Broken wheelchairs. Broken bones. Broken plans. For too many living with a disability, traveling by air is a nightmare and improving the system is long overdue. The good news is decisionmakers in Congress are proposing meaningful reforms that will make air travel more accessible.

This year, Congress must reauthorize the Federal Aviation Act (FAA) to avoid big interruptions in air travel. This “must pass” bill is our opportunity to enact vital measures that will improve air travel for people living with disabilities.

The U.S House passed its bill to reauthorize the FAA, but the Senate is still working to pass its own version. Although each chamber's bill is a little different, together these reforms would make substantial improvements to air travel including:

• Mandating regular training for airline and airport personnel who assist passengers with disabilities and load and stow wheelchairs for flights 
• Continuing the effort to allow people to stay in their wheelchairs during flight
• Strengthening enforcement of fines and penalties for wheelchair damage and injuries
• Giving the disability community a seat at the table, and 
• Much more

Even though the House passed its FAA Reauthorization bill last summer, the Senate must still do the same and then both chambers will need to negotiate a final bill to send to the President's desk.

This is why lawmakers need to hear from you! Urge Congress to finally improve air travel for people living with disabilities!