DOT TO ESTABLISH AN ACCESSIBLE AIR TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On April 7, 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) issued a new Proposed Rule, with request for comments, announcing its intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop proposed amendments to DOT’s disability regulations on three issues:
- Whether to require accessible in-flight entertainment (“IFE”) and strengthen accessibility requirements for other in-flight communications;
- Whether to require an accessible lavatory on new single-aisle aircraft over a certain size; and
- Whether to amend the definition of “service animals” that may accompany passengers with a disability on a flight.
The committee will consist of representatives of organizations or groups that are significantly affected by the subject matter of the proposed regulation, which will likely include disability advocacy organizations, airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers.
DOT is seeking comment on the establishment of the Accessible Air Transportation (“ACCESS”) Advisory Committee, the issues to be addressed, and the proposed list of stakeholder types to be represented on the Committee. DOT is also seeking nominations or applications for membership on the ACCESS Advisory Committee.