Barriers to airline travel and the ability of people that use mobility devices on board commercial service aircraft has sparked national dialogue around considerations for passenger dignity, safety issues, and implications for airlines. TRB hosted a webinar on Monday, September 25, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern with U.S. Department of Transportation officials, industry leaders, and disability advocates to engage in a dialogue around considerations related to the ability of individuals to use their mobility devices when they fly. Presenters shared the economic, personal, and socio-cultural realities that use of wheelchairs and mobility aides have for passengers in airports and while on board.

This webinar is based on Consensus Study Report: Technical Feasibility of a Wheelchair Securement Concept for Airline Travel.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committees on Accessible Transportation and Mobility and Aviation Administration and Policy.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Study of the Feasibility of Wheelchair Restraint Systems in Passenger Aircraft – Gary Weissel, Tronos Aviation Consulting Inc.

2. Perspectives of passengers with disabilities – Kelly Buckland, U.S. Department of Transportation

3. Current policy and practice – Heather Ansley, Paralyzed Veterans of America

4. Question and answer session moderated by Judy Shanley, Easterseals

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Identify key issues and considerations related to the ability of passengers with disabilities to use their mobility devices onboard a passenger aircraft

2. Share economic, personal, and socio-cultural benefits related to the ability of passengers with disabilities to use their mobility devices onboard a passenger aircraft

3. Engage in information and resource sharing with professionals representing stakeholder organizations, the aviation industry, and government officials

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.

Continuing Education Units for Accredited Airport Executives

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) provided 1 Continuing Education Units (CEU) to accredited airport executives who attended this webinar. Claim CEUs by visiting www.aaae.org/ceu. For questions about AAAE continuing education units, please contact accreditation@aaae.org.