Transportation and Travel for People with Disabilities
On this Page
- Child Safety Seats
- Wheelchair / Automobile Transport
- Adapted Motor Vehicles
- Adaptive Driving
- Public Transportation Services
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for Medicaid Beneficiaries
- Train Travel (or rail service)
- Air Travel
- Flying with Children with Disabilities
- Boarding and Flying
- Resources
Whether you are travelling by plane, train, or automobile, accessibility and safety are considerations if you or a loved one
lives with a disability. More and more, people with disabilities are gaining access to new technologies and public transportation
to help them travel safely.
For people with disabilities, transportation provides a vital lifeline to education, healthcare, employment, and community
life. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides discrimination protection to people with disabilities, particularly in Sections 503, 504 and
508. People with disabilities are no longer to be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under
any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance. Safe, reliable transportation is essential in allowing
people with disabilities to use and enjoy such programs and activities. From adaptive car seats to non-emergency medical transportation,
there are several options for accessibility, depending on your situation.
Child Safety Seats
Children with special needs, such as cerebral palsy, autism, or spinal cord problems may require adaptive car seats or seat
restraints for continued safety in cars, buses, and airplanes. Some children may need a more specialized solution if they
are in a hip or body cast. Certain medical conditions require more support for the body; challenging behavior may require
a more secure (childproof) restraint. Finding the right car seat for your child can be a challenge.
Some children with special needs continue to need a 5-point harness or specialized seat as they grow, and they will need a
seat made for larger children. You will not find this type of car seat in the department store, but they are available if
you need one. Below are recommendations from parents who have been through the process of ordering a special needs car seat.
- Find a car seat safety check site or certified technician near you by calling your local hospital or health department (See Resources at the bottom of the page for further information.)
- Speak with the Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician about their recommendations for your child's safety.
- If your child has a physical therapist, ask for a recommendation about a seat.
- Ask other parents what their child is using and what they did to get it.
- Contact your child's primary care clinician and ask for a letter of medical necessity for the insurance company or Medicaid.
- Submit a written request to insurance. If insurance denies the seat, you can appeal the decision. If still denied, look for alternatives resources.
- Are there programs in your area that donate or have low-cost seats? (Try your Children's Hospital or Health Department)
- Are there any organizations in your area that donate or help with funding? (Independent Living Centers, Lion's Club, special needs organizations)
Wheelchair / Automobile Transport
When traveling as a passenger in an automobile, it is generally safest for the wheelchair user to transfer from her wheelchair
to a seat with seatbelts or a child safety seat (car seat) that complies with federal safety standards, and then secure the
wheelchair in the vehicle.
If transferring is not feasible, it is very important to secure the wheelchair to the vehicle facing forward, and to use crash-tested
seatbelts for the wheelchair-seated rider. It is best if you have a wheelchair that has been designed and crash-tested for
use as a seat in motor vehicles, often referred to as a WC19 wheelchair or a transit wheelchair. A WC19-compliant wheelchair
provides four easily accessible attachment points that help secure the chair using a four-point tie down system. Even with
the tie down system, make sure that the wheelchair user is also using crashworthy and properly positioned pelvic and shoulder
belt restraints.
School transportation (bus) will usually recommend that your child have a WC19-compliant wheelchair unless they are transferring to a bus seat.
However, your child cannot be denied transportation to school because he does not have a WC19 wheelchair. It is in the child's
best interest for the parents and the school transportation team to work together to find the safest option for a child to
travel on the school bus. More information is available in the American Academy of Pediatrics School Bus Transportation of CSHCN (AAP) policy statement.
Adapted Motor Vehicles
New technology gives many people with disabilities the opportunity to drive or be transported in their own vehicles with adaptive
devices. Some examples include:
- wheelchair lifts and ramps
- hand controls
- modified seating
- steering aids
A driving rehabilitation specialist can tell you if it is possible to successfully adapt your vehicle. See the resources section
below to locate a specialist in your area.
A qualified vehicle modification dealer installs the devices suggested for your car. This dealer is not the same as the dealer
who sold you your vehicle. For a consumer guide to purchasing wheelchair accessible vehicles and equipment see the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), also in the Resources below.
Adaptive Driving
Sometimes assistive technology and adaptations are necessary for a young adult or adult with disabilities to drive a vehicle.
For more information, go to the Adaptive Driving page. For information on Driver's Education and obtaining a driver's license,
go to: Transportation - Where's My Ride.
