MDA Advocacy Campaign Reaches Milestone for Unprecedented Progress in Accessible Air Travel
Muscular Dystrophy Association advocacy efforts
WASHINGTON, DC, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced that accessible air travel will be a Celebrating groundbreaking achievements. HR3935, Ensuring Growth and Solid Leadership in U.S. Aviation Law. This bipartisan effort, which followed months of negotiations, represents the most significant improvement to air travel for people with disabilities in nearly 40 years, creating a safer and more dignified air travel experience for all. Progress has been made in the direction of guaranteeing this.
The FAA reauthorization bill, strengthened by MDA-backed provisions, would improve air travel, including creating walkways to wheelchair seats on airplanes and requiring continued research into safe anchorage systems for wheelchairs and evacuation standards for passengers with disabilities. Addresses important aspects of accessibility in . Improved information on disabilities, onboard wheelchair provision, and enhanced training standards for assisting passengers using wheelchairs and safely stowing wheelchairs. Additionally, the bill aims to streamline and improve the Department of Transportation's (DOT) complaint process and increase the representation of individuals with disabilities on passenger experience boards.
“FAA reauthorization is an important step toward creating an equitable, safe, and dignified travel experience for people with neuromuscular and related disabilities.” Dr. Donald S. Wood, MDA President and CEO. “This passage is the most significant advancement in accessible air travel in nearly 40 years. We look forward to working with MDAs, our allies, and government leaders who helped create this new standard for accessible travel. I'm very proud.”
“The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Accessible Air Travel Advocacy Campaign is leading efforts across the neuromuscular and disability community to make clear that mistreating people and damaging their wheelchairs during air travel is unacceptable. We thank the House and Senate for prioritizing the accessibility improvements our community needs.” Paul Mehlmeyer, MDA Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy.
Following today's vote in Congress, the President is expected to sign the bill. Despite today's significant news, MDA remains actively involved in the implementation process and continues to advocate for future reforms that prioritize the needs of people with disabilities. MDA on the Hill Advocates continue to have great power when they meet face-to-face with legislators. In 2023, our advocates will visit legislators around the world to advance efforts to ensure that the final FAA reauthorization bill reflects our shared vision of improving accessibility and inclusivity in air travel. did.
“MDA thanks Congress for its unwavering support and bipartisan cooperation in advancing these important efforts.” Mindy Henderson, MDA Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment. “With final passage of the FAA reauthorization bill, the entire family community served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association looks forward to a future where air travel is truly accessible to everyone.”
“Finally, new reforms included in the FAA reauthorization promise to transform air travel for people with disabilities. As someone with muscular dystrophy, I have been faced with the harsh reality of inadequate training and misconceptions about my needs. Being put on a plane is not a privilege. We need to protect ourselves from the humiliation and pain we endure while on the move. From public buildings to the workplace, we continue to strive for inclusion in society and accessible air travel is not just a courtesy, it's our right. Now is the time for airlines to recognize our voices and uphold their obligations under the law to ensure that all passengers, regardless of ability, feel safe and fly with dignity and respect. ” said MDA advocate, journalist and disability rights activist Madison Lawson.
MDA is committed to working with legislators, disability advocates, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and others to ensure that this final FAA reauthorization bill is fully implemented and results in a better flying experience for people with disabilities. remains firm in its commitment to fostering cooperation among stakeholders.
MDA would like to thank Speaker Maria Cantwell, Speaker Sam Graves, Ranking Member Ted Cruz, Ranking Member Rick Larsen, and Senator Tammy Duckworth for jointly ensuring that this bill delivers accessibility improvements. Thank you, Congressman Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Garrett Graves, Steve Cohen, and Dina Titus. Making air travel even better. MDA also thanks its advocacy partners, especially America's Paralyzed Veterans of America, for their steadfast cooperation.
About MDA’s Accessible Air Travel Advocacy Campaign
In May 2023, MDA Advocates traveled to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers on key committees about accessible air travel for inclusion in the FAA's reauthorization. In addition to this video featuring Mindy Henderson, Vice President of Disability Services and Empowerment, MDA is also releasing a recent video featuring Dangerous Flying Experiences featuring MDA advocate and disability activist Madison Lawson. The recorded companion video has been released. The video garnered him more than 2 million views and thousands of messages on Capitol Hill. MDA attorney Maceo Carter also shared his experience with wheelchair damage with USA Today. Since 2023, MDA advocates have sent more than 10,600 messages to lawmakers asking them to make air travel more accessible to people with disabilities. To learn more about today's groundbreaking legislative accomplishments and follow MDA's #AccessibleAirTravel campaign, visit MDA.org/AirTravel and follow @MDA_Advocacy.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the nation's number one voluntary health organization for people with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For more than 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for family support. MDA's mission is to enable the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. For more information, visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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CONTACT: Mary Fiance, Vice President, Strategic Communications Muscular Dystrophy Association press@mdausa.org
