Push to expand Air Carriers Access Amendment Act needs SCI community's show of support

For too long, air travel has not been a convenient, or in some cases, safe means of travel for individuals living with a disability. It is not uncommon for people with disabilities to be injured boarding or deplaning an aircraft and the wheelchairs they depend on are often broken or lost. While the original Air Carriers Access Amendment Act was signed into law in 1986, there is much more to be done and Congress has a vital role to play in bringing air travel access into the 21st century. And the spinal cord injury community plays a critical role in helping make this law even stronger and protective of our community of travelers.

Through work with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) introduced the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (ACAAA) of 2021 (H.R. 1696), in March of 2021. This bill will:

• Strengthen ACAA administrative enforcement and establish a private right of action.

• Ensure new airplanes are designed to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities by requiring airlines to meet defined accessibility standards. These standards will address safe and effective boarding and deplaning, visually accessible announcements, seating accommodations, lavatories, and better stowage options for assistive devices.

• Require removal of access barriers on existing airplanes to the extent that it is readily achievable – easily accomplishable and may be done without much difficulty or expense

To garner support for this important legislation, there is an easy-to-fill online petition you can fill out and become part of this movement. You can complete the petition HERE.