All articles tagged with #wheelchair accessibility
Wicked actress Marissa Bode says she was denied boarding a Southern Airways flight because she uses a wheelchair, despite her manager confirming accommodations; the airline’s contract states planes with stairs aren’t required to have mechanical lifts, but after her viral TikTok the mobility director apologized and said an internal review is underway to improve accessibility.
Marissa Bode, star of Wicked, says she was denied boarding on a Southern Airways flight because of her wheelchair after gate staff asked if she could stand. She alleges planes with stairs and no lifts are exempt from certain accessibility requirements, calling the policy and experience blatant segregation. Her team had been assured she’d be accommodated, highlighting broader questions about accessibility for disabled travelers in the airline industry even as Bode continues her acting career with upcoming projects.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced a proposed rule from the Department of Transportation to ensure airline passengers who use wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity. The rule would set new standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities, mandate enhanced training for airline employees, and specify actions airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport. The proposed rule also aims to make it easier for the DOT to hold airlines accountable for mishandling wheelchairs. Additionally, the rule seeks comments on issues such as lavatory size standards and reimbursement of airfare difference for wheelchair users.
United Airlines is introducing a new tool on its website to help wheelchair users determine which flights and aircraft can best accommodate their mobility devices. The tool allows travelers to enter the dimensions of their wheelchairs, and the website will prioritize flight options that can handle their devices. Additionally, United will offer a partial fare reimbursement for disabled travelers who are better accommodated on more expensive flights. The updates come after an investigation by the Department of Transportation following a complaint filed by a wheelchair user who died from complications related to wheelchair damage on a United flight. The airline is also working on a pilot program to improve the experience for travelers whose mobility devices are damaged, including faster reunification with their wheelchairs and reimbursement for ground transportation expenses.
Disabled concertgoers are calling out Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati for inadequate accommodations for people with disabilities during Taylor Swift's concert. A paralyzed veteran and other fans with mobility aids are not allowed to bring their wheelchairs into the venue unless they have purchased ADA seats. The stadium's policy has sparked outrage, with critics arguing that it disregards the needs of disabled individuals and poses safety hazards. Paycor Stadium claims to be ADA compliant but has faced criticism for not providing sufficient accessibility options.