Paralyzed Veterans of America to Join Senate Roundtable
11/7/17 Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) will participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to examine ongoing concerns about Veterans and all air travelers with disabilities.
Members of the press are invited to attend a roundtable discussion that will focus on the air travel experiences of veterans with disabilities, and how disability-related provisions in the TSA Modernization Act (S. 1872) and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (S. 1405) would begin to lay the groundwork for ensuring safe and effective access to air travel for all people with disabilities.
WHO*: Paralyzed Veterans of America Leadership & Staff: David Zurfluh, National President; Carl Blake, Interim Executive Director; Heather Ansley, Associate General Counsel for Corporate and Government Relations; Lee Page, Senior Associate Advocacy Director; National Vice President Charles Brown; National Secretary Larry Dodson
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Members: Chairman Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
WHAT: Roundtable Discussion: Improving the Air Travel Experience of Veterans with Disabilities
WHEN: Wednesday, November 8, 2017, 4:00- 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building, SR-253
* Subject to change
Discussion Highlights:
Air travel presents people with disabilities, including catastrophically disabled veterans, with a variety of barriers. Some critical barriers include inconsistent treatment when transiting security at our nation’s airports; improperly trained assistance, including when boarding and deplaning aircraft; and damaged wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Action is needed to improve each facet of the air travel process for people with disabilities. Otherwise, people with disabilities will be left behind and unable to compete in today’s job market or enjoy the opportunities available to other Americans.
Both legislative proposals under discussion will begin to address the problems of veterans and all Americans with disabilities