Public Transportation Services
Transportation services allow individuals with disabilities to live independently within their communities by providing accessible
public options. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that new public buses and rail vehicles (such as subway cars) be accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Many new fixed route buses have lifts or ramps for people in wheelchairs. The buses also must have at least two spaces inside
for securing wheelchairs. People who are able to use the fixed route bus service should utilize this option whenever possible.
For people who cannot use fixed route bus services, many city transit agencies provide what is known as "paratransit" for
eligible travelers. Paratransit services typically use vans or mini-buses equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps. These vehicles
usually do not follow fixed schedules, but instead allow you to call and schedule a pick-up wherever you are. Disability alone
does not determine paratransit eligibility; the decision is based on the applicant's functional ability to use a fixed route
bus and is not a medical decision. Establishing eligibility requires filing an application that describes the passenger's
disability and explains why she is unable to use regular transit, along with the signature of a health care professional.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) allows patients who are unable to travel on their own due to medical conditions
to travel safely from one location to another, locally or for long distances. NEMT can be provided by ground or air, depending
on the patient's needs.
Sometimes, patients who are stable but unable to travel by conventional means are required to use non-emergency medical transportation
due to oxygen requirements, mobility issues, or for ease and comfort.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for Medicaid Beneficiaries
States are required to make NEMT available to Medicaid beneficiaries to assure their access to medically necessary services.
Most states cover NEMT to enable Medicaid beneficiaries to obtain covered medical services from both local providers and from
hospitals and clinics outside their area. Some states have a prior approval process or may limit the number of trips allowed
per month. Many states contract with local agencies to coordinate services. For a summary of your state's Medicaid NEMT eligibility
and coverage see the Resources section below.
Train Travel (or rail service)
Amtrak is the major rail transport company in the United States and provides a host of accommodations to travelers with disabilities.
Information concerning the accessibility of their trains and stations can be obtained by contacting a reservation representative
at 800/USA-RAIL (800/872-7245) or for you may visit Amtrak's website (see the Resource section below).
Air Travel
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel by requiring U.S. airlines and foreign airlines, providing
flights to or from the United States, to offer accessible facilities, accommodations, and other services to passengers with
disabilities.
However, unlike most forms of transportation, many aspects of air travel are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) is a civil rights law that requires some accessibility for people with
disabilities, but not the same level of access that is required on bus and rail services by the ADA. For example, under the
ACAA, a person who uses a wheelchair or mobility device is required to transfer to an airplane seat instead of riding in their
device. Also, while new safety videos shown on airplanes must be open-captioned, any video entertainment shown is not required
to be captioned.
The ADA and its Accessibility Guidelines do apply to airports and airport services.
For a step-by-step guide to air travel with a disability, go to the Flying with a Disability link also in the Resources section below.
Flying with Children with Disabilities
If you are a parent or caregiver flying with your child, here are some suggestions:
Before You Go
Before You Go
- Be sure to call your airline carrier at least 72 hours ahead of time and inform them of your child’s special needs. Doing so will allow for safe and happy travel onboard the aircraft.
- Provide advance notice to your airline or travel agent if you require assistance at the airport. Your airline will assist you through the airport facility and the screening line.
- If you require a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, speak with your airline representative about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before entering the security checkpoint.
- The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids, and/or assistive devices carried by and/or used by a person with a disability.
- Pack your medications in a separate pouch/bag to facilitate the inspection process. Ensure that containers holding medications are not too densely filled, and that all medication is clearly identified. It is recommended that passengers refrain from packing any medications that they do not want exposed to X-rays in their checked baggage. Instead, send larger quantities of medication to your destination by mail or another preferred way.
- Make sure each of your carry-on items, equipment, mobility aids, and devices, have an identification tag attached.
Security
- Inform screening officials of your child's disability and what he is able or not able to do during screening.
- Carry documentation to support any medical or behavioral conditions, and offer suggestions to security staff on how to minimize issues during the screening process.
- Security officers should never remove your child from his wheelchair. Only parents are allowed to transfer their child, and you can refuse if it is not in your child's best interest. You can ask the security officers to use alternate screening measures while your child remains seated in her wheelchair.
- If your child is able to stand and walk, have him walk through the metal detector, as it can make the process much faster.
- Officers in the United States are not required to pat down minors with disabilities; however, other countries may have different regulations. In both the US and Canada, officers will visually or physically inspect and test any seat cushions, pouches, and packs attached to the chair.
