NAD Submits Comments Regarding Air Travel Access

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) along with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (DHHCAN) submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation proposing revised rules affecting air travelers with disabilities.

The NAD urged the Department to implement rulemaking on services to deaf and hard of hearing individuals as soon as possible. The rulemaking should be based on recommendations submitted by the National Council on Disability (NCD) Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind (DHHB) Workgroup.

Other highlights of the comments include:

• supporting proposed rules requiring foreign air carriers to comply with anti-discrimination laws; and
• endorsing rules holding carriers accountable for their contractor’s compliance with rules. Carriers should not be allowed to defend against enforcement actions by saying that their noncompliance was the contractor’s fault.

"Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have been excluded from air travel services and information for too many years," commented Kelby Brick, NAD Director of Law and Advocacy, "this must be addressed immediately."