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MDA Celebrates Reintroduction of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act

Washington, D.C., Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) celebrates the reintroduction of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (ACAAA), legislation that includes vital protections for people living with disabilities to ensure safe, dignified, and accessible air travel.

Since its passage in 1986, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) intended to prohibit discrimination in air travel. Yet people living with disabilities – including many in the neuromuscular disease community – continue to face dangerous and discriminatory barriers, from damaged and destroyed wheelchairs and mobility devices, improperly trained personnel, inaccessible aircraft, physical harm, and more. The original ACAA also stops short of containing a private right of action, which allows citizens to bring a civil suit against a company when they allegedly violate the passenger’s rights.

By strengthening enforcement through establishing civil penalties, strengthening the Department of Justice’s ability to address discrimination, and establishing a private right of action, the newly re-introduced Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (ACAAA) ensures that passengers with disabilities can access the remedies necessary to hold airlines accountable. Congress has recognized that without updated and enforceable protections, people living with disabilities and traveling with their mobility devices will be left out of participating in a full life – preventing them from obtaining medical care, taking employment opportunities, visiting loved ones, and beyond.

We commend Senators Tammy Baldwin and Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Representatives Dina Titus and Steve Cohen for their leadership in reintroducing this bill, and for their commitment to advancing opportunity and independence for people living with neuromuscular diseases and disabilities. MDA is ready to work with Congress to ensure the legislation is enacted and implemented.

Take Action

The bill has been introduced, but there is still so much more for us to do as we advance the ACAAA. Sign up to advocate with us at MDA.org/Advocacy to continue to protect people living with disabilities to ensure safe, dignified, and accessible air travel.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. As strategic partners with the federal government, we work with public officials and administrations of all parties to advance policies that protect the rights, inclusion, dignity, and agency of people with neuromuscular disease. We do not endorse or support candidates or engage in political campaigns or activities. For questions regarding our advocacy work or policy positions, contact advocacy@mdausa.org.

Media contact press@mdausa.org.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.