Travelers with disabilities have many rights
In a Harris poll on behalf of Open Doors Organization, in 2018-19, 27 million travelers with disabilities spent $58.7 billion on their personal travel. Auto club AAA forecasts that this year, 115.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1. For people like me, traveling with a disability can be difficult.
The Department of Transportation reports that the percentage of people with travel limitations increases after age 50 from less than 10% to more than 18.4% by age 70. Knowing our rights under certain federal laws can make travel easier this holiday season. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public and private transportation providers must ensure their services are accessible. City busses, paratransit services, and regional rail services operated by state and local governments are covered under the ADA.
The ADA also applies to private businesses that provide taxis, airport shuttles, long distance busses, and more. The ADA also ensures equal access while travelers are in airport terminals.
Travelers with disabilities also have rights under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This law prevents discrimination against passengers on airplanes because of their disability.
Airlines must assist people who use a mobility device, like a wheelchair or walker, to board, deplane or connect to another flight. Airlines must also assist passengers with disability-related needs and responsibly stow mobility devices. The DOT has developed an Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.
This includes, among other things, the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to get information in an accessible format, the right to accessible facilities, the right to receive assistance on an airplane, the right to receive seating accommodations, the right to travel with a service animal, and most importantly, the right to a timely resolution of a disability related issue.
I recently traveled to Kansas City. I called the airline in advance to notify them that I would need help (an accommodation) to navigate the terminal. With assistance, I was able to easily get to my terminal in time for my flight. I also got assistance in retrieving my luggage. I really appreciated their help, but I learned to call in advance and knew my rights under ADA and the ACAA.
As we age, the risk of developing a disability increases. Knowing our rights under these important laws can make the travel more enjoyable. To learn more about your rights under federal law, contact the Southeast ADA Center at 1-800-949-4232 or visit adasoutheast.org. Happy travels!
Janice Baldon-Gutter is the Diversity, Equity Inclusion Coordinator for Southeast ADA Center.