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.