Last week, I had a discussion with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about initiatives the Department of Transportation (DOT) is implementing to enhance accessibility for disabled travelers in the nation’s transportation systems.

During our talk, Buttigieg pointed out that the DOT is allocating billions of dollars to upgrade the physical infrastructure at airports, train stations, and other forms of surface transportation. He also mentioned that the department is enforcing better training standards for employees at airlines and other transport services who support disabled passengers. Additionally, they are setting new regulations to make airlines and transport companies more accountable when issues arise for travelers with disabilities.

While it’s encouraging to hear positive messages from leadership, the real test is the experiences of disabled travelers. There’s substantial progress needed to ensure transportation in the U.S. is fully accessible. However, advocates applaud the DOT under Buttigieg for making significant strides in the right direction.

Here’s a look at what has functioned well so far and what advocates aspire to see in the future.

The Journey to This Point

Accessibility has historically been a challenge within transportation, particularly in air travel.

Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer at Paralyzed Veterans of America, mentioned, “We are nearing 40 years since the Air Carrier Access Act was signed into law.” This act mandates accessibility on airplanes, similar to how the Americans with Disabilities Act functions in many other contexts. “Efforts have been ongoing for a long time, but we are beginning to see advancements.”

Travelers who depend on mobility devices frequently encounter issues like damage during flights, which can be far worse than a damaged suitcase. Many disabled travelers have shared that discovering their wheelchair damaged upon arrival feels as if they lost their ability to walk.

“Every wheelchair user I know has experienced some horror story related to air travel,” Buttigieg acknowledged in our discussion.

The DOT reports that airlines mishandle 1% to 1.5% of mobility devices, leading to over 11,500 reports of damage in 2023. Advocates note that while performance is improving—as the overall damage rate decreased slightly from 2022 to 2023—there is still much to be accomplished.

Michele Erwin, founder and president of All Wheels Up, commended Secretary Buttigieg and the DOT for their impressive efforts to enhance accessible air travel, stating, “The DOT’s commitment is palpable, and their engagement is prompting the industry to take notice and respond.”

Looking Ahead

Buttigieg recognized that even with significant funding, achieving complete accessibility in the transportation sector remains a formidable challenge.

“We will keep improving both physical infrastructure and training while ensuring enforcement is in place. All aspects must work in harmony to enhance the overall experience,” he noted. “The necessity for these improvements will surpass the available funding. As we prepare for future projects, especially when the current infrastructure law lapses in 2026, I hope to highlight the importance of making accessibility a central focus in future discussions.”

While advocates are grateful for the progress already made by the DOT, they agree that more efforts are required. This includes widening the focus of these initiatives to assist a broader range of individuals.

Ansley stated, “While we are not yet in a golden age of accessibility—since there’s still work to be done—it’s a time when we can see substantial issues being addressed.” She emphasized the need for transportation systems that embrace the diverse needs of all Americans, including those using wheelchairs and facing other disabilities.

Erwin concurred that every kind of disability must be part of this ongoing conversation.

It’s important to improve the accessibility programs for all types of disabilities, not just those that need mobility aids. There’s a strong hope for further investment in enhanced training as well.

“We want to see progress in training, which is currently a significant topic of discussion,” she stated.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is collaborating with industry partners to create regulations and products that will enable wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchairs while traveling instead of having to check them in. This has been a longstanding goal for advocates of disability rights, and many prototypes are currently under development and awaiting approval, including a design by Delta Flight Products aimed at securing wheelchairs in the cabin.

Key Messages from Buttigieg

During our interview, Buttigieg shared his excitement about new regulations that will enhance travel experiences for individuals with various disabilities, beyond just improvements to physical infrastructure.

The DOT is nearing completion of a regulation that will enforce stricter rules on airlines regarding the mishandling of wheelchairs, which he believes will significantly benefit travelers who rely on them.

“The proposed regulations include requirements for annual training and practical training, ensuring that both airline staff and contractors responsible for helping passengers are adequately trained. Equally important is the accountability mechanism; this rule will clarify that any mishandling of devices will automatically breach the Air Carrier Access Act,” he explained. “Such financial accountability is likely to enhance airline training programs since there will be financial repercussions for failing to meet standards.”

Buttigieg also mentioned that travelers whose mobility equipment is damaged will soon have the option to select their own repair vendors instead of being limited to the airlines’ contractors, as is the current practice.

“Reflecting on stories I’ve heard from various travelers, relying on a vendor chosen by the airline, alongside their schedule, has frequently added to the frustration of an already unacceptable situation,” he noted.

Advocates I spoke with are feeling hopeful about the future progress in this area.

“We’ve never observed this level of momentum and speed towards making meaningful improvements before,” Erwin remarked. “This rapid progress has likely been driven by Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s dedication to enhancing air travel accessibility for individuals with disabilities.”