Thursday, August 31, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


The stadium will feature wheelchair charging stations strategically placed in accessible seating areas. 

The modern facility will also incorporate extensive wayfinding, providing valuable assistance to individuals with low vision or other disabilities. 

A comprehensive publication outlining the diverse range of accessibility features will be published before the venue opens.

United Spinal’s Accessibility Services team has long lobbied for safe, accessible adult changing areas. 

Despite the absence of a national requirement for inclusion in the New York state code, the New Highmark Stadium will take a proactive approach by incorporating these facilities.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Details are still to come on the mix of options and check-out methods for concessions and retail markets in the Bill’s new stadium. 

However, they will prioritize accessibility to ensure all fans can access and enjoy the amenities without barriers or limitations.

“We always try to sell clients on immersive inclusion,” says Dominic Marinelli, Vice President of Accessibility Services.

“With the Bills, there is no trying to convince. 

They bought in from the start.”

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Accessibility Services’ expertise has ensured access to new and retrofitted classic venues. Some of these are Citi Field, Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden in New York City, Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta and Hard Rock in Miami.

The new Bills home strives to get wheelchair users to their seats and other parts of the stadium quickly.

“There not only will be wheelchair-accessible spaces in every range of price points, but also wheelchair access in club seating areas to the owner’s suite,” says Dominic Marinelli, Vice President of Accessibility Services.

“The transition from parking to the stadium will be safe and fully accessible.

It’s not like there’s an access-only portion, and the rest is inaccessible.”

Monday, August 28, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

“Dom and I worked on the New York City building code that came out last fall. 

Now the accessible seating must be in the middle third of the bar – so the wheelchair spaces are not isolated,” says Kleo King, Senior Director of Accessibility Operations & Counsel at United Spinal.

“The Yankees did this, and our stadium clients are doing this now.”

Kleo King, Senior Director of Accessibility Operations & Counsel at United Spinal, noted that Universal Design helps everyone, as ramps and smooth surfaces benefit everyone, from parents pushing strollers to tourists pulling luggage. 

“Accessibility Services ensure things being constructed or renovated are accessible to people with disabilities, including our members.”

 

 

SO PROUD TO HAVE MY PHOTO EXHIBIT AS PART OF THIS WONDERFUL REEL


MY SHOW ON MIAMI BEACH RUNS THROUGH THANKSGIVING:



https://mdpl.org/blog/2023/08/save-my-little-havana-steve-wright-photo-exhibit-launches-august-24th-at-the-art-deco-museum/

Thanks to

#ladyarhlene

Photo Gallery - http://fifibear.comGraphic Designer/Imaging/  Videographer/Photographer https://facebook.com/TinaPaulPhotog




Sunday, August 27, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

“This isn’t our first football stadium or huge pro sports project,” says Kleo King, Senior Director of Accessibility Operations & Counsel at United Spinal.

“We’ve done large-scale projects in all the major sports. 

We know the requirements of state and local codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act and are intimately familiar with how all people use a facility. 

We are enhancing the fan experience in every way, including wayfinding that helps people with disabilities to find entrances, elevators, accessible restrooms, concessions – everything.”

Accessibility Services constantly pushes for more inclusion. 

King gives the example of New York City requirements for lowered bar seating. 

The existing regs lacked specificity, which resulted in the accessible spots being pushed off to the side. They were isolated from others and became de facto server pick-up stations.

Saturday, August 26, 2023

THRILLED TO SHARE THE SECRETS OF INCLUSIVE DESIGN

 WITH THE OHIO REALTORS THIS MONTH

I've contributed Universal Design expertise to the National Association of REALTORS for 20+ years.

We all deserve to live barrier-free.

I would love to speak – in person (best) or virtually (still great) to your downtown authority, business improvement district, AIA or APA chapter, school of architecture or healthy living nonprofit.

Please email me at stevewright64@yahoo.com

Friday, August 25, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


A Bills fan, Natalie Barnhard is encouraged that the new stadium will have more accessible seating and be easier to navigate than the current facility. 

She is happy Accessibility Services has boots on the ground, ensuring access in every form.

“Many concert venues are problematic because the moment people stand up, you can’t see the performer.

