheelchair assistance and mishandled passengers’ wheelchairs.” This is hardly the first time airlines’ poor treatment of wheelchair riders and their equipment has made the news. But this particular DOT…
Briefly: Fall Management, Fire Preparedness Studies Announced; American Airlines Debuts Mobility Device Tagging System
Featuring the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and American Airlines.
Participants Sought for Fire Preparedness, Fall Management Studies of Wheelchair Riders The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking wheelchair riders, age 18 or older, to participate in a pair of research studies. The first study — funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research —involves the university’s development of “a wearable…
Briefly: DOT Extends Airplane Comment Period; World MS Day Is Today
Featuring the Department of Transportation and multiple sclerosis advocacy organizations worldwide.
DOT Extends Comment Period for Wheelchair Riders on Airplanes The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is extending the deadline for people to submit comments to the DOT’s proposed rule “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs.” The new deadline to submit comments is June 12. “The Department received a joint request for…
Canadian Government to Launch National Air Accessibility Summit in May
Wheelchair riders have been vocal about airlines severely damaging their wheelchairs and seating.
Canada’s federal government plans to host its first National Air Accessibility Summit in May in Ottawa. A March 18 news announcement said the summit will be cohosted by Pablo Rodriguez, the Canadian Minister of Transport, and Kamal Khera, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities. “The government of Canada continues to work towards…
Commentary: My CRT Thanksgiving List
Reminiscing about Complex Rehab Technology victories this year.
United Airlines Agrees to Improve Conditions for Wheelchair Riders
The agreement stems from a complaint by Engracia Figueroa, who died after United damaged her wheelchair.
United Airlines has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding wheelchair-riding passengers. In a Sept. 28 news announcement, the DOT said United would “implement industry-leading actions that go above and beyond federal requirements to improve the air travel experience for passengers who use wheelchairs.” Among the changes United Airlines will be implementing…