NEW SINGLE-AISLE AIRPLANES WILL HAVE ACCESSIBLE LAVATORIES

U.S. DOT SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG EXPLAINS THE NEW RULE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION CORRESPONDENT STEVE WRIGHT

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted that DOT has awarded billions of dollars through the bipartisan infrastructure law to modernize airport terminals.

This includes adding wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms. 

He says DOT is laying the groundwork for a potential future rule to address passengers staying in their own wheelchairs when they fly.

Buttigieg knows the ultimate game changer for wheelchair users in our aviation system would be boarding airplanes and other transit modes with the same ease as nondisabled passengers.

“We know it won’t happen overnight. 

We want to be realistic but not patient,” says Buttigieg. 

“We’re making it clear to the aviation industry that’s the direction we need to move in, and we are taking concrete steps toward research development of safety standards. 

And we are ensuring the advocacy community is participating.”