PVA statement on U.S. Access Board’s study to assess feasibility of restraint systems for airline passengers who use wheelchairs
WASHINGTON (October 16, 2019) – Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Director Carl Blake issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Access Board’s announcement that it will undertake a study to assess the feasibility of equipping aircraft with restraint systems so that passengers who use wheelchairs can remain in them on flights:
“We are pleased that the U.S. Access Board is moving forward with this study which was required under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. The inability of our catastrophically disabled veterans and those with disabilities to remain in their wheelchairs on airplanes causes risk of injuries and limits their independence. Additionally, when passengers’ wheelchairs are stowed in the aircraft cargo hold they are often damaged or mishandled. We look forward to the U.S. Access Board’s examination of this issue which has the potential to make flying safer and more comfortable for our members and numerous airline travelers who use wheelchairs.”
