Muscular Dystrophy Association Celebrates Historic Advancements in Accessible Air Travel as Congress Passes FAA Reauthorization
May 15 2024 - 2:57PM
Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) celebrates a
landmark achievement in accessible air travel as Congress grants
final passage to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
reauthorization bill - H.R.3935, the Securing Growth and Robust
Leadership in American Aviation Act. The bipartisan effort,
following months of negotiation, represents the most significant
improvement in air travel for people living with disabilities in
nearly 40 years and makes strides towards ensuring safer and more
dignified air travel experiences for everyone.
The FAA reauthorization bill, bolstered by provisions championed
by MDA, addresses crucial aspects of accessibility in air travel,
including the establishment of pathways to wheelchair spots on
airplanes, the requirement for continued study on safe wheelchair
tie-down systems and evacuation standards for passengers with
disabilities, greater information on onboard wheelchair provision
and enhanced training standards for assisting passengers who use
wheelchairs and for safe stowage of wheelchairs. Additionally, the
bill aims to streamline and improve the Department of
Transportation (DOT) complaint process and increase representation
of individuals living with disabilities on passenger experience
committees.
“The FAA reauthorization is an important step to creating an
equitable, safe, and dignified travel experience for people with
neuromuscular and related disabilities,” said Donald S. Wood,
PhD, President and CEO, MDA. "This passage is the most
significant advancement in accessible air travel in nearly four
decades. We’re extremely proud of the collaboration between MDA,
our advocates, and government leaders, which helped bring this new
standard for accessible travel into law."
“The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Accessible Air Travel
advocacy campaign channeled the neuromuscular and the entire
disability communities’ efforts to make it quite clear that
mistreating people and damaging wheelchairs during air travel is
unacceptable. We are grateful to the House and Senate for
prioritizing accessibility improvements needed by the community,”
said Paul Melmeyer, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and
Advocacy, MDA.
Following today’s Congressional vote, the President is expected
to sign the bill into law. Even with today’s momentous news, MDA
will remain actively engaged in the implementation process and will
continue to advocate for future reforms that prioritize the needs
of people with disabilities. MDA on the Hill continues to be a
tremendous force as advocates meet with lawmakers in person; in
2023, our advocates visited their legislators to catalyze the
effort to ensure that the final FAA reauthorization bill reflected
the shared vision of enhanced accessibility and inclusivity in air
travel.
“MDA extends its gratitude to Congress for their unwavering
support and bipartisan collaboration in advancing these critical
initiatives,” said Mindy Henderson, Vice President of Disability
Outreach and Empowerment, MDA. “With the final passage of the
FAA reauthorization bill, the entire community of families served
by Muscular Dystrophy Association look forward to a future where
air travel is truly accessible to all.”
"Finally, with the new reforms included in the FAA
Reauthorization, there's hope for a transformation in air travel
for people with disabilities. No longer should boarding a flight
feel like an out-of-body experience fraught with fear and
uncertainty. As someone with muscular dystrophy, I've faced the
harsh reality of inadequate training and misconceptions about my
needs. Being loaded onto a plane isn't a privilege; it's a
necessity to shield others from the indignity and pain we endure
during transfers. We've fought tirelessly for inclusion in society,
from public buildings to workplaces, and accessible air travel is
our right, not a mere courtesy. It's time for airlines to recognize
our voices and uphold their obligations under the law, ensuring
that every passenger, regardless of ability, can fly with dignity
and respect," said Madison Lawson, MDA Advocate, journalist and
disability rights activist.
MDA remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering
collaboration between lawmakers, disability advocacy groups, the
Department of Transportation (DOT), and other stakeholders to
ensure that this final FAA reauthorization bill is fully
implemented and results in a better flying experience for
individuals with disabilities.
MDA is grateful to Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, Chairman Sam
Graves, Ranking Member Ted Cruz, Ranking Member Rick Larsen,
Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Garrett
Graves, Congressman Steve Cohen, and Congresswoman Dina Titus who
collectively ensured this legislation would transform accessible
air travel for the better. MDA also thanks its advocacy partners,
particularly Paralyzed Veterans of America, for their steadfast
collaboration.
About MDA’s Accessible Air Travel Advocacy CampaignIn May
2023, MDA Advocates went to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers
who sit on key committees about accessible air travel for inclusion
in the FAA reauthorization. In addition to this video,
featuring Mindy Henderson, Vice President of Disability Outreach
and Empowerment, MDA released a companion video featuring MDA
Advocate and disability activist Madison Lawson, which documents a
treacherous experience on a recent flight. That video garnered over
2 million views and thousands of messages to Capitol Hill. MDA
Advocate Maceo Carter also shared his experience with damage to his
wheelchair in USA Today. In total, MDA advocates have sent
over 10,600 messages to lawmakers since 2023 urging them to make
air travel accessible for people living with disabilities. To learn
more about today’s landmark legislative achievement and to follow
MDA’s #AccessibleAirTravel campaign go
to MDA.org/AirTravel and follow @MDA_Advocacy.
About Muscular Dystrophy AssociationMuscular Dystrophy
Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in
the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS,
and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led
the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating
for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the
people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn
more visit mda.org and follow MDA
on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads,
TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
- Muscular Dystrophy Association Advocacy
Mary Fiance, Vice President, Strategic Communications
Muscular Dystrophy Association
press@mdausa.org