Statement in response to Department of Transportation/United Airlines settlement agreement concerning Engracia Figueroa
As part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations advocating for safe and accessible air travel, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Hand In Hand, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the United Spinal Association issued a joint statement in response to a settlement agreement reached by the U.S. Department of Transportation and United Airlines following a complaint from the late disability rights advocate Engracia Figueroa.
“While nothing can erase the pain and suffering Engracia endured, nor bring her back to her family and community, we recognize the actions that United Airlines will be required to take as part of the settlement with the Department of Transportation and see it as an important first step forward in acknowledging the challenges and real dangers that many people with disabilities encounter when they travel by air...We also see this as an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of accessible air travel and the ramifications of when it is not… While today’s announcement is welcomed, much more needs to be done to increase air travel accessibility and prevent injury and loss of life.”
Engracia Figueroa Photographer Credit: Shayan Asgharnia, 2021
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