Christopher Hart

My name is Christopher Hart and I have been a fulltime wheelchair user for over 25 years. I am concerned that US DOT seeks to further weaken aircraft access by removing the obligation to stow folding wheelchairs in the cabin closet. For many of us who use either power assist or manual chairs, a well signed, designated space in the main cabin is all we need to ensure people with disabilities are able to fly independently; without fear of our chairs left behind, damage to the unit or adding further frustration to other passengers because they just got bumped off a flight due so their seats can be used for seat strapping of our chairs. It also adds a potential for damage to the chair, complexity for and potential injury to cabin crew. It simply makes little sense. Further, it amplifies the spectacle and stigmatization that I and so many others must endure to board an aircraft with the help of untrained and ignorant ground staff who transfer us to straight backs, (which are often left exposed to the elements at medium and smaller airports including DCA) then strap us down as if we need to be restrained. US DOT should be strengthening the Air Carriers Access Act by ensuring every aircraft including commuter jets serving small airports such as Wichita KS, Tuscaloosa AL, Burlington VT and the DC/BAL/PHY/NYC/BOS corridor provide a designated space onboard that holds a folded manual wheelchair and does not require seat strapping. The space could be a closet or located at the tail directly behind the rear seats. On two aisle aircraft, it would be reasonable to assume capacity to stow two or more chairs on board and possibly more depending on the fare classes provided by the aircraft. USDOT should also ensure signage at aircraft entries and at the stowage location identifies the right of passengers to stow their manual chairs onboard. Finally, the department must prohibit U.S. and foreign carriers from removing existing closets or priority spaces used for stowing chairs.