ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

MDA, PVA, and other disability-related organizations agree that adjusting airplane cabins to allow travelers to remain in their wheelchairs while flying is the seismic shift needed in air travel.

For 15 years, All Wheels Up Founder and President Michele Erwin has been leading that charge. She believes airlines are starting to see that it makes economic sense.

“We know 80% of power wheelchair users do not travel by air because of the possibility of lost or damaged mobility devices,” Michele says. 

“There are 4 million wheelchair users in the United States and at least 20 million globally, but only a fraction are traveling. 

When someone travels by plane, airlines don’t just sell one ticket — they sell two to four more tickets to family members, friends, and business associates. 

More accessibility means more revenue.”

 

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

“People with disabilities have the right to access any mode of transportation and have the same safe experience that everyone else has,” says Heather Ansley is Chief Policy Officer for PVA and the co-chair of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee.

“If you have to be across the country the next day — to address an urgent family matter or attend a critical business meeting — the only way you can do that is to fly. People with disabilities are no different. 

They’ve paid the fare, so the airline needs to provide a safe and dignified experience.”

If something happens to your wheelchair or other mobility device during air travel, document the damage or other issues in writing and take photos. 

The quickest way to get a response is to contact the airline. 

Check the airline’s website to see if they have a specific phone number to call for disability-related concerns.

“If the issue is not resolved sufficiently, or if you have concerns that your rights were violated, also submit a complaint to the DOT,” says Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA. 

“It’s those complaints to the DOT that led to the unprecedented fine against American Airlines last year.”

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

Heather Ansley is Chief Policy Officer for PVA and the co-chair of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee. 

The 2024 FAA reauthorization extended the life of the committee and charged it with researching and advising on crucial mobility issues, such as the use of lithium batteries in assistive mobility devices and best practices for service animals in flight.

“Overall, the disability community is focused on our advocacy to make sure any administration knows that we are watching the deadlines given by Congress, and we feel strongly about action being needed,” Heather says.

Many changes that will benefit disabled passengers are still in the rulemaking stage or have longer deadlines for implementation. 

This means it is too early to see widespread change, and it is imperative to work with the administration and the airline industry to ensure forward momentum.

 

ARRESTED MOBILITY:

OVERCOMING THE THREAT TO BLACK MOVEMENT

I cannot think of a better way to continue the positive energy of Juneteenth than reading my friend/colleague Charles Brown's book -- Arrested Mobility: Overcoming the Threat to Black Movement. 

It is pithy, well researched, on point, moving, profound, hopeful and filled with practical methods for making mobility more inclusive and cities more productive and livable for all of us.

The Island Press book is less than 125 pages.

Every word skillfully documents structural racism.

The book provides a path to better planning for all.

I am honored to have appeared in Charles' podcast and collaborated with him.

I'm proudly quoted as a disability advocate expert in his book.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

The largest disability enforcement action before this fine was only $2 million. 

Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA, notes that while half of the fine goes to the US Treasury, the remaining $25 million will be credited to American Airlines in the form of offsets.

“Offsets could be used for investments in equipment to reduce wheelchair damage, wheelchair lifts used to safely lower wheelchairs from the jet bridge down to the tarmac, system-wide wheelchair tagging systems, or other improvements,” she says.

MDA works closely with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and other nonprofit organizations to advocate for better air travel. PVA filed formal complaints about American Airlines’ “physical assistance that at times resulted in unsafe and undignified treatment of wheelchair users.” 

When the fine was levied, the DOT cited PVA’s complaints that outlined egregious actions.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

In February 2025, the trade group Airlines for America and five air carriers — American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United — filed a lawsuit, arguing that some of the DOT’s new rules regarding protections for passengers with wheelchairs are unnecessary and an overreach. 

As of press time, the DOT’s rules are still in effect.

In October 2024, the DOT showed that its commitment to safer, more inclusive air travel was more than lip service.

It levied a $50 million fine against American Airlines for violating laws protecting passengers with disabilities, sending a signal to the industry that poor treatment of passengers with disabilities would not be tolerated.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

At the end of 2024, the DOT released additional disability-positive rules that went into effect in January 2025, such as:

• Codifying that airline actions that result in a “heightened risk of bodily injury, which may include loss or damage to wheelchairs and other assistive devices that result in bodily injury,” violate the rights of passengers with disabilities
• Stating that personnel and boarding chairs must be ready to assist passengers no later than when other passengers have left the aircraft
• Requiring airline workers and contractors to get enhanced training on wheelchair disassembly and reassembly, proper wheelchair loading and securement, and safe and dignified passenger transfer assistance

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

Disability-related provisions in the FAA reauthorization include:

• Strengthening training requirements for those assisting passengers with limited mobility, as well as for those who stow wheelchairs and assistive devices
• Improving the complaint process with the DOT
• Requiring better reporting of data on mishandled wheelchairs
• Funding continued study into in-cabin wheelchair tie-down systems

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

Advocates will continue to play an essential role in ensuring that all the promised reforms are implemented without delay or reversal.

