U.S. Department of Transportation Requires Airline Lavatories to Be More Accessible for Wheelchair Users
U.S. Department of Transportation Requires Airline Lavatories to Be ... Department of Transportation
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U.S. Department of Transportation Requires Airline Lavatories to Be More Accessible for Wheelchair Users
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Rulemaking Finalized on 33rd Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act
WASHINGTON – On the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced a new rule which requires airline lavatories to be more accessible. This rulemaking, authorized by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), would require airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft large enough to permit a passenger with a disability and attendant, both equivalent in size to a 95th percentile male, to approach, enter, and maneuver within as necessary to use the aircraft lavatory. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg previewed this rule at a White House ADA Anniversary event earlier this month.
“Traveling can be stressful enough without worrying about being able to access a restroom; yet today, millions of wheelchair users are forced to choose between dehydrating themselves before boarding a plane or avoiding air travel altogether,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are proud to announce this rule that will make airplane bathrooms larger and more accessible, ensuring travelers in wheelchairs are afforded the same access and dignity as the rest of the traveling public.”
Building on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Today’s announcement builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s major investments in making infrastructure more accessible, such as:
- DOT has awarded billions of dollars through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to modernize airport terminals, including adding wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and more.
- 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. 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.
- DOT has begun laying the preliminary groundwork for a potential future rule that would address passengers staying in their own wheelchairs when they fly.
- DOT is currently working on rules that would require better training for airline staff who physically assist passengers with disabilities or handle battery-powered wheelchairs or scooters.
- DOT is working with industry, academia, and Federal partners to ensure that the vehicles of the future – including automated vehicles, electric vehicles, and associated charging infrastructure – are designed inclusively.
The rule can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2021-0137.
For information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, the Department’s aviation consumer website can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article addresses the issue of accessibility for wheelchair users in airline lavatories. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all, including people with disabilities. It also relates to SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities and ensuring equal access to services for all individuals. Additionally, the article mentions investments in making infrastructure more accessible, which aligns with SDG 11’s goal of creating sustainable cities and communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are SDG 3.8, which focuses on ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all individuals, including those with disabilities. SDG 10.2 aims to promote the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their disability status. SDG 11.2 emphasizes the need for accessible and sustainable transport systems, including air travel.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.8: Proportion of the population with access to quality essential healthcare services, including rehabilitation and assistive devices, within 1 hour’s travel time from their location.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of persons with disabilities who have access to transportation services, aids, and devices.
- Indicator for SDG 11.2: Proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards those targets. These indicators focus on measuring the proportion of the population with access to quality healthcare services, transportation services, and convenient access to public transport, specifically for persons with disabilities.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. | Indicator: Proportion of the population with access to quality essential healthcare services, including rehabilitation and assistive devices, within 1 hour’s travel time from their location. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator: Proportion of persons with disabilities who have access to transportation services, aids, and devices. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport. | Indicator: Proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: transportation.gov
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