- In regards to taking pictures and filming, the TSA allows you to do so as long as it doesn’t interfere with the screening process. That being said, some laws, state statutes, or local ordinances may prohibit taking pictures or filming.
- Most importantly, know you have the right to be with your child throughout the entire travel process; speak up if anything makes you or your child uncomfortable.
Hidden Disabilities
- Persons with a hidden disability can, if they choose, advise security officers that they have a hidden disability and may need some assistance, or that they need to move a bit more slowly than others.
- Family members or traveling companions can advise Security Officers when they are traveling with someone who has a hidden disability, which may cause that person to move slowly, become agitated easily, and/or need additional assistance.
- Family members or traveling companions can offer suggestions to Security Officers on the best way to approach the person with a hidden disability, especially when it is necessary to touch the person during a pat-down inspection.
- Family members or traveling companions can stay with the person during a public or private screening; however, they may be required to be re-screened if they provide assistance to the person.
TSA Cares Helpline
TSA Cares is a helpline that assists travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. TSA recommends that passengers or caregivers call 72 hours ahead of travel for information about what to expect during security screening, and to ensure time to coordinate checkpoint support with the TSA Customer Service Manager at the airport if needed.
TSA Cares is a helpline that assists travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. TSA recommends that passengers or caregivers call 72 hours ahead of travel for information about what to expect during security screening, and to ensure time to coordinate checkpoint support with the TSA Customer Service Manager at the airport if needed.
When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide information about screening
that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or will refer the passenger to disability experts at TSA.
Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. EST and weekends and Holidays
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.
Disability Notification Card for Air Travel
A handy tool for travelers with a disability is the TSA Disability Notification Card (
69 KB). You can print the card and complete the blanks which will inform TSA officers of a disability in a concise and discrete
manner. See link in the Resources section below.
A handy tool for travelers with a disability is the TSA Disability Notification Card (
69 KB). You can print the card and complete the blanks which will inform TSA officers of a disability in a concise and discrete
manner. See link in the Resources section below.
Boarding and Flying
Seating
Children under 2 are not required to have a paid ticket and can sit in a parent’s lap, but for many children this creates anxiety or behavioral issues on a long flight. For children with mobility or behavioral issues, request seating where there are no passengers in front of you. The bulkhead of a cabin has extra leg space and with no seat in front of you, no one can recline into your space. Some airlines reserve this space for people with disabilities, so call ahead to ask for this.
Children under 2 are not required to have a paid ticket and can sit in a parent’s lap, but for many children this creates anxiety or behavioral issues on a long flight. For children with mobility or behavioral issues, request seating where there are no passengers in front of you. The bulkhead of a cabin has extra leg space and with no seat in front of you, no one can recline into your space. Some airlines reserve this space for people with disabilities, so call ahead to ask for this.
For a child with sensory integration issues, a flight can be overwhelming. A plane filled with people, the loud engine, ear
pressure, and turbulence can understandably create anxiety for your child, yourself, and sometimes other passengers. Be sure
to bring anything that might calm your child, and consider an airplane safety harness. Request seating in the bulkhead.
Before bringing a child safety seat or specialty harness, contact the manufacturer and the airline to make sure it is FAA
approved. See Resources section below for information about child safety on airplanes. The Kids Fly Safe, CARES Airplane Safety Harness for Children is now approved for use by kids, teens and adults with special needs. See the Resources section below.
Wheelchair accessibility
All airports are wheelchair-accessible. Contact the airline to find out what their procedures are for a gate check of the wheelchair. As a precaution against loss or damage, always remove the detachable parts before your wheelchair is stored, and label the chair with your name, address, and destination airport. Generally, your child can use her own chair until the boarding process. If she is able to walk a short distance, you can request a seat near the entrance doors. If she needs assistance boarding the plane, request an aisle wheelchair at boarding and de-boarding. Your child's wheelchair will then be stored conveniently for immediate availability on arrival. If there is any damage to the wheelchair, inform the airline and inquire about repair/replacement policies.
All airports are wheelchair-accessible. Contact the airline to find out what their procedures are for a gate check of the wheelchair. As a precaution against loss or damage, always remove the detachable parts before your wheelchair is stored, and label the chair with your name, address, and destination airport. Generally, your child can use her own chair until the boarding process. If she is able to walk a short distance, you can request a seat near the entrance doors. If she needs assistance boarding the plane, request an aisle wheelchair at boarding and de-boarding. Your child's wheelchair will then be stored conveniently for immediate availability on arrival. If there is any damage to the wheelchair, inform the airline and inquire about repair/replacement policies.
