U.S. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg explains the new rule in an exclusive interview with United Spinal Association Correspondent Steve Wright
Most new single-aisle airplanes built after the next 10 years and delivered in the next 12 must have wheelchair-accessible lavatories. This is according to a new rule announced today by the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Most airplanes with more than one aisle must already provide lavatory access.
“The impact that United Spinal and other groups have had coming to the table and shaping these policies is profound. It’s in the tradition of the passionate work that led to the ADA passing in the first place,” says Buttigieg. “We are clear that there’s much more work to be done. We’re committed to doing the right thing. But there’s no way the momentum can be contained without the input and, frankly, without the pressure put on by the advocacy community.”
“Today, on the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA, Transportation Secretary Buttigieg turned his words into actions. He moved the ball forward on air travel accessibility by years,” says Vincenzo Piscopo, President and CEO of United Spinal Association. “While we still have work to do, this is amazing progress. It would not have been possible without our grassroots advocates putting their blood, sweat and tears into this issue.”
“I’m happy and relieved for our members,” says Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations. “We’ve all worked so hard.”
Previously, single-aisle planes were not required to have accessible lavatories, even though they make up the vast majority of domestic air routes.
“Air travel with safety and dignity makes the country better off. Communities can benefit from the contributions of people with disabilities, who cannot do their work or improve their communities without air travel,” Buttigieg says. “This is an administration that cares deeply about people with disabilities affordably, safely and conveniently getting to where they need to be — across all transportation from public transit to aviation.”
Your Voice is Your Power
Asked if United Spinal and other advocacy groups pushing for this improvement is a blueprint for DOT rule changes that improve accessibility for air and other modes of travel, Buttigieg says, “Absolutely. We would not be here making these kinds of announcements without not just the passion, but also the expertise that advocacy groups can contribute. There’s no way for policymakers to understand how to make good choices without the input of people who have navigated our transportation systems with a disability.”
The influence of advocates is apparent because the original rule would have pushed back accessible restrooms on new plane orders to 18 years from now, and delivery of new planes 20 years from now. That would have been an entire generation of wheelchair users not able to use the lavatory on flights.
That waiting period was virtually cut in half because of input from disability advocacy leaders such as United Spinal.
Last December, DOT awarded nearly $700 million through its All Stations Accessibility Program to retrofit old rail and subway stations, adding elevators, ramps, and other improvements. According to a DOT press release, “The program, funded through the infrastructure law, is designed to improve the accessibility of transit rail stations so everyone, including people who use wheelchairs, push strollers, or cannot easily navigate stairs, can reliably access the rail systems in their communities.”
The rule requires the following:
- airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft large enough to permit a passenger with a disability and attendant to approach, enter, and maneuver within as necessary to use the aircraft lavatory.
- The lavatory to be equivalent in size to two 95th percentile males. A 95th percentile male is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 246 pounds.
Great News on Airline Staff Training and Staying in Our Wheelchairs
“Our community has advocated tirelessly for the simple human need and right to use an aircraft restroom,” says Bennewith. “After almost a decade, our advocates won a final rule, speeding up requirements for larger, more accessible lavatories.”
Bennewith speaks passionately about this new rule’s significance for all wheelchair users. “As new aircraft are ordered and rolled out after 10-12 years, a lot of wheelchair users will no longer have to fear air travel, dehydrate themselves or experience the indignities or humiliation of restricted bathroom use,” she says. “They will be able to work, visit family and friends or go on that anniversary trip that they have dreamed about for years. This is good news to hear today on the 33rd anniversary of the ADA.”
DOT is currently working on rules to require better training for airline staff who physically assist passengers with disabilities or handle battery-powered wheelchairs or scooters.
“There’s no question that alongside physical accommodations, there needs to be improvement in the training of staff who work with passengers with disabilities,” Buttigieg says. “We see it in terms of dignity and safety. There are many clear cases where proper training would have made a difference [in avoiding serious injury]. We would like to get the notice of proposed rulemaking out this year.”
Buttigieg noted that DOT has awarded billions of dollars through the bipartisan infrastructure law to modernize airport terminals. This includes adding wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms. He says DOT is laying the groundwork for a potential future rule to address passengers staying in their own wheelchairs when they fly.
Be Realistic, but Not Patient
Buttigieg knows the ultimate game changer for wheelchair users in our aviation system would be boarding airplanes and other transit modes with the same ease as nondisabled passengers. “We know it won’t happen overnight. We want to be realistic but not patient,” says Buttigieg. “We’re making it clear to the aviation industry that’s the direction we need to move in, and we are taking concrete steps toward research development of safety standards. And we are ensuring the advocacy community is participating.”
Get involved by joining our Grassroots Advocacy Network and opens in a new windowtake action on issues impacting our community. For more information on United Spinal Association’s extensive advocacy program to improve the quality of life of all wheelchair users, visit our advocacy page.
