This week, Cure SMA urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen and quickly implement its proposed rule on ensuring safe accommodations for air travelers with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other disabilities who use wheelchairs.
In the 9-page letter addressed to Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Cure SMA highlighted critical issues faced by individuals with SMA during air travel, emphasizing the importance of safe and dignified assistance, prompt enplaning and deplaning assistance, proper handling of wheelchairs, prompt repair or replacement of damaged wheelchairs, and enhanced training for airline personnel.
Cure SMA’s goal is to ensure that all individuals with SMA can travel safely and with dignity, while working towards, one day having the ability to stay in their personal wheelchairs during flights—an aspiration echoed by many in the SMA community.
In addition to pushing for regulatory action to improve air travel, Cure SMA is also advocating for legislation to improve the rights and safety of air passengers with SMA. The U.S. Senate plans to take up air travel legislation this week that contains key disability provisions.
The SMA community’s past outreach to Congress has helped to push this legislation this far. Individuals with SMA and their families can help get it over the finish line by letting your legislators know that accessible air travel is a priority to you and asking them to retain the disability provisions in the final bill.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to advancing the rights and accessibility of individuals with SMA.