Flying in a Stretcher
Many larger, international airlines can accommodate a traveler in a stretcher, although you will have to fly with the necessary medical supervision. Transport of a stretcher often requires the purchase of 6-9 seats to cover the airline's cost of lost seating. Medical clearance is required, and we recommend you contact the relevant airline as early as possible to inform them that you will need to fly in a stretcher.
Many larger, international airlines can accommodate a traveler in a stretcher, although you will have to fly with the necessary medical supervision. Transport of a stretcher often requires the purchase of 6-9 seats to cover the airline's cost of lost seating. Medical clearance is required, and we recommend you contact the relevant airline as early as possible to inform them that you will need to fly in a stretcher.
Medical Certification and Medical Equipment
Medical certification is only required for:
Medical certification is only required for:
- a passenger requiring medical oxygen during a flight – contact the airline for specifics on oxygen use
- a passenger who will probably require extraordinary medical assistance during the flight
- a passenger traveling on a stretcher or in an incubator
- a passenger with a communicable disease
Contact your airline for specific requirements for oxygen tanks, concentrators, suction machines, pulse oximeters and other
medical devices needed during flight.
Flying with a Service Animal
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) allows Service dogs and emotional support animals to travel in the cabin of the aircraft as long as the dog does not obstruct an aisle or any other area used for emergency evacuations.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) allows Service dogs and emotional support animals to travel in the cabin of the aircraft as long as the dog does not obstruct an aisle or any other area used for emergency evacuations.
Although general in-flight rules will always be enforced by every airline company, the processes of actually making reservations,
passing the ticket counter, check-in, security checkpoint, and gate may vary slightly, depending on the airline and airport.
By reviewing the websites for individual airlines and airports, you'll learn the specific guidelines.
International Travel
More and more, people with disabilities are traveling abroad. Individual countries have their own standards of accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Research and preparation is important for safe and accessible international travel. See the international travel link in the Resources section below for further information on international travel for individuals with disabilities.
More and more, people with disabilities are traveling abroad. Individual countries have their own standards of accessibility for travelers with disabilities. Research and preparation is important for safe and accessible international travel. See the international travel link in the Resources section below for further information on international travel for individuals with disabilities.
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Child Car Seat Inspection
Child Care Seat Inspection Station Locator.
Fall Prevention Tips (Safe Kids World Wide)
Safety tips for different age groups, safety laws, and safety events such as car seat fit and safety.
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists was established in 1977 to support professionals working in the field
of driver education / driver training and transportation equipment modifications for persons with disabilities through education
and information dissemination.
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
NMEDA is a nonprofit association that supports nearly 600 manufacturers, dealers and driver rehabilitation specialists that
work together to improve the transportation options for people with disabilities. NMEDA is the only organization for the adaptive
mobility industry that monitors its members to ensure they abide by the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and NMEDA’s Quality Assurance Program.
Transporting Children with Special Health Care Needs
This statement reviews important considerations for transporting children with special health care needs and provides current
guidelines for the protection of children with specific health care needs, including those with a tracheostomy, a spica cast,
challenging behaviors, or muscle tone abnormalities as well as those transported in wheelchairs.
Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities
The information in this brochure is based on the experience of driver rehabilitation specialists and other professionals who
work with individuals who require adaptive devices for their motor vehicles.
Paratransit Eligibility Handbook (ADA)
Section 223 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
requires that public entities which operate non-commuter fixed route
transportation services also provide complementary paratransit service
for individuals unable to use the fixed route system. The regulations
issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which implement this
portion of the law, specify to whom and under what circumstances this
service is to be provided. Dated 1993.
Access Travel Center
Here you will find ground and air transportation listings for traveling to and from medical facilities such as doctor's offices,
diagnostic testing centers, outpatient clinics and hospitals.
Medicaid Benefits: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
States are required to make NEMT available to Medicaid beneficiaries to assure their access to medically necessary services
but have the option to provide it as a State Plan service or as an administrative expense, with either option eligible for
federal Medicaid matching funds.
Amtrak
Amtrak supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and has worked to make facilities more accessible to customers with disabilities.
Flying with a Disability
Disability air travel information and advice.
TSA Disability Notification Card ( 69 KB)
Flying with Children with Special Needs
Tips to make traveling less stressful.
Kids Fly Safe, CARES Airplane Safety Harness for Children
CARES harness is already certified for kids 22-44 lbs for all phases of flight.