1 Flying the Friendly Skies: An Overview of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. May 2008

2 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Training Objectives Review statistics regarding airline travel for individuals with disabilities. Discuss the obstacles facing travelers with disabilities. Increase understanding & knowledge of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Discuss the ACAA Part 382 implementing regulations. Share tips for travelers with disabilities. Identify resources for understanding the ACAA.

3 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Americans with Disabilities Disability is not the experience of a minority of Americans. Rather, it is an experience that will touch most Americans at some point during their lives. President George W. Bush New Freedom Initiative February 1, 2001

4 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Americans with Disabilities We are facilitating living a fuller life, and air travel is essential to a full life. Kate Hunter Zaworski Director, National Center for Accessible Transportation Oregon State University

5 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Statistics

6 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Statistics Who is flying? –31.49% of people with disabilities (approximately 17 million people) –40.10% of travelers without disabilities took at least one flight of over 100 miles in 2001 Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics 2002 National Transportation Availability and Use Survey

7 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Statistics Travel Dollars –$13.6 billion spent by travelers with disabilities on an annual basis –$3.3 billion spent on airfare –Revenues could easily double if certain needs were met and obstacles were removed Source: Press Release: Disability Travel On The Rise Despite Barriers To Access August 1, 2005 Open Doors Organization

8 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Statistics Disability-Related Complaints (Reported to U.S. Department of Transportation) –January-December Disability Discrimination Complaints Ranked #7 out of 12 Complaint Categories 13,168 Total Complaints Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Report (February 2008) (PDF file) (Word file)

9 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Statistics Disability-Related Complaints (Reported to Airlines) –January-December US Carriers Reporting 106 Foreign Air Carriers Reporting 13,766 Total Complaints Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division Annual Report On Disability-Related Air Travel Complaints (June 2007)

10 Top 5 Air Carriers with Disability-Related Complaints (2006) 1.American Airlines (3453 Complaints) 2.Delta Airlines (1700 Complaints) 3.Northwest Airlines (1237 Complaints) 4.United Airlines (1130 Complaints) 5.Southwest Airlines (686 Complaints) Statistics

11 Disability-Related Complaints (As reported to the Airlines) »Failure to Provide Assistance to Wheelchair Users (8488) »“Other” (1579) »Seating Accommodation (1425) »Damage to Assistive Device (871) »Storage and Delay of Assistive Device (517) »Unsatisfactory Info (389) »Service Animals (146) »Refusal to Board Passenger (118) »Aircraft Not Accessible »(101) »Airport Not Accessible (51) »Advance Notice Dispute (33) »Security Issues regarding Disability (31) »Refusal to Board without an attendant (17) Statistics Source: airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/2006ComplaintSummary.doc

12 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Obstacles Facing Travelers with Disabilities

13 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Obstacles Facing Travelers with Disabilities Reservation Difficulties –No record of advance requests –Failure to provide requested, agreed upon services –Advance seat assignments —could not be scheduled at time of reservation or were not honored at flight time

14 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids –Refused to transport motorized wheelchairs, alleging that wet cell batteries are hazardous –Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are often returned in damaged condition Obstacles Facing Travelers with Disabilities

15 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Boarding/Deplaning Aircraft –Lack of assistance for people with mobility disabilities was often unavailable –Airline personnel are untrained in transfer protocol resulting in injury during transfer/transport Obstacles Facing Travelers with Disabilities

16 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Accessibility and Communication –Lack of accessible ramps/jetways –Inaccessible bathroom on airplane –No access to public announcements or safety instructions for travelers who are deaf or hearing impaired Obstacles Facing Travelers with Disabilities

17 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Customer Service –Individual was abandoned or unattended –Airline personnel did not address the traveler with a disability –Refused to provide requested assistance Obstacles Facing Travelers with Disabilities

18 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Other Issues –Oxygen: Mishandling/Overcharge/ No delivery –Additional fees charged for requested services –Required to sign liability waivers Obstacles Facing Travelers with Disabilities

19 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Air Carrier Access Act Overview and Part 382 Highlights

20 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. 49 U.S.C. § www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/49/41705.html www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/49/41705.html Passed by Congress in 1986 Prohibits U.S. and foreign air carriers from discriminating against an air traveler with a disability because of the disability Air Carrier Access Act Overview

21 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Regulations published in March 1990 –Also known as Part 382 ( –Amended many times since 1990 –Protects travelers with a disability (including temporary disabilities) –Explains the responsibilities of the air carriers, the airport operators, and contractors Air Carrier Access Act Overview

22 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must not: –Discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability –Refuse transportation to a passenger solely on the basis of a disability –Limit the number of individuals with disabilities on a particular flight Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