Older venues also tend only to have the accessible seating way in the back,” Natalie Barnhard says.

“Because United Spinal is part of this, I know that sight lines will be addressed, and accessible seating will be dispersed through all sections. 

Having an accessible stadium where everyone can enjoy the game and amenities equally is the definition of inclusion. 

Hopefully, the finished product will be very inclusive.”

As a United Spinal chapter leader, Natalie will likely be among the first wheelchair users to visit the new venue. 

Whenever possible, United Spinal ensures all its local chapter leaders and members receive invites at properties it advises.

Thursday, August 24, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES 


“Being a person with a disability, I am in the largest minority group – one in four people will experience some type of disability in their life,” says Natalie Barnhard. 

She received the 2021 Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year Award at our Roll on Capitol Hill event. 

“When you have a spinal cord injury, you do not want to stop doing what you love. So, you hope your city and team are accountable. 

I want to see inclusion as essential, not an afterthought, or something a facility was ordered to do.”

Natalie Barnhard leads the Western New York Chapter of United Spinal and has used a wheelchair for 16 years. 

She started the Motion Project Foundation and founded the Buffalo-based Natalie Barnhard Center for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery – an inclusive gym for intense, activity-based exercise programs.


BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


“Scott (Radecic, a Bill’s linebacker) would always donate his time to Eastern Paralyzed Veterans,” says Dominic Marinelli, Vice President of Accessibility Services, of the organization that today is United Spinal.

“They had a poster of the Bills linebackers with the caption, “These backers don’t just back the line, they back barrier-free access. 

When I met with Scott, he had that poster on the wall. It shows that it wasn’t just lip service.”

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Among others in the organization, John Polka, the Bills’ Vice President of Stadium Development, and Andy Major, Vice President of Operations, continuously learn and identify improvement areas based on fan feedback. 

The project team is incorporating that valuable community input into constructing a new, highly inclusive facility.

Scott Radecic, a senior principal at Populous, was a linebacker for the Bills for three seasons in the late 1980s. 

“We are grateful to be able to collaborate with United Spinal’s accessibility team early in the stadium’s design process,” said Radecic. 

“This expertise allows us to keep accessibility as a core design principle of this project, an important goal of Populous and the Bills organization.”

Monday, August 21, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Kelly Seward, the Bills’ Manager of New Stadium Relations, commends the United Spinal Accessibility team’s expertise.

“The project team is creating a stadium that embraces and celebrates the entire Western New York community,” she says.

“Accessibility Services has been great about coordinating input from a broad base of people in our local disability community.”

The New Highmark Stadium will feature numerous inclusive innovations from pedestrian entry points to seating to concessions. 

The main concourse and entries are located at grade to reduce vertical transitions and enhance accessibility. 

“This has been an inclusive and collaborative approach from the start, and the team takes great pride in that,” says Seward.

 

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

People wanted to know the number of accessible seats and their scattered locations. 

They asked where the paratransit drop-off would be.

Will accessible paths to mass transit be ensured? 

How about details like captioning on video boards and lower concession service counters?

Could an app be created for people with hearing disabilities?

The 60,000-seat, $1.4 billion, state-of-the-art open-air stadium will open for the 2026 NFL season. 

The New Highmark Stadium will be the biggest project ever built in Western New York, covering 1.5 million square feet on a 242-acre site, plus a 19,000 -square-foot ancillary technology building.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

PLEASE JOIN ME FOR THE OPENING OF MY LITTLE HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT – SAVE MY LITTLE HAVANA

ART DECO WELCOME CENTER MIAMI BEACH                                          OCEAN DRIVE AT 10TH STREET   6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. THURSDAY AUGUST 24 


Steve Wright will exhibit his Little Havana photography as part of the Local Artist Program hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) at the Art Deco Welcome Center at Ocean Drive and 10th Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach.

Artist/Activist/Writer/Planner Steve Wright discovered Miami’s Little Havana as an Ohioan escaping winter in the late 1990s. For more than 20 years, he has lived in a 100-plus-year-old classic home on historic Bryan Park in the Shenandoah section of Little Havana.

