PVA servers as a panelist on disability access in air travel before American Bar Association forum
By PVA National Staff
On September 12, Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, spoke on a panel entitled, “Airline Disability Regulation: A Nose-To-Tail Review of Emerging Global Trends and Other Hot Topics,” at the American Bar Association’s Forum on Air and Space Law in Seattle. The Forum brings together airline in-house counsel, federal agencies, outside counsel for airlines, and other stakeholders. It presented a tremendous opportunity to talk with air carriers about the issues facing PVA members, including the lack of a private right of action under the Air Carrier Access Act; damage to wheelchairs; delayed or poorly trained assistance for boarding and deplaning; and injuries to passengers with disabilities in the air travel process.
Also, on the panel were Maren Matal, Senior Attorney, Southwest Airlines; Doug Lavin, Vice President, Member and External Relations, North America, International Air Transport Association; and Livaughn Chapman, Deputy Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, U.S. Department of Transportation. The panel was moderated by Evelyn Sahr, Chair, Aviation Group, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC.