23 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must not: –Require a passenger with a disability to travel with an attendant or to present a medical certificate, except in very limited circumstances Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

24 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must not: –Exclude a passenger with a disability from any seat in an exit or other row solely on the basis of his or her disability Except to comply with FAA safety rules Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

25 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must not: –Charge for services that are required by the Part 382 regulations Example: Requesting a tip when providing wheelchair service to a passenger. Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

26 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must: –Provide transportation to an individual with a disability who has an impairment that: Affects his or her appearance Results in involuntary behavior –Except under limited circumstances even if the disability may offend, annoy, or inconvenience crewmembers or other passengers. Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

27 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must provide timely: –Enplaning –Deplaning –Connecting assistance To passengers with disabilities requesting such assistance Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

28 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must: –Ensure that there is space for at least one passenger with a disability to stow a folding wheelchair in the cabin of the aircraft Aircraft must be: Designed with a seating capacity of 100 or more seats Ordered after April 5, 1990, Delivered after April 5, 1992 Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

29 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must: –Allow passengers to safely stow their wheelchairs or parts of wheelchairs (e.g., wheels, seats, etc.) in the overhead bin or under seats Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

30 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must: –Allow a passenger with a disability to stow his/ her cane or other assistive device inside the cabin of the aircraft close to his/her seat if it fits Consistent with FAA safety rules on carry-on items Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

31 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must: –Provide passengers who are blind or visually- impaired, passengers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind Timely access to the same information given to other passengers at the airport or on the airplane Includes, but is not limited to information about: –Gate assignments –Delayed flights –Safety Information Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

32 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must: –Allow service animals to accompany passengers with disabilities in the cabin consistent with FAA safety requirements US Department of Transportation Guidance Concerning Service Animals in Air Transportation Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

33 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines may: –Refuse transportation to the individual with a disability if transportation of a passenger with a disability would : Endanger the safety of the aircraft Endanger the health or safety of its passengers Violate an FAA safety regulation Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

34 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must: –Have a copy of the Part 382 regulations available at every airport where they do business. –Make a copy of the Part 382 regulations available to a passenger, upon request. Air Carrier Access Act Part 382 Highlights

35 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Airlines must make a: –Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) available at the airport in person by telephone/TTY The CRO must address disability-related complaints that arise during the travel process at all times when flights are operating at that airport. Air Carrier Access Act Complaint Process

36 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Administrative Complaint with DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division Attn: C-75-D U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, D.C Website: Complaint Form: Air Carrier Access Act Complaint Process

37 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. File a lawsuit in Federal Court Air Carrier Access Act Complaint Process

38 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the Air Carrier Access Act: A Status Report from the U.S. Department of Transportation

39 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Implementing the Air Carrier Access Act: A Status Report From the Department of Transportation (November 2007) – ity%20Newsletter%20Updated% dochttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/legislation/acaa/Disabil ity%20Newsletter%20Updated% doc

40 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Enforcement Actions –In-depth investigations of major air carriers Stowage of at least one passenger’s standard sized wheelchair in “new’ aircraft Boarding and Wheelchair Assistance Failure to file annual reports detailing disability- related complaints Passengers denied boarding due to disability

41 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Enforcement Actions –Civil Penalties $1.8 million for violations of the ACAA (January 2004-November 2007) Offset by measures to improve the carriers’ services and to improve the quality of air travel for passengers with disabilities above what is required by DOT rules

42 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Compliance Reviews –Informal reviews to address issues –Regular meetings with DOT and major airline representatives By telephone Monthly meetings in Washington DC

43 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Collaborative Policymaking –Encourages enhanced cooperation between carriers and disability community organizations Air Transport Association Regional Airline Association National Council on Disability

44 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Rulemaking –Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Published November 4, 2004) Proposes to: –Amend Part 382 to make foreign air carriers operating to and from the United States subject to most of the disability-related requirements –Revise and update the rule

45 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Rulemaking –Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Published February 23, 2006) Proposes to: –Provide for additional accommodations for air travelers who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind

46 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Rulemaking –Status of 3 NPRMs In Final Rule Stage 3 NPRMs will be combined Projected Publication Date of New Rule: May 10, 2008 Current as of May 8, 2008

47 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Collaborative Policymaking –Convene forums Exchange ideas Explore ways of making accessibility in air travel a reality for all travelers

48 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Notice advising foreign air carriers of their coverage under the ACAA (June 1, 2000)

49 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Final Rule: Amendment to the ACAA (May 13, 2008) Amends the ACAA rules as they apply to foreign air carriers Adds new provisions concerning passengers who use medical oxygen Adds new provisions concerning passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing Reorganizes and updates the entire ACAA rule o= aadf2

