We live in a world that frequently loves to use acronyms. I often find myself using them without even thinking, but sometimes in this world of Alphabet soup, it is good to stop and break down what the acronym stands for. We will focus on the ACAA and the Air Carrier Access Act. The ACAA, passed in 1986, guarantees that people with disabilities receive consistent and nondiscriminatory treatment when traveling by air. It applies to all domestic and foreign airlines doing business in the United States.
As a person with a disability, it is vital to be aware of the laws and regulations that are in place that we will encounter. The ACAA was implemented to ensure that airline passengers with disabilities do not encounter discrimination. The ACAA covers the following areas:
- Nondiscrimination Requirements
- Aircraft Accessibility Features
- Advance Notice Requirement
- Stowage of Assistive Devices/Durable Medical Equipment
- Boarding and Deplaning Assistance
- Seating Accommodations
- Service Animals
- Training of Airline Personnel and Contractors
For more information about the Air Carrier Access Act or for those that love acronyms ACAA, you can go to this link https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities,and it will provide more details about the areas listed above.
