Release Date: Wednesday – November 6, 2024
Archive, Bios, Description, Transcripts for Episode 135: The Open Road: Your Right to Accessible Travel
Guest: Eric Lipp, Founder and Executive Director of Open Doors Organization (ODO)
Moderator & Host: Barry Whaley, Project Director at the Southeast ADA Center
Contents
- About Open Doors Organization (ODO)
- Accessible Air Travel – Recent Federal Proposed Rules and Resources
- ADA Live Podcasts and Resources on the ADA, Travel and Tourism
- Airport Accessibility Regulations and Guidance
- Accessible Transit, Rail and Train Travel
- Accessible Cruising
- Accessible Lodging, Hotels and Hospitality
- Selected Travel Apps and Articles
About Open Doors Organization (ODO)
- Open Doors Organization (ODO)
Educates travel and tourism businesses worldwide about the rights and needs of travelers with disabilities through educational seminars, diversity programs, market research, and training events.
Link: opendoorsnfp.org
Email: info@opendoorsnfp.org
Phone: 1-773-388-8839 - Open Doors Market Studies
Since 2002, ODO has conducted four separate nationwide market studies on the spending and travel patterns of American adults with disabilities. Available to order online; cost varies.
Link: opendoorsnfp.org/market-studies - 2024 Market Study on Travelers with Disabilities
Available for purchase.
Link: opendoorsnfp.org/2020-2 - 2020 Market Study Online Ordering
Link: opendoorsnfp.org/2020-2/2020-market-study-online-ordering - ODO Training Academy
Online training portal with registration required, costs vary.
Link: opendoorsnfp.org/training - ODO Resources for Business
Link: opendoorsnfp.org/business - ODO Resources for Consumers
Link: opendoorsnfp.org/consumers
Accessible Air Travel – Recent Federal Proposed Rules and Resources
- Delta Air Lines, DOT Update Plans for Adaptive Wheelchair Seats on Future Flights
Source: USA Today (October 29, 2024)
Link: usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2024/10/29/delta-air-lines-dot-faa-wheelchair-seat/75914127007 - Secretary Buttigieg Announces Proposed Rule to Ensure Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs Can Fly with Dignity
This proposed rule aims to strengthen the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), ensuring that wheelchair users can travel safely, with dignity and respect.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (February 29, 2024)
Link: transportation.gov/briefing-room/secretary-buttigieg-announces-proposed-rule-ensure-passengers-who-use-wheelchairs-can - Webinar on Video: Accessible Travel: DOT Proposed Rulemaking for Safe & Accessible Air Travel
[Captions, ASL; 61 minutes]
Source: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (September 17, 2024)
Link: youtube.com/watch?v=XLCFpXHDwjY - Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights | PDF Format
Describes the rights of air travelers with disabilities under the Air Carrier Access Act. Videos briefly explain air travelers’ rights.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (July 2022)
Link: transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights
PDF: transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-07/508_Airline_Passengers_with_Disabilities_Bill_of_Rights_07132022_ADA.pdf
DOT Video with Captions and ASL [2 minutes, 19 seconds]
Link: youtu.be/Qz9LAx20BIo
DOT Video with Captions, ASL, and Audio Description [2 minutes, 19 seconds]
Link: youtu.be/a7U3rG08y8w - Final Rule: Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft | Final Rule in PDF Format
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (July 26, 2023)
Link: federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/01/2023-16178/accessible-lavatories-on-single-aisle-aircraft
PDF: transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023-08/Final%20Rule%20Accessible%20Lavatories%20Single%20Aisle%20Aircraft%20-%2088%20FR%2050020.pdf - Accessible Air Travel for People with Disabilities
Tips, tools and resources for air travelers.
Source: Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Link: pva.org/research-resources/tips-tools-resources - Wheelchair Users’ Guide to Air Travel
This website answers questions about the air travel process for wheelchair users, from booking to baggage claim.
Source: Wheelchair Travel
Link: wheelchairtravel.org/air-travel - On 34th Anniversary of ADA, U.S. Department of Transportation Celebrates Progress Made on Disability Rights Under Biden-Harris Administration
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (July 26, 2024)
Link: transportation.gov/briefing-room/34th-anniversary-ada-us-department-transportation-celebrates-progress-made-disability - DOT Issues Landmark $50 Million Penalty Against American Airlines for Its Treatment of Passengers with Disabilities
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (October 23, 2024)
Link: transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-issues-landmark-50-million-penalty-against-american-airlines-its-treatment - U.S. Department of Transportation Video: Accessibility for All
Version with ASL and Captions; 7 minutes. Transcript available on the webpage.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (August 28, 2024)
Video Link: youtube.com/watch?v=ozgouabrzUQ - Press Release: Disability Rights Advocates and Union Workers Launch Joint Campaign to Improve Access to Air Travel for Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs
Source: American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) (October 31, 2024)
Link: aapd.com/workers-and-disability-advocates-team-up-airport-safety
ADA Live Podcasts and Resources on the ADA, Travel and Tourism
You can access all ADA Live! episodes with archived audio, accessible transcripts, and resources at ADAlive.org. Most episode transcripts are also available in Spanish. (Transcripciones de los episodios en español.) Listen on the SoundCloud ADA Live! channel at soundcloud.com/adalive.
