Advocacy & Legislation – Act Now!
Post Date: June 15, 2017
September 12th, 2017
IVF for Eligible Veterans
IVF services are available to veterans with service-connected injuries that result in infertility.
In September of 2016, Congress passed and President Obama signed the authorization (public law 114-223) for VA to provide In Vitro Fertilization treatment to eligible veterans and their spouses. On January 19, 2017, VA issued a rule implementing the benefit. In the months since, VA and its contractors have been working to establish partnerships with fertility clinics.
To learn more please visit https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/ivf.asp#IVF-P
June 16th, 2017
AIR CARRIER ACCESS AMENDMENTS ACT (S. 1318)
Contact your Senators to ask them to cosponsor the ACAAA (S. 1318) today by clicking here!
The Issue
More than 30 years ago, President Ronald Reagan signed the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) into law. The ACAA prohibits discrimination based on disability in air travel. Despite progress, too many travelers with disabilities still encounter significant barriers, such as damaged assistive devices, delayed assistance, and lack of seating accommodations. Access for people with disabilities in air travel must move into the 21st century. Otherwise, people with disabilities will be left behind unable to compete in today’s job market or enjoy the opportunities available to other Americans.
The Solution
The Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (S. 1318) introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin
(D-WI) on June 8, 2017, will address these problems by:
- Strengthening ACAA enforcement through referral of certain complaints to the U.S. Attorney General, increased civil penalties for damaged wheelchairs, and a private right of action.
- Ensuring airlines acquire airplanes that meet broad accessibility standards. Improved structural access includes safe and effective boarding and deplaning processes, procedures, and equipment, along with better stowage options for assistive devices.
- Improving training for air carrier personnel and their contractors, including requiring heightened training for personnel who assist with the boarding and deplaning process.
- Requiring the Secretary of Transportation to work with stakeholders to develop an Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.
- Creating a U.S. Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on the Air Travel Needs of Passengers with Disabilities.
