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Frequently, I think about my nephew and his personal struggles with accessibility due to his disability, especially after I read this article about his daily transportation challenges on campus. ? For people such as my nephew, managing the demands of daily life can be challenging, with this difficulty intensifying during the bustling holiday travel season, particularly in crowded airports and airplanes.

Considering Americans with disabilities make up 25% of the population, a pertinent question arises: why does the nation's fastest mode of transportation not provide adequate accommodation for them??

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has progressed the accessibility of bus, train, and cruise ship travel for disabled Americans appropriately since its inception in 1990. Additionally, organizations like Easterseals are championing for better accessibility and advocating for change.?

Despite the progress being made, commercial air travel is conveniently left behind and exempt from certain traveler protections granted by the ADA.

Airports do not have ticketing kiosks that benefit passengers who are hard of hearing or have low vision, TSA security does not have the sufficient equipment to swiftly screen disabled individuals in wheelchairs or prosthetics, and airplanes do not have adequate bathroom and entertainment accommodations for disabled people onboard. These are but a few of the many inconveniences and detriments that disabled Americans face when traveling by air in this country.

On top of the procedural issues, some airports and personnel lack consideration of mobility equipment. For example, 31 wheelchairs a day are damaged beyond normal operation by airline personnel improperly storing them with the rest of the cargo. These are wheelchairs that were forced to be given up before the passenger entered the plane because the plane was not designed with disabled people in mind.

Amidst these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope.? Delta is working on designing a plane with wheelchair-friendly features in the aisles and bathrooms. ? Similarly, United is adding braille to all of their planes by 2026.? While these changes represent progress, there is still a long way to go before all airlines adopt inclusive practices.?

YOU can make a difference and speed the process along by joining the movement on easterseals.com.? By advocating for accessible air travel, you are helping connect everyone to family and friends this holiday season and beyond.

Thank you for reading!? P.S. Ring my bell in my LinkedIn profile, and subscribe to my newsletter where I share nonprofit marketing and advertising tips and trends!

For further insights into how I can assist you with your digital and social media marketing needs, please reach out.?

- Julie