Advocacy gets results

Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA, noted that MDA advocates sent more than 400 comments to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), and many testified at listening sessions the DOT held to gather input for the final FAA reauthorization.

 

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

The past year featured the most disability-positive changes for air travel in decades. 

While there is still a way to go before air travel is fully accessible, policy and rule changes promise to make it safer and more dignified for people with disabilities.

Most of the changes came in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization, an act that is reapproved every five years, most recently in May 2024.

“Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat, was instrumental in getting disability provisions included. Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, helped move the bill forward on the Senate floor — it had very strong bipartisan support,” says Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA. 

“We can say that in conjunction with disability advocates from across the disability rights community, those living with neuromuscular diseases played a huge role in getting disability-rights provisions successfully included in FAA reauthorization.”

 

 

DANGEROUS DRIVING KILLS

BUT MIAMI DOES NEXT TO NOTHING TO STOP IT

An innocent person lost their life in my Miami neighborhood.

Their crime -- being a pedestrian in a city that tolerates people driving up to double the speed limit on otherwise quiet, residential streets.

Enough of the BS rhetoric about right wing this, left wing that -- it's all a distraction while our elected and appointed "leaders" get rich in office while not protecting us.

Every commissioner, mayor, city manager, police chief, road designer, planner, etc. -- is 100% failing us when it is a death defying act to simply walk around one of our wonderful parks.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is locked with a high gate for security. I left very early and came back after midnight -- and never waited more than 10 seconds for the staff to buzz me past the gate.

The value is amazing. I paid about 40 USD per day for a spacious modern room, a great support staff, a free gourmet breakfast, free WIFI in room and on property, very clean pool and a location close to the action but quiet enough to sleep.

I will return for sure. 

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is within 5 minutes walking distance of the best grocery store in the city, several pharmacies and some nice mom and pop restaurants and shops.

Getsemani is a 15 minute walk over a bridge.

The Walled City and its Colonial Architecture and tourist attractions, is a 25 minute maximum.

The typical Uber ride to Getsemani was 3 USD with tip. To the Old City -- about 4 USD with tip.

The hotel also is close enough to walk to the chaotic, vibrant and fantastic Mercado de Bazurto -- where all the top chefs shop early for the freshest seafood, tropical fruit and more.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is great about closing the pool at 8 p.m. -- so no pool party noises disturb your sleep. 

It might want to think about signs specifying the common areas and gym equipment are closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to let guests sleep.

Crews were rebuilding the room on the floor below mine. 

When I routinely came back from lunch for a pool plunge and nap to avoid the most extreme heat -- it was tough to rest because of the construction noises. 

But I get it, the work has to take place sometime and midday is preferable to overnight or predawn.

Again, I'm a light sleeper and these are very minor suggestions to improve a place that is already very close to 10 out of 10 stars.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

There was a fried food festival at the foot of the nearby San Felipe Fort.

On 3 of my six nights, the festival played very loud music past midnight -- even though the festival was advertised as closing at midnight.

The noise traveled over a small body of water and I could hear it in the room despite a white noise machine and ear plugs.

It's not Hotel de Marques de Manga's fault that Cartagena likes to party hard and until the wee hours. 

But perhaps when it comes time for renovations, soundproofing could be done.

Each pod of room is built over a mini lobby with seating etc. 

Mine had the weights/gym equipment. 

Sound echoed from this common area right up to my sole interior-facing window.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

My room at Hotel de Marques de Manga was quite spacious with good lighting and power outlets near the bed.

In the reception area, they sell water, soda, local beers and convenience items at a very fair price.

The pool is not large, but it is kept sparkling clean and is a fabulous place to take a refreshing plunge when midday heat is 100 degrees.

There's also a lounge chair area with plenty of fresh towels.

The property is in a sleepy neighborhood of homes and apartments -- no nearby clubs or bars to make noise.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

The staff at Hotel de Marques de Manga is outstanding.

They answered several questions before my stay -- suggesting places to eat in Manga and in nearby Getsemani and in the Old Walled City.

There is hot water.

This is a rarity in Cartagena, even at fairly costly properties.

The bed was firm and comfy -- another plus as Colombians are known to favor cement hard beds.

The breakfast was amazing. 

Dozens of fresh foods to choose from -- with an emphasis on local breads, arepas, juices and tropical fruits.

BOUNDLESS (BY AUTHOR ALEX NORMAN)

REAL STORIES AND PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR INCLUSIVE LIVING

As a Universal Design writer, educator, planner and advocate -- I applaud Alex Norman for authoring BOUNDLESS: Real Stories and Practical Strategies for Inclusive Living. 