Wright shed more than 100 pounds on long walks, photographing Little Havana. His images shy away from famous Calle Ocho and instead highlight the hidden gems among the apartments, homes, churches and businesses of authentic and culturally rich La Pequena Habana.

“My photos are not the most technically perfect, but they are filled with passion,” said Wright, who is a keynote speaker, planner and journalist focused on urban spaces and making them more accessible to people with disabilities. “Miami Beach is the epicenter of historic preservation of hundreds of small, unique, art deco buildings. I want to call attention to the Mediterranean, Art Deco and Old Florida gems in Little Havana. Development pressures could erase these architectural and cultural gems and replace them with soulless modern buildings.”

The exhibit kicks off with a reception 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday Aug. 24 at the Art Deco Welcome Center, 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Admission to the museum is free for Miami-Dade. The adjacent gift shop will have matted images of Wright’s photography for sale. Art in the exhibit is also for sale, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to MDPL.

About  Miami Design Preservation League. The nonprofit preserves, protects, and promotes the architectural, cultural, social, and environmental integrity of Miami Beach and the surrounding areas.

About  Steve Wright. Wright is an award-winning storyteller and artist. He travels the world speaking about a better built environment for people with disabilities. He worked for the people of Little Havana with the City of Miami. He rescues street cats in La Pequena Habana.

Media Contact: Steve Wright, cell: (305) 776-3231. Email: stevewright64@yahoo.com 


Friday, August 18, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


Dominic Marinelli, Vice President of Accessibility Services, is impressed with the Bills organization’s sincere dedication to seeking input from people with disabilities. 

The franchise demonstrates a genuine commitment to the community. “Accessibility isn’t an afterthought for them.

Every aspect of their business is geared toward inclusion — not only stadium design.

They have staff trained in disability etiquette, dedicated to accommodating fans with disabilities on game day.

They hire people with disabilities.”

Dom says the team applies standards well above New York State’s requirements. 

“Before a shovel went in the ground, they had an inclusive meeting with the disability community. 

Executives from the team and Populous were there taking notes. 

Vice presidents and staff from various departments within the organization paid close attention to the needs of people with all types of disabilities.”

 

Thursday, August 17, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


The team wants to guarantee every fan has a clear view of the field. 

“One of the biggest things is ensuring a wheelchair user can see over a person standing in front of them,” Dominic Marinelli, Vice President of Accessibility Services, says.

Even some new sports and concert venues have run into trouble when designers fail to account for this.

“Our Marsha Mazz created the requirements for that. 

We are very versed in these things, so we work with lead architects, other accessibility consultants and the entire design team.” 

Marsha was with the U.S. Access Board for decades before joining United Spinal.


Wednesday, August 16, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES 


This accessible New Highmark Stadium project is a dream come true for Buffalo native, lifelong Bills fan Dominic Marinelli, our Vice President of Accessibility Services.

“The Bills used us as its accessibility consultant when they renovated the present stadium several years ago,” says Dom. United Spinal helped the 1973 stadium to become ADA-compliant.

“The team trusted us for the retrofit and renovation, so they called us for the new stadium.”


Tuesday, August 15, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


The Buffalo Bills get this disability inclusion. 

The storied franchise, now in its seventh decade, is committed to making the New Highmark Stadium a universally-designed, ADA-compliant pro sports venue where all are fully included.

The NFL franchise selected Populous, a world-renowned global architecture firm specializing in stadium and arena design, to serve as lead designer and architect of record on its new “Built for Buffalo” stadium project. 

In turn, Populous joined forces with United Spinal Association’s Accessibility Services team in a commitment to surpass the minimum requirements of the ADA.

Monday, August 14, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


Make sure a new NFL facility has myriad food and beverage amenities with easy-to-reach counters, an excellent team store with wide aisles, larger-than-life video screens and premium club amenities for that once-in-a-lifetime splurge.

That’s what fans with disabilities want, and that’s what they’ll get. Because the Buffalo Bills teamed up with United Spinal’s Accessibility Services.

As anyone in the disability community knows, wheelchair-using football fans are as rabid as their nondisabled counterparts. 

The goal is a seamless, inclusive experience that places all fans with all types of disabilities at the heart of the action.

