| October, 2003 |
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Announcements
Service Animals Guidelines
The Department of Transportation has issues new guidelines that broaden the scope of service animals that may board airplanes. Passengers who rely on cats, monkeys and other animals for emotional support may now be able to bring animals into the plane's seating compartment under revised federal guidelines. Only guide dogs were previously permitted.
Passengers must show proof from a doctor or psychologist that the animal is required to help with a non-visual health condition such as epilepsy or pulling a wheelchair.
Toll-Free Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities
The toll-free hotline for disabled air travelers has been in operation since August 2002 and is available for callers from 7a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, seven days a week. The hotline serves two main purposes: (1) education and (2) assistance in resolving disability-related air travel problems. The hotline can also assist air travelers with disabilities in resolving real time or upcoming issues with air carriers.
Air travelers who want information about the rights of persons with disabilities in air travel or who experience disability-related air travel service problems may call the hotline to obtain assistance at: 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY).
Amazon Access
Amazon.com, the online book and other products store, has launched an alternative version of its Web site, Amazon Access, designed to make online shopping easier for customers who use screen access software. Amazon Access is a streamlined version of the standard site with less text and graphics.
To visit Amazon Access, go to www.amazon.com/access.