United Spinal Association has received notice from the Department of Transportation (DOT) that, effective October 1, 2006, hours of operation for the Aviation Consumer Protection Division’s hotline will be cut back to Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.

The toll-free telephone hotline was developed to respond to inquiries from individuals with disabilities experiencing real-time disability-related difficulties during air travel. The hotline is currently staffed from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm local time in Washington, D.C., seven days a week. The toll free number for the hotline remains 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY).

In a recent announcement, the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office), reported that, despite “significant steps” taken to publicize the existence of the hotline, “the usage level for the hotline remains low (i.e., approximately 2 calls a day).”

The Enforcement Office said it remains committed to improving the quality of air transportation for people with disabilities, but believes that a reduction in the hours of operation for the DOT’s aviation consumer disability toll-free hotline is in the public interest. The reduced costs of operating the hotline should be beneficial to the office in maintaining its other disability-related compliance, enforcement and outreach efforts. The hotline will continue to be monitored and if there is an increase in the number of “real-time” complaints, further adjustments will be made.

For more information on hassle-free travel for individuals with disabilities, United Spinal has produced a pamphlet, Accessible Air Travel: A Guide For People With Disabilities, which can be obtained by calling the Association’s publications request line at 1-800-444-0120.

Celebrating 60 years of service, United Spinal Association has been a leading advocate for accessible transportation nationwide through its work on the transportation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. United Spinal was also instrumental in drafting portions of the Air Carrier Access Act, and promotes compliance with these laws and educates the public and the travel industry through publications and workshops. The Association also offers a new, full-service travel agency for members of United Spinal called ABLE to Travel. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to all people with spinal cord injuries or disorders.