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How do recent policies threaten air travel for people with disabilities?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025
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The mistreatment of people with disabilities by air carriers has been a persistent issue for decades, characterized by inaccessible aircraft, inadequate accommodations, and systemic negligence. Under the Biden administration, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg made significant strides in addressing these challenges. For example, imposing multiple-million dollar fine imposed on American Airlines highlighted the U.S. Department of Transportation’s commitment to holding airlines accountable for mistreating disabled passengers. Additionally, new regulations, such as the requirement for more accessible airline lavatories, aimed to make air travel more humane for passengers with disabilities.

Reversing Inclusion: The FAA’s Setback on Disability Hiring and Accessibility

In stark contrast, the new administration has shifted its focus, seemingly undermining these gains. President Trump’s recent actions, including the fact sheet “Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation”, reversed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring initiatives within the FAA, including hiring individuals with disabilities. The administration has labeled such hires as “illegal,” claiming they elevate “discrimination over excellence,” while failing to recognize the expertise and contributions of these individuals to improving aviation safety and accessibility.

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Trump Administration Sets Tone in Relation to Disability

Of the over 80 actions touted by the new administration, only two mention the word “disability.” Both instances are marked by ableist rhetoric, suggesting that hiring individuals with disabilities compromises FAA excellence and safety. Such policies undermine the progress made in advancing accessibility and inclusion in air travel, risking the reversal of hard-won improvements for disabled passengers.

Referenced articles:

  1. U.S. DOT fines American Airlines for mistreatment of disabled passengers
  2. Accessible airline lavatory regulations
  3. Trump administration fact sheet on aviation safety
  4. Presidential action: Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation

A Call for Unity and Advocacy


The inaugural address and subsequent executive orders underscore the importance of unity and action within the disability community. As the administration reshapes federal priorities, it is critical to remain vigilant and advocate for policies that preserve and expand accessibility, inclusion, and equity, and it’s essential to monitor how these specific principles are implemented to ensure they don’t undermine disability rights or accessibility initiatives. The disability community must come together to demand progress, ensure accountability, and uphold the rights fought for by generations before us.

How does ending DEI policies threaten disability rights in the United States?

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