Paralyzed Veterans of America says air travel often dangerous and inhumane for people with disabilities Nationwide media tour conducted as Paralyzed Veterans of America calls on the public to join their fight for change
New York, New York
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November 30, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Uhqo8SsWXIM
As the busiest travel season of the year kicks off, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is sounding the alarm about serious issues people with disabilities still face when traveling by plane. Broken wheelchairs, injuries from improper transfers to and from airline seats, and no access to in-flight restrooms are common problems paralyzed veterans, and others with disabilities, routinely experience when flying.
Air travel remains decades behind public spaces on land, even 35 years after the Air Carrier Access Act mandated changes. PVA has been fighting for accessibility for all people with disabilities for 75 years and is asking the public to help push for change.
On November 17, in conjunction with YourUpdate TV, Charles Brown, the national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America conducted a nationwide media tour to address these issues.
Charles was critically injured two years ago after improperly trained airline personnel dropped him onto the jetbridge during a transfer from his wheelchair to an aisle chair to board the plane. The fall broke his tailbone and caused an infection that he barely survived. He spent months in the hospital recovering. Charles says he and other paralyzed veterans frequently experience horrendous conditions when they fly.
“It is unacceptable that 35 years after the legislation was passed, someone in a wheelchair still can’t access a bathroom on an airplane and risks serious injury or death because airline personnel are not properly trained,” said Brown. “These are basic safety and civil rights issues, and every American should be outraged.”
Accessibility issues affect 65 million Americans with disabilities, which could include someone in your family now or in the future, and this number will grow as the population ages.
To learn more about accessible travel and to support PVA’s fight, visit pva.org/travel.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
For 75 years, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been the only Veterans service organization dedicated solely to helping Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), and diseases like MS and ALS. Our team of legislative advocates, architects, medical professionals, lawyers and other highly trained professionals strive to ensure that every Veteran regains the freedom, independence and quality of life they fought for. PVA is a major support system for our nation’s paralyzed heroes, their families and caregivers, ensuring quality healthcare, securing earned benefits, fighting for disability civil rights, making America more accessible, helping Veterans find meaningful careers, empowering them through sports, recreation and wellness programs, and funding both research and education in search for a cure and improved care and autonomy for individuals with paralysis. Operating more than 70 offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, PVA helps paralyzed Veterans and all people with disabilities live fuller, more productive lives.
About YourUpdateTV:
YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology.
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