Paralyzed Veterans of America to Join Senate Roundtable

Organization continues advocacy efforts for air travelers with disabilities

Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) will participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to examine ongoing concerns about Veterans and all air travelers with disabilities.

Members of the press are invited to attend a roundtable discussion that will focus on the air travel experiences of veterans with disabilities, and how disability-related provisions in the TSA Modernization Act (S. 1872) and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (S. 1405) would begin to lay the groundwork for ensuring safe and effective access to air travel for all people with disabilities.

WHO*: Paralyzed Veterans of America Leadership & Staff: David Zurfluh, National President; Carl Blake, Interim Executive Director; Heather Ansley, Associate General Counsel for Corporate and Government Relations; Lee Page, Senior Associate Advocacy Director; National Vice President Charles Brown; National Secretary Larry Dodson

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Members: Chairman Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

WHAT: Roundtable Discussion: Improving the Air Travel Experience of Veterans with Disabilities 

WHEN: Wednesday, November 8, 2017
4:00-5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building, SR-253

* Subject to change

Discussion Highlights:

• Air travel presents people with disabilities, including catastrophically disabled veterans, with a variety of barriers. Some critical barriers include inconsistent treatment when transiting security at our nation's airports; improperly trained assistance, including when boarding and deplaning aircraft; and damaged wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Action is needed to improve each facet of the air travel process for people with disabilities. Otherwise, people with disabilities will be left behind and unable to compete in today's job market or enjoy the opportunities available to other Americans.
  
  
• Both legislative proposals under discussion will begin to address the problems of veterans and all Americans with disabilities in accessing air travel.

About Paralyzed Veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (pva.org).

MEDIA CONTACT:   
Tracey Lynn Shifflett
TraceyS@pva.org, 202-416-7670

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- Nov. 7, 2017/

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America