Source: Southeast ADA Center
Link: adalive.org
- Episode 105: Let’s Fly Away – Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities | Episode 105 Resources
Podcast: adalive.org/episodes/episode-105
Resources: adalive.org/resources/episode-105-resources - Episode 72: Emerging Transportation Options and the ADA | Episode 72 Resources
Podcast: adalive.org/episodes/episode-72
Resources: adalive.org/resources/episode-72-resources - Episode 66: Theme Parks and Accessibility | Episode 66 Resources
Podcast: adalive.org/episodes/episode-66
Resources: adalive.org/resources/episode-66-resources - Episode 62: Airport Accessibility and the ADA | Episode 62 Resources
Podcast: adalive.org/episodes/episode-62
Resources: adalive.org/resources/episode-62-resources - ADA Live! Podcasts and Resource Lists on Recreation and Hospitality
Source: Southeast ADA Center
Link: adasoutheast.org/links-by-topic/#recreation
Airport Accessibility Regulations and Guidance
Did You Know? Once you get on an airplane, the rights of people with disabilities are not covered by the ADA. They are covered by the Air Carrier Access Act (49 U.S.C. 1374 (c)).
- Air Carrier Access Act of 1986, as amended
DOT rule (Title 14 CFR Part 382)
Part 382—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel
This rule prohibits both U.S. and foreign carriers from discriminating against passengers on the basis of disability; requires carriers to make aircraft, other facilities, and services accessible; and requires carriers to take steps to accommodate passengers with a disability.
Source: Government Publishing Office
Link: ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382 - Summary of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
Source: U. S. Department of Transportation
Link: transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities - Air Carrier Access Act Fact Sheet [PDF]
This fact sheet outlines the rights of passengers with disabilities traveling on U.S. airlines.
Source: Research and Training Center on Promoting Interventions for Community Living (RTC/PICL)
Link: rtcil.org/sites/rtcil/files/documents/Air%20Carrier%20Access%20Act%20ACAA%20fact%20sheet–also%20in%20out%20and%20about%20folder–Fixed.pdf - Aviation Consumer Protection Information
A summary of rules, guidance, enforcement orders and publications on disability issues in aviation.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
Link: transportation.gov/airconsumer/disability - Major Airline Accessibility Reforms Signed Into Law
Briefly explains Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018.
Source: New Mobility
Link: newmobility.com/major-airline-accessibility-reforms-signed-into-law - Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018
Source: Congress.gov
Link: congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/4/text - ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Many businesses and state and local governments use this checklist to evaluate the accessibility of their facilities.
Source: New England ADA Center
Link: adachecklist.org - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel: Accessible Automated Kiosks at U.S. Airports
This rule requires that airports provide equal access to passengers with disabilities who use air carrier’s automated kiosks or purchase tickets online.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
Link: transportation.gov/airconsumer/Kiosk-Website-NPRM - Passengers with Disabilities: Airport Accessibility Barriers and Practices and DOT’s Oversight of Airlines’ Disability-Related Training
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office
Link: gao.gov/products/gao-21-354 - Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Protects people from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
Link: transit.dot.gov/title6 - Accessible Air Travel Tips with Dr. Scott Crawford
Source: National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD)
Link: adasoutheast.org/accessible-air-travel-tips-with-dr-scott-crawford - Traveling with a Disability
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
Link: transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
Accessible Transit, Rail and Train Travel
- ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles
Source: U.S. Access Board
Link: access-board.gov/ada/vehicles - Guides to the ADA Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles
Source: U.S. Access Board
Link: access-board.gov/ada/vehicles/guides - In Case You Missed It: Capito, Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Promote Accessibility at Amtrak Stations
Source: Senate.gov (April 23, 2024)
Link: capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-case-you-missed-it-capito-duckworth-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-accessibility-at-amtrak-stations - All Stations Accessibility Program
National program for transit and rail stations to ensure all public areas are accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (August 22, 2024)
Link: transit.dot.gov/ASAP - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Fact Sheet: All Stations Accessibility Program
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (August 22, 2024)
