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Hands-On: Airlines Must Train Staff to Better Assist Disabled Travelers

New DOT mandate requires hands-on disability training for airline staff. While the wider federal accessibility package faces a review pause under the Trump administration, Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport comments that this safety measure can immediately target high rates of wheelchair damage and traveler injuries.

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The U.S. Department of Transportation is now requiring airlines to provide hands-on training for any staff or contractors who handle mobility devices or assist travelers with disabilities. While other parts of a broader, end-of-Biden-administration accessibility rule are currently paused for review by the Trump administration, these critical training provisions are officially moving forward.

"It is a big step toward accessibility and safety for passengers on airlines," said Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport. "Greater training will reduce the number of injuries and, quite frankly, the fear that many people with disabilities have about flying.”  

Want the full story? Read Zach Wichter's complete interview with Kendra Davenport on USA TODAY to learn more about the paused regulations and how some airlines are already taking initiative.