In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the rights of autistic people.
Autism Speaks reports:
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a new guide detailing rules for air carriers accommodating families and individuals with autism.
The Air Carrier Access Act details rules for airline accommodations and protects individuals with disabilities in air travel.
For many families and individuals with autism, traveling requires certain accommodations from the airline industry to provide safe, comfortable flight. For example, the guideline explains that airlines must provide accurate information about what accommodations they can provide individuals with disabilities. It also suggests informing the airline how it may assist you. The airline may be able to provide health, safety, dietary, or sensory accommodations to make travel easier.
In May, a 15-year-old with autism and her family were allegedly removed from a United Airlines flight after experiencing difficulties in accessing needed accommodations. The guideline details when an airline may deny boarding or remove a passenger with a disability.
Disability Scoop reports:
The Obama administration is taking new steps to ensure that people with disabilities don’t face discrimination at the doctor’s office.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has put forward new regulations clarifying protections for people with disabilities when it comes to health care and insurance coverage.
Specifically, the proposal published Tuesday in the Federal Register mandates that health care providers “make reasonable modifications in policies, practices or procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability.”
