The government is encouraging airlines to better serve persons with disabilities; and who knows, some day this could affect you. Read on:
******************************
A new guide from the U.S. Department of Transportation is spelling
out the rules air carriers must follow when dealing with travelers who
have autism and other developmental disabilities.
The federal agency sent guidance to airlines
this summer detailing their responsibilities under the Air Carrier
Access Act. Developed in coordination with The Arc and the Autistic Self
Advocacy Network, the documentation does not lay out any new
requirements, but clarifies existing rules for airlines and travelers,
the agency said.
“Recent incidents highlight the need for a guidance document focusing
on developmental disabilities, to assist individuals on the autism
spectrum and individuals with other developmental disabilities know
their rights,” the Department of Transportation said in a statement to
Disability Scoop.
Earlier this year, a 15-year-old with autism and her family were kicked off
of a United Airlines flight after the teen’s mother sought a hot meal
to calm the girl mid-flight. The incident, which garnered national
attention, prompted the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to request
clarification from the Transportation Department on the
responsibilities of airlines when serving passengers with autism and
other disabilities.
Under federal rules, airlines can deny boarding or remove a passenger
with a disability from a flight if they believe the individual “poses a
significant risk to the health or safety of others” that cannot be
addressed by modifying typical policies or procedures.
However, such action cannot be taken based on an assumed risk
associated with a person’s diagnosis, the Transportation Department
said.
For example, the document indicates that a person with a disability
could be removed from a flight if they repeatedly kick the seat in front
of them unless the behavior could be accommodated by moving the
passenger to a different seat where kicking would not affect others on
the plane.
If a person is denied access to a scheduled flight due to their
disability, airlines must provide a written explanation within 10 days,
the Transportation Department said.
The guidance directs airlines to consider a person’s disability when
communicating with passengers. It also offers air carriers information
about developmental disabilities and gives examples of common behaviors
and communication challenges that individuals may exhibit.
Travelers with disabilities are encouraged to contact airlines in
advance of their scheduled flight to discuss their anticipated needs
while at the airport and in flight.
*********************************
No comments:
Post a Comment