Some of the largest airlines in the US are looking to overturn a recent Department of Transportation (DOT) rule that requires higher standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities, especially wheelchair users. The rule’s requirements include: New training for airline employees who work with travelers with disabilities and Higher penalties for mishandled mobility devices, including wheelchairs. … Continued
The ride-sharing service, Uber, has a new feature to better accommodate passengers with disabilities. It now offers individuals traveling with service animals the option to self-identify in the app and automatically notify drivers at pickup. If a rider said they have a service animal and the driver cancels their trip at pickup, the driver will … Continued
On December 18, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule adopting the Access Board’s Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) as part of its Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards for new construction and alterations of transit stops in the public right-of-way. The ADA says the Access Board provides technical guidelines for accessible design that form … Continued
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $50 million penalty against American Airlines for serious violations of the laws protecting airline passengers with disabilities between 2019 and 2023. DOT’s investigation into American Airlines uncovered cases of: Unsafe physical assistance that at times led to injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users, Repeated failures to … Continued
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $343 million in federal funding to help eight transit systems make their rail stations more accessible as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The upgrades will include installing elevators, making platforms for level boarding, improving signage, and improving visual and audio systems. … Continued
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would greatly increase the rights and protections of airline passengers who use wheelchairs. Every year, more than 10,000 wheelchairs and other mobility devices are broken or damaged during air travel. The DOT proposed rule would do things including: Require training … Continued
Senators Wyden and Duckworth think the Department of Transportation (DOT) is making it harder for people with service animals to travel. They want the DOT to use an easier, accessible online service animal travel form instead of the current difficult paperwork. The required form is currently only offered in a PDF format and is hard … Continued
The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Connecticut reached a settlement agreement with American Cruise Lines. The cruise line was not following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some people complained that the cruise ships weren’t easy for wheelchair users to get around or access. The settlement will lead to improvements. The deal covers … Continued
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has a program called the “On the Move Riders Program.” It received the Spirit of Accessibility Award for helping seniors with transportation. The program teaches L.A. older adults about using public transportation through workshops, events, and tours. Seniors aged 62+ who sign up get discounted fares on Metro … Continued
The U.S. Department of Transportation wants public transportation buildings and facilities to be usable by everyone. Their goal is to make sure everyone, with or without a disability, can use public transportation easily and independently. They’re looking for ideas from people on how to make these facilities easier for those with disabilities to use. They’re … Continued
