The DOT’s Discover of Proposed Rulemaking for Accessible Air Journey comprises 9 main rule clarifications, expansions and proposals that the Division hopes will enhance the expertise of disabled airline passengers who use a wheelchair to assist of their mobility. To be taught extra concerning the proposal, and learn how to submit public remark, learn the Wheelchair Journey abstract on the DOT NPRM for accessible air journey.

On March 28, I hosted a dialog to debate these proposed adjustments to civil rights regulation with readers — the Accessible Journey Chat was properly attended, and other people had so much to say and share about their imaginative and prescient for accessibility in air journey. We solely managed to get via the primary half of the dialogue, which is accessible to look at right here:

Readers who participated within the dialog raised many vital factors which I’ll think about in getting ready my very own response to the DOT’s NPRM.

Half two of this dialogue is more likely to be much more worthwhile, as we’ll talk about proposals 5 via 8, which embrace the next:

• Passengers’ proper to the immediate return of a delayed (left behind) wheelchair, and the accountability of airways when a passenger experiences hurt because of this
• Assert that passengers have a proper to decide on their very own restore technician when a wheelchair is mishandled, plus how disputes between airways and passengers ought to be resolved
• Set up a transparent requirement for airways to offer a loaner wheelchair when the passenger’s personal machine is broken or destroyed
• Enhance the frequency and scope of required coaching for airline workers who help passengers or load wheelchairs

This dialog will happen on Thursday, April 11 at 8:00 p.m. ET (New York time). Registration is required and you’ll Register for the Accessible Journey Chat on Zoom. Please add your voice and expertise to what’s positive to be a vibrant dialogue crammed with many views.