Link: transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fact-sheet-all-stations-accessibility-program - Proposed Rule: Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities; Adoption of Accessibility Standards for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way
These are proposed regulatory standards under the Public Rights-of-Way Access Guidelines (PROWAG). If adopted, the changes would apply to new construction and alterations of transit stops in the public right-of-way under Title II, Part B and Title III of the ADA.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) (August 22, 2024)
Link: federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/22/2024-18496/transportation-for-individuals-with-disabilities-adoption-of-accessibility-standards-for-pedestrian - Amtrak Services for Train Travelers with Special Needs
Link: amtrakvacations.com/trip-planning/accessibility - Amtrak Accessible Travel Services
Link: amtrak.com/accessible-travel-services - Tips on Train Travel
Source: Cerebral Palsy
Link: cerebralpalsy.org/information/travel/train-travel - Wheelchair Users Guide to Travel by Train
Source: Wheelchair Travel
Link: wheelchairtravel.org/railway-travel
Accessible Cruising
- 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report
Source: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Link: cruising.org/en/news-and-research/press-room/2024/april/state-of-the-cruise-industry-report - A Beginner’s Guide to Accessible Cruising
Source: Cruise Critic
Link: cruisecritic.com/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-accessible-cruising - Cruising with a Disability: Taking on MS by Ship
Source: Active MS Users
Link: activemsers.org/cruising-with-a-disability-guide - Wheel the World
Link: wheeltheworld.com
Accessible Lodging, Hotels and Hospitality
- Global Universal Design Commission
Source: Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
Link: globaluniversaldesign.org - Hospitality & Disability Initiative
Source: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and the ADA National Network
Link: adainfo.org/hospitality - ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities
Many businesses and state and local governments use this checklist to evaluate the accessibility of their facilities.
Source: New England ADA Center
Link: adachecklist.org - Factsheet: Accessible Lodging
Source: ADA National Network
Link: adata.org/factsheet/accessible-lodging - Accessible Beaches in the U.S. Southeast
Source: Southeast ADA Center
Web: adasoutheast.org/accessible-beaches-southeast/ - Be My Eyes and Hilton Sign Industry-First Partnership to Create a More Accessible Hotel Stay
The partnership brings AI-powered virtual assistance and dedicated support from Hilton Reservations and Customer Care to Be My Eyes users in the U.S. and Canada.
Source: Be My Eyes (October 15, 2024)
Link: bemyeyes.com/blog/be-my-eyes-and-hilton-sign-industry-first-partnership - Video: Accessible Travel: Be My Eyes Partners with Hilton
[Captioned, Audio-Described; 4 minutes, 51 seconds]
Link: youtu.be/L2M7gWogzfA - ADA Hotel Room Requirements: What to Expect (and what not to)
Source: Wheel the World
Link: blog.wheeltheworld.com/ada-hotel-requirements - Understanding ADA Design Requirements for Hotels
Source: Wheel the World
Link: wheelchairtravel.org/hotels/ada-design-requirements - ADA Requirements for Hotels, Motels, Lodging Facilities
Source: Accessibility Checker
Link: accessibilitychecker.org/blog/ada-requirements-for-hotels-motels-lodging-facilities-standards-and-compliance - ADA Checklist for Hotels and Motels
Source: American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Link: afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/your-rights/advocacy-resources/ada-checklist-hotels-and-motels - Becoming Rentable
Certified accessible short-term rentals in the U.S. and Canada.
Link: becomingrentable.com
Selected Travel Apps and Articles
- Universal Has Dialed Back Their Disability Access Policies, Will Disney Follow?
Source: Walt Disney World News Today (September 25, 2024)
Link: wdwnt.com/2024/09/universal-disability-access-policies-will-disney - These Apps Help People with Disabilities Travel More Easily
Source: Wired (October 14, 2024)
Link: wired.com/story/apps-to-help-people-with-disabilities-travel - $50 Billion in Annual Spending Highlights Impact of Travelers with Disabilities
Source: PR Newswire (December 3, 2024)
Link: prnewswire.com/news-releases/50-billion-in-annual-spending-highlights-impact-of-travelers-with-disabilities-302321017.html - Innovative App ‘Goodmaps’ Helping Travelers with Disabilities Navigate Louisville Airport
Source: WLKY News (October 24, 2024)
Link: wlky.com/article/goodmaps-travelers-disabilities-navigate-louisville-airport/62709895 - Good Maps App
Link: goodmaps.com/the-app/ - How to Ride an Accessible Greyhound Bus as a Wheelchair User
Source: Spin the Globe (October 31, 2023)
Link: spintheglobe.net/dir/2023/10/31/wheelchair-accessible-greyhound - The National Park Service – Accessibility
Source: National Park Service
Link: nps.gov/accessibility.htm - 20 of the Best Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in California
Source: Curb Free with Cory Lee (December 27, 2023)
Link: curbfreewithcorylee.com/2023/12/27/wheelchair-accessible-beaches-in-california