In response to an Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) member survey showing dissatisfaction with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screening practices, TSA and ACA officials met in Washington, D.C., to address procedures that have become of increasing concern to travelers with limb loss, according to a press release.
According to Kendra Calhoun, ACA president and chief executive officer, the meeting was a success, and plans were put in place for a new cooperative effort between the two organizations.
“TSA was responsive to each issue we brought to the table. We view this meeting as a significant step in the right direction and we are hopeful that we will continue our dialogue about the important issues facing travelers with limb loss as part of the broader conversation about accommodating people with disabilities while maintaining appropriate security,” Calhoun stated in the release.
TSA pledged to provide ongoing opportunities for meaningful input by ACA members regarding TSA training, screening procedures, and other areas.
Results of the member survey were disclosed, showing that 75% of the respondents were unsatisfied with their most recent TSA experience. Respondents also expressed overwhelming concern about the TSA agents’ lack of consistency and perceived lack of training regarding the screening of travelers with limb loss.
A number of topics of concern to both the ACA and TSA were discussed and an action plan was put into place to address, correct and mitigate these problems. The re-examination of the CastScope X-ray procedure, changes in TSA training and the development of a notification card for travelers were disabilities, are some of the items added to the action plan.
