Disability Aviation & Maritime’s Post

The US Department of Transportation has issued a new rule to improve air travel for people with disabilities, requiring airlines to provide safe and dignified assistance, enhanced training for employees, and prompt enplaning and deplaning assistance. This rule aims to ensure that passengers with disabilities can travel safely and with dignity, and holds airlines accountable for mishandling of wheelchairs and other assistive devices. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, we can create a more equitable travel experience for all individuals, regardless of ability. #AccessibilityMatters #AirTravel #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #DOT #TravelWithDisability #WheelchairAccessibility #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #Accessibility

✈️ There was a big win in the US for airline passengers with disabilities this week! U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced new, sweeping protections to make air travel safer and more #accessible for people with #disabilities. 🔹 Key highlights: - Airlines are now required to better protect mobility aids, like wheelchairs, to prevent damage. - New standards ensure more accessible seating and improved support for passengers with disabilities. - Better training for airline staff on assisting disabled passengers. This is a critical step in making air travel not just more accessible, but more dignified for millions of people. 🛫 For those of us in the disability community, this isn’t just about comfort – it’s about independence and the freedom to travel with confidence, knowing our needs will be met and our equipment respected. 👏 Let’s keep pushing for a world where inclusion is the standard, not the exception. #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTravel #AirTravel #InclusionMatters #MobilityMatters #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #CaregiversSupport #HolidayEmpathy #BeAnAlly #DiversityEquityInclusion #CelebratingSuccess #KindnessCounts #Accessibility #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #Leadership #disabled #disability #DiversityAndInclusion #inclusivity #DisabilityPride

“Every passenger deserves safe, dignified travel when they fly—and we’ve taken unprecedented actions to hold airlines accountable when they do not provide fair treatment to passengers with disabilities,”- Secretary Buttigieg As I typed this, believe it or not, I found myself sitting alone on a plane, waiting as they searched for my wheelchair. . . again. All other passengers were long gone, a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those of us with disabilities. That moment underscores a critical need for systemic change. Until there are stringent requirements ensuring a reasonable level of care and respect for passengers with disabilities and their mobility equipment, true change will remain unrealized. Recent rulings, such as the protections announced by Secretary Buttigieg for airline passengers with disabilities, are important steps in the right direction. https://lnkd.in/gu4etFF6 These protections are not just about compliance but about fostering a culture of empathy and inclusivity. By establishing these standards, we can motivate real change in accessibility and ensure that the dignity and needs of disabled individuals are upheld. #WellbeingWednesday #Accessibility #Belonging #Inclusion #DisabilityAwareness

What Makes Us Different: A Commitment to Accessibility in Aviation and Maritime At Disability Aviation, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that individuals with disabilities can travel with ease and dignity. Our mission is simple: we are committed to improving accessibility in the aviation and maritime industries by advocating for better services, equipment, and policies that cater to the needs of all passengers. What sets us apart? 1. Expertise in Aviation & Maritime Accessibility We specialize in both aviation and maritime sectors, ensuring that the travel experience is seamless from the sky to the sea. Our team is composed of experts who understand the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities and work tirelessly to address them. 2. Advocacy for Change We don’t just talk about accessibility; we drive change. Our advocacy efforts influence policy, promote inclusive designs, and encourage collaboration between organizations, airlines, and transportation authorities to create a more accessible future. 3. Personalized Solutions Every passenger’s needs are unique, and we approach accessibility with this in mind. We offer tailored solutions that take into account the specific requirements of each traveler, whether it’s mobility assistance, communication tools, or adaptive seating. 4. Global Impact Our work transcends borders, partnering with global stakeholders to create accessibility standards that can be applied internationally. No matter where you are, Disability Aviation is working to ensure you have the support you need when traveling. 5. A Passion for Inclusion At the heart of everything we do is a deep-rooted passion for inclusivity. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to explore the world, and we are dedicated to making that possible. Learn more about how we are shaping the future of accessible travel. Visit us at https://lnkd.in/esh8fg8e or give us a call today: • UK: 020 8064 1807 • USA: (646) 738-1198 #AccessibleTravel #DisabilityInclusion #AviationForAll #MaritimeAccessibility

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced new rules to improve air travel for passengers with disabilities. Airlines must provide better assistance, enhanced staff training for handling wheelchairs, and protections for damaged or delayed mobility devices. These updates strengthen the Air Carrier Access Act. #DisabilityRights #AccessibleTravel #AirTravelEquality

At Disability Aviation and Maritime, we are passionately dedicated to advocating for improved policies and enhanced staff training to ensure better services for travelers with disabilities. Our mission is to make every journey seamless, enjoyable, and inclusive, empowering all passengers to experience the joy of travel. By partnering with airlines, airports, and maritime organizations, we work to create an equitable and accessible travel environment that respects and uplifts individuals with disabilities. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity throughout the travel industry. Our expertise spans every stage of the travel journey—starting from the moment a passenger purchases their ticket. From booking and check-in to arriving at the airport or cruise terminal, navigating security, boarding an aircraft or ship, and interacting with crew and customer service, we ensure that every step of the process is thoughtfully designed with accessibility, comfort, and dignity at its core. We also carry out comprehensive audits to evaluate accessibility standards across all aspects of the travel journey. These audits help identify gaps, highlight areas for improvement, and ensure that services and facilities align with the highest standards of accessibility and inclusivity. This rigorous approach allows us to provide actionable insights and practical solutions for our partners. We tirelessly work to identify and remove barriers that hinder travelers with disabilities. Through comprehensive training, tailored solutions, and full audits, we promote understanding and meet diverse accessibility needs. Our team is driven by the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to explore the world. In addition to direct advocacy, we actively assess and recognize third-party suppliers, setting benchmarks for accessibility and encouraging continuous improvement across the industry. By maintaining high standards and implementing innovative practices, we inspire others to prioritize inclusion. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we aim to transform the travel experience for all. Together, we can create a world where travel is truly accessible, empowering every passenger to journey with confidence, ease, and independence. #AccessibleTravel #InclusionMatters #TravelForAll #DisabilityAdvocacy

While an Aviation Standard for flight transport accessibility is a step in the right direction, policies or guidelines developed to assist people with disabilities - without bringing them into the conversation - almost always fall significantly short of their goals. Let's ensure there's a substantial amount of stakeholder consultation so that these standards actually do what they're meant to do. #2024DisabilityEmpowerment #TransportAccessibility #CoDesign

Big news for travelers with disabilities! The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the largest expansion of rights for airline passengers with disabilities in decades. 🛫 Key changes include: ✅ Improved training for airline staff assisting passengers with disabilities and handling wheelchairs. ✅ Faster assistance for boarding, deplaning, and making connections. ✅ Stronger protections for wheelchairs and assistive devices, including loaner devices and repair/replacement at no cost if damaged. ✅ Rebooking passengers at no cost if mobility devices can’t be transported. This is a significant step toward ensuring safe, dignified, and equitable air travel for the 5.5 million Americans who use wheelchairs. The rule will take effect in January 2025, with further improvements rolling out by 2026. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ev83fDk6 #DisabilityRights #AirTravelAccessibility #InclusionMatters #GUCEDD #TravelForAll