Cure SMA is thrilled to share a major win for the SMA community: the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has finalized its rule on ensuring safe accommodations for air travelers with disabilities using wheelchairs. This significant advancement underscores the importance of equity in air travel and represents a critical step toward making flights safer and more dignified for passengers with disabilities.
The final rule addresses many challenges highlighted in Cure SMA’s comments to DOT earlier this year and that were featured in Cure SMA’s Good, Bad, but mostly Ugly Air travel report. Key areas Cure SMA advocated for that are reflected in the final rule include:
- Wheelchair Safety and Prompt Repairs
Airlines are now required to improve tracking and handling procedures to reduce damage to wheelchairs and mobility devices. Cure SMA emphasized the devastating impact of wheelchair damage, noting in our comments, “Damaged wheelchairs can leave travelers stranded, causing financial and physical hardship.” - Prompt Return of Wheelchairs
The rule mandates timely and safe return of mobility devices after flights. This addresses community feedback about prolonged delays or mishandling of essential equipment, which can disrupt travel and daily activities. - Training for Airline Staff
Enhanced training is now required for airline personnel to ensure safer transfers for passengers and proper handling of wheelchairs. Cure SMA has long advocated for improved training, stating that it is critical for reducing injuries and ensuring dignity for passengers with disabilities.
The DOT final rule is the latest in a string of accessible air travel wins that have been influenced by the advocacy and feedback of individuals with SMA and their families. This summer, President Biden signed into law aviation legislation that included meaningful accessible air travel improvements. This fall, the DOT announced a major enforcement action against an airline that consistently mishandled passenger wheelchairs. And based on direct feedback from Cure SMA’s Adult Advisory Council, Cure SMA launched a new accessible air travel online resource and support package to assist individuals with SMA as they travel by air.
Cure SMA thanks President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for finalizing this important rule and for the SMA community for its advocacy over the past several years, especially in sharing their stories online and directly with their congressional offices, including during the 2023 Cure SMA Hill Day. Cure SMA will continue advocating with and on behalf the SMA community for additional air travel improvements, including the ability for individuals to remain in their wheelchairs during flights.
To learn more about Cure SMA’s advocacy efforts and how you can get involved, visit https://www.curesma.org/cure-sma-advocacy.