50 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Final rule requiring airports and air carriers to provide boarding assistance to individuals with disabilities by using ramps, mechanical lifts, or other suitable devices where level-entry boarding by loading bridge or mobile lounge is not available on any aircraft with a seating capacity of 31 or more passengers (May 3, 2001)

51 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Fact Sheet: Steps Taken to Ensure New Security Requirements Preserve and Respect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities (October 29, 2001)

52 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Final rule requiring certain U.S. and foreign air carriers to file with DOT detailed statistics on the disability-related complaints received (July 8, 2003)

53 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Guidance Concerning Service Animals in Air Transportation (May 9, 2003)

54 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Guidance Concerning the Carriage of Service Animals in Air Transportation into the United Kingdom (February 26, 2007) Guidance.dochttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/UKServiceAnimal Guidance.doc (Word file) ServiceAnimalGuidance.pdfhttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/UK- ServiceAnimalGuidance.pdf (PDF file)

55 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Additional Guidance concerning service animals re travel to the United Kingdom (July 17, 2007) alJulyNotice.dochttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/UKServiceAnim alJulyNotice.doc (word file) alJulyNotice.pdfhttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/UKServiceAnim alJulyNotice.pdf (PDF file)

56 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA DOT Guidance Documents –Passengers With Disabilities: Model Training Program for Airlines –Air Travelers With Disabilities: Technical Assistance Manual for Airline Employees, Contractors, and Travelers doc

57 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Other DOT Initiatives –Annual Report to Congress including A summary of the disability-related complaints data reported to DOT by U.S. and foreign air carriers A detailed breakdown of the data for each carrier –Report is available on DOT website htm

58 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Other DOT Initiatives –DOT and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Collaboration Started in March 2005 FAA inspectors perform on-site inspections of U.S. airline aircraft (subject to ACCA regulations) Use the Aircraft Compliance with Disability Rules Checklist (developed by DOT) FAA involvement is limited to conducting inspections to ensure that aircraft meet the ACAA design requirements

59 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the ACAA Other DOT Initiatives –Toll-Free Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities (voice) (TTY) –"Real Time" Assistance –Open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays –

60 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

61 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Ask questions and provide instructions. Communicate with airline personnel about your need for boarding assistance and be as specific as possible about the type or level of boarding assistance you require. Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

62 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Take medicines, including syringes, and other assistive devices with you on the plane as a carry-on item. –Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Memorandum: Changes in Allowances for Persons with Disabilities at Airport Security Checkpoints [related to limit on liquids] (September 25, 2006) –TSA Guidance for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

63 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Bring information and useful documentation regarding your wheelchair or other assistive device. Be aware that a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO) must be made available to you if you ask to speak with a manager or supervisor about a disability-related complaint. Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

64 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Familiarize yourself with the law and its requirements. Request an individual safety briefing, if needed. Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

65 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Understand that there are limitations on accommodations. Pre-boarding is as an option, not a requirement. Safety must always be considered. Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

66 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Provide specific details about the type of seat that will meet your needs as a passenger with a disability when requesting a seat assignment. Make appropriate plans when traveling with a service animal. Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

67 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Resources

68 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Resources Toll-Free Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities (voice) (TTY) –"Real Time" Assistance –Open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays –

69 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Resources Passengers With Disabilities: Model Training Program for Airlines – Air Travelers With Disabilities: Technical Assistance Manual for Airline Employees, Contractors, and Travelers – dochttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/legislation/acaa/TAM doc

70 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. 14 CFR Part 382: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel (Regulations) – DOT Industry Letters: Guidance Regarding Aviation Rules and Statute – Resources

71 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. DOT Annual Report on Disability- Related Air Travel Complaints – xt2006.htm (2007) xt2006.htm DOT Air Travel Consumer Report – Resources

72 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA): A Status Report From the Department of Transportation (November 2007) – y%20Newsletter%20Updated% dochttp://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/legislation/acaa/Disabilit y%20Newsletter%20Updated% doc Resources

73 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. National Council on Disability Enforcing the Civil Rights of Air Travelers with Disabilities: Recommendations for the Department of Transportation and Congress (February 26, 1999) – Resources

74 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability – Fly-Rights: A Consumer Guide to Air Travel – DLRP Air Carrier Access Act Resource Page – Resources

75 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Aircraft Stowage Procedures for Powered Wheelchairs (September 30, 1988) (HTML) (PDF) DOT Increases Protections for Air Travelers with Disabilities (May 7, 2008) Resources

76 Developed by the DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University with funding from NIDRR under Grant # H133A © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Still Have Questions? Contact the DBTAC: ADA Centers Telephone (v/tty) Internet