Disability News in the Aviation Space
Source By: ABA | December 19, 2024
Recent investigations by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have resulted in fines and settlements against two major airlines. In October 2024, DOT fined American Airlines $50 million due to “cases of unsafe physical assistance that at times resulted in injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users” between 2019 and 2023. Passengers reported that they were handled in a rough manner and their wheelchairs were damaged beyond repair. Of the $50 million penalty, $25 million will go to the U.S. Treasury, and the remaining $25 million will be credited back to American Airlines to invest in equipment and systems upgrades that reduce wheelchair damage and delays, and to compensate those customers who were mistreated.
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This year, as we recognize the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CDC celebrates the significant advances the public health community has made to reduce health disparities and improve inclusion for the disability community. However, there is still much work to do to ensure people with disabilities can access the same health care as people without disabilities and achieve positive health outcomes.
On March 21, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) revealed that it’s now providing disability compensation benefits to an unprecedented number of female Veterans. Currently, 702,557 women Veterans benefit from these services, marking a 26% increase from five years prior. These women, on average, possess a 68% combined disability rating and receive approximately $26,809 annually in compensation. Notably, 89.2% of female Veterans who apply for these benefits are successful, reflecting the VA’s commitment to this rapidly growing group within its care.
Navigating the world of accessible vans can be both a gateway to freedom and a source of frustration for individuals with mobility challenges and their families. Accessible vans are not merely vehicles; they are lifelines that facilitate independence, community involvement, and the joy of exploration.
The new rule will require airlines to meet standards for “safe and dignified” assistance to people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. It also mandates annual training, including hands-on training for employees and contractors who physically assist passengers and handle wheelchairs. That training must be received by June 17, 2026.
A new Carnegie Mellon University study shows that many people with autism embrace ChatGPT and similar artificial intelligence tools for help and advice as they confront problems in their workplaces. But the research team, led by the School of Computer Science's Andrew Begel, also found that such systems sometimes dispense questionable advice. And controversy remains within the autism community as to whether this use of chatbots is even a good idea.
Our partnership with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a key step in supporting colleagues with non-apparent disabilities, conditions and needs,” said Lauren von Stackelberg, chief diversity and inclusion officer and vice president at Lego Group. “By embedding diversity and inclusion in everything we do, we make Lego play and experiences more accessible and positively impact the lives of our colleagues, consumers and communities.
President-elect Donald Trump said in a new interview that he would consider altering childhood vaccination programs in the United States and questioned whether vaccines cause autism—a widely disproven claim. When asked in an interview for TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year whether he would approve of an end to childhood vaccination programs, Trump said he would have a “big discussion” with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the vaccine skeptic he has tapped to run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Gayatri Agnew, head of Walmart’s Accessibility Center of Excellence, said that offering access to Aira is just the company’s latest move to improve the shopping experience for people with disabilities. She cited the recent addition of sensory-friendly shopping hours, making Caroline’s Cart available at every store and expanding Walmart’s adaptive product lines.
Spring travel is a time for relaxation, exploration, and making unforgettable memories. However, for individuals with disabilities, planning a vacation can come with its set of challenges, especially when it comes to finding wheelchair-friendly destinations, accessible accommodations, and transportation options. We’ll help make the process smoother by highlighting top accessible travel destinations for spring travel, along with tips on accommodations and transportation.
Barbie has unveiled two new additions to its expanding range of diverse and inclusive dolls: a blind Barbie and the first Black Barbie with Down syndrome. These dolls are part of Barbie’s 2024 Fashionistas Line, a collection known for its variety, featuring over 175 different skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles. This significant step forward showcases Mattel’s commitment to reflecting the world’s diversity and promoting inclusion.