Sunday, August 13, 2023

BUFFALO BILLS’ NEW NFL STADIUM

TEAMING WITH UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

What do NFL fans who use wheelchairs want in a new accessible stadium?

Electrifying 80-yard bombs from a flame-throwing quarterback to a fleet-footed receiver.

A 300-pound lineman lumbering 50 yards to take a fumble recovery into the end zone.

A shutdown corner’s acrobatic fourth-quarter interception to ice a division championship with three seconds on the clock.

A strong-legged kicker piercing the uprights for 40+ yards out to win the Super Bowl.

Give it an open-air roof to provide a home team advantage in the always windy, frigid late-season Buffalo climate.

Saturday, August 12, 2023

PLEASE JOIN ME FOR THE OPENING OF MY LITTLE HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT – SAVE MY LITTLE HAVANA

ART DECO WELCOME CENTER MIAMI BEACH                                          OCEAN DRIVE AT 10TH STREET   6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. THURSDAY AUGUST 24 


STEVE WRIGHT, VISUAL AND VERBAL STORYTELLER

Steve Wright has earned his living as a storyteller for four decades. He went to journalism school to become a reporter and learned the art of black and white photography – including developing and printing his film – at Kent State University.

Through the years, he honed his skills with film, slides, early digital SLRs and with the increasingly good lenses built into smart phones.

For more than 20 years, the Ohio native has called Miami’s Little Havana home. He bought a careworn but beautiful 1922 home on the southwest corner of historic William Jennings Bryan Park. While fighting to preserve the park from being entirely paved in concrete for an out of scale tennis center, he patiently restored his Spanish Mission-style, hardwood floored, art-filled abode.

Long involved in historic preservation as a journalist, Wright fell in love with the diverse people and architecture of Little Havana. While working for the chair of the Miami City Commission, he supported festivals on Calle Ocho and steered the project that created a linear park from SW 8th Street to historical Coral Way.

Wright uses his photography to illustrate not only his stories on architecture, planning and placemaking, but also his international speeches on making cities more inclusive for all – especially people with disabilities.

Wright’s speaking/writing/photography assignments have taken him to Istanbul, Paris, Barcelona, Marrakech, Cairo, Lisbon, London, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Medellin, La Antigua, Montevideo and countless major cities in North America.

He spends time each weekend photographing the beautiful, often need of a little TLC, early 20th century residential and commercial buildings of Little Havana.

Friday, August 11, 2023

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.”

Thursday, August 10, 2023

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


DOT is currently working on rules to require better training for airline staff who physically assist passengers with disabilities or handle battery-powered wheelchairs or scooters.

“There’s no question that alongside physical accommodations, there needs to be improvement in the training of staff who work with passengers with disabilities,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says. 

“We see it in terms of dignity and safety.

There are many clear cases where proper training would have made a difference [in avoiding serious injury]. 

We would like to get the notice of proposed rulemaking out this year.” 

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

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


Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations, speaks passionately about this new rule’s significance for all wheelchair users.

“As new aircraft are ordered and rolled out after 10-12 years, a lot of wheelchair users will no longer have to fear air travel, dehydrate themselves or experience the indignities or humiliation of restricted bathroom use,” she says.

“They will be able to work, visit family and friends or go on that anniversary trip that they have dreamed about for years. 

This is good news to hear today on the 33rd anniversary of the ADA.”

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

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 and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth are advocates for accessible air travel.

“Our community has advocated tirelessly for the simple human need and right to use an aircraft restroom,” says Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations.

“After almost a decade, our advocates won a final rule, speeding up requirements for larger, more accessible lavatories.”

 


Monday, August 7, 2023

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

The onboard airplane lavatory rule requires the following:

Airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft large enough to permit a passenger with a disability and attendant to approach, enter, and maneuver within as necessary to use the aircraft lavatory.

The lavatory to be equivalent in size to two 95th percentile males. 

A 95th percentile male is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 246 pounds.

Sunday, August 6, 2023

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

Last December, DOT awarded nearly $700 million through its All Stations Accessibility Program to retrofit old rail and subway stations, adding elevators, ramps, and other improvements. According to a DOT press release,

“The program, funded through the infrastructure law, is designed to improve the accessibility of transit rail stations so everyone, including people who use wheelchairs, push strollers, or cannot easily navigate stairs, can reliably access the rail systems in their communities.”