In these troubling time of pushback against equity/inclusion for People with Disabilities, we need books that focus on Universal Design.

From the book blurb:

In Boundless: Real Stories and Practical Strategies for Inclusive Living, Alex Norman and Garrett Mayersohn share personal stories, lived experiences, and practical strategies to help readers identify and remove hidden barriers that exclude millions of people every day, often without us realizing it.

Through these real-world insights and the seven proven principles of Universal Design, this book offers practical ways to create environments where everyone feels welcome and empowered, no matter their age, ability, or background.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/8v2se4J

HOTEL ANTRE CHAPULTEPEC GUADALAJARA

PERFECT LOCATION, INCREDIBLE VALUE, 

TOP-NOTCH STAFF FOR PROSPEROUS VISIT

Hotel Antre Chapultepec staff is outstanding about explaining the price, departure times, etc. of the tours it sells from the front desk.

I wish it would affiliate with a better tour provider than Jalisco Tour Mendez.

Both daylong tours that I took spent an endless amount of time stopping at horrible restaurants and tourists traps that likely pay the tour company a kickback for depositing hapless tourists at their doorstep.

The base price of the tours is 25 USD -- at that low price, you get a tour that only rates about 2.5 on a scale of one to 5.

 

 

HOTEL ANTRE CHAPULTEPEC GUADALAJARA

PERFECT LOCATION, INCREDIBLE VALUE, 

TOP-NOTCH STAFF FOR PROSPEROUS VISIT

Hotel Antre Chapultepec’s room temperature control is fixed.

You have to ask the front desk to send a person up to set it.

That means you only have a choice of air conditioning on or off -- you cannot adjust it to you comfort.

Please, treat guests like adults, and remove the governor on the temperature settings that can only be overridden with a code used by management.

The breakfast buffet was about 14 USD -- very high by Guadalajara standards.

I checked it out and while it looked clean, it really didn't appear to be worth the money.

I could not justify paying more than 20% of my daily room rate on a breakfast that was not cooked to order and had no luxury items on the buffet tables.

HOTEL ANTRE CHAPULTEPEC GUADALAJARA

PERFECT LOCATION, INCREDIBLE VALUE, 

TOP-NOTCH STAFF FOR PROSPEROUS VISIT

The Centro Historico is a 20 minute walk -- or a rideshare under USD 5 with tip – from Hotel Antre Chapultepec.

Tlaquepaque and Zapopan are about a half hour (45 minutes with traffic) 10 USD rideshare trip to visit those historic and vibrant neighborhoods.

The room had a large desk for working and room enough for a small fainting couch by the large balcony.

I would gladly stay again. 

And I wish every major city had a centrally-located, cost-effective Hotel Antre.

HOTEL ANTRE CHAPULTEPEC GUADALAJARA

PERFECT LOCATION, INCREDIBLE VALUE, 

TOP-NOTCH STAFF FOR PROSPEROUS VISIT

The fabulous working class Santa Tere neighborhood, with dozens of outstanding foodie spots, is a 12 minute walk north of the Hotel Antre Chapultepec.

GDL is a gastronomic mecca -- with amazingly fresh and fabulous seafood for not being a coastal city.

With a smooth check in and bilingual staff, Hotel Antre sets you up for all the cultural delights that GDL has to offer.

Jalisco state also is ground zero for outstanding coffee production.

Several of the best coffee purveyors in all of Mexico are within walking distance of the property.

HOTEL ANTRE CHAPULTEPEC GUADALAJARA

PERFECT LOCATION, INCREDIBLE VALUE, 

TOP-NOTCH STAFF FOR PROSPEROUS VISIT

Hotel Antre Chapultepec’s daily maid service brought two large bottles of water and cleaned -- while honoring my request to not remake my bed.

The front desk arranged a tour for me and helped estimate the price of a car service.

The room has tons of outlets -- regular prong and USB -- for recharging.

Antre Chapultepec is in the heart of Colonia Americana -- voted the hippest neighborhood on earth (as judged by Time Out Magazine).

Endless upscale and down home restaurants, bakeries, shops, street art and early 20th century architecture are within easy walking distance.

HOTEL ANTRE CHAPULTEPEC GUADALAJARA

PERFECT LOCATION, INCREDIBLE VALUE, 

TOP-NOTCH STAFF FOR PROSPEROUS VISIT

The Hotel Antre Chapultepec is modern, perfectly-located and well-run.

I asked a lot of questions before my arrival and the staff answered each of them expertly.

The hotel is very near Chapultepec and its noisy bars and clubs plus it is on one of the city's busiest streets -- but I only heard a minor roar on my 10th floor, sound proofed room.

I had a fabulous balcony with southern exposure.

The room was large for a price well under 100 USD per day.

The walk-in shower had endless warm water.