TSA Security Measures for Persons With Disabilities from the United Spinal Association
With today’s heightened security measures to protect
our international and domestic air travel, United Spinal Association,
a national membership organization for people with spinal
cord disabilities, clarifies regulations at airport checkpoints
for people who use wheelchairs and have medical conditions.
“While we understand that security measures have to
be taken to ensure the safety of all air travelers, we also
want to ensure the rights of people with disabilities,”
said Kleo King, United Spinal Association’s associate
executive director, Accessibility Services.
According to the Office of Screening of Persons with Disabilities
at the Transportation Security Administration, people with
disabilities and medical conditions should know:
• Shoes do not have to be removed during this heightened
security level nor has this been the case during routine travel
times. Transportation Security Officers are trained to
allow all persons with disabilities to keep their shoes on.
Those who keep their shoes on will be subjected to additional
screening that includes a visual/physical and explosive trace
detection sampling of their footwear.
• The TSA, who had previously banned all liquid medications,
now will allow up to 4 ounces of liquid nonprescription medicine,
including KY Jelly for medical purposes.
• Gel wheelchair cushions ARE allowed.
For more information on hassle-free travel for individuals
with disabilities, United Spinal has produced a pamphlet,
Accessible Air Travel:
A Guide For People With Disabilities, which can be downloaded or obtained by calling the Association’s
publications request line at 1-800-444-0120.
Celebrating 60 years of service, United Spinal Association
has been a leading organization in advocating for accessible
transportation nationwide through its work on the transportation
provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. United
Spinal was also instrumental in drafting portions of the Air
Carrier Access Act, and promotes compliance with these laws
and educates the public and the travel industry about them
through publications and workshops held across theUnited States.
The Association also offers new travel service for members
of United Spinal called ABLE to Travel. Membership in the
Association is free and open to all people with spinal cord
disabilities.
United Spinal Association National Headquarters
Tel 718 803 3782 exts. 283 &
282
Fax 718 803 0414
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177
publicaffairs@unitedspinal.org
August 17, 2006
|