Saturday, August 5, 2023

PLEASE JOIN ME FOR THE OPENING OF MY PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT – SAVE MY LITTLE HAVANA

 ART DECO WELCOME CENTER MIAMI BEACH                                         OCEAN DRIVE AT 10TH STREET   6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. THURSDAY AUGUST 24 


When I first visited Miami’s Little Havana as an Ohioan escaping winter in the late 1990s, I had no idea it would make such an impact on my life.

I bought a now 100-plus-year-old classic home in the Shenandoah section of Little Havana. It’s been my home on historic Bryan Park for more than 20 years.

I worked nearly a decade for the City Commissioner who represented the diverse area. I reviewed legislation that granted money to preserve a bungalow there.

I have spent endless days documenting the predominantly Mediterranean and Art Deco apartment buildings plus the Spanish-influenced grand homes and Belvedere Bungalows.

I fear that Miami’s relentless growth is pushing Brickell west of I-95. I’ve already seen countless quaint, affordable buildings razed and replaced with ugly, taller, not very affordable monoliths.

You cannot stop progress, but you can protect history and authenticity. This exhibit is in Miami Beach, which has done a world-renowned exemplary job of balancing growth with protecting its famous, incomparable Art Deco District.

I hope this photo exhibition raises awareness of the cultural, architectural and human treasure that is Little Havana.

I wish to inspire historic preservation and adaptive reuse of beautiful early 20th century buildings.

I do not believe there is political will to create a protected zone like Miami Beach has done for its Art Deco treasures.

I can only pray that a combination of nonprofits and soulful developers, who see value in authenticity, will ensure that the hundreds of treasured buildings will live on well after I have expired. – Steve Wright, Summer 2023

“SAVE MY LITTLE HAVANA” EXHIBIT OPENING

EXHIBIT OPENING



A vibrant new photography exhibit is headed to the Art Deco Museum at the Art Deco Welcome Center, as part of its revamped Featured Local Artist program.

“Save My Little Havana” by writer and photographer Steve Wright tells the story of his neighborhood’s many historic residential and commercial buildings.

Join us for the exhibit opening at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 24th at the Art Deco Museum.

The exhibition will be on display until mid-November. As part of the featured local artist program, photographs will be available for sale with 1/2 of proceeds benefitting the Miami Design Preservation League.

https://mdpl.org/event/save-my-little-havana-exhibit-opening/

Friday, August 4, 2023

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

The influence of advocates is apparent because the original rule would have pushed back accessible restrooms on new plane orders to 18 years from now, and delivery of new planes 20 years from now. 

That would have been an entire generation of wheelchair users not able to use the lavatory on flights.

That waiting period was virtually cut in half because of input from disability advocacy leaders such as United Spinal.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

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


Dedicated United Spinal advocates spoke directly to legislators about the importance of accessible air travel at this year’s Roll on Capitol Hill.

Asked if United Spinal and other advocacy groups pushing for this improvement is a blueprint for DOT rule changes that improve accessibility for air and other modes of travel, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says, 

“Absolutely. We would not be here making these kinds of announcements without not just the passion, but also the expertise that advocacy groups can contribute. 

There’s no way for policymakers to understand how to make good choices without the input of people who have navigated our transportation systems with a disability.”

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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

Previously, single-aisle planes were not required to have accessible lavatories, even though they make up the vast majority of domestic air routes.

“Air travel with safety and dignity makes the country better off. Communities can benefit from the contributions of people with disabilities, who cannot do their work or improve their communities without air travel,” U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg says.

“This is an administration that cares deeply about people with disabilities affordably, safely and conveniently getting to where they need to be — across all transportation from public transit to aviation.”

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

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

“On the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA, Transportation Secretary Buttigieg turned his words into actions. 

He moved the ball forward on air travel accessibility by years,” says Vincenzo Piscopo, President and CEO of United Spinal Association. 

“While we still have work to do, this is amazing progress. 

It would not have been possible without our grassroots advocates putting their blood, sweat and tears into this issue.”

“I’m happy and relieved for our members,” says Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations. 

“We’ve all worked so hard.”