Adaptive air travel transportation systems for persons with disabilities.

The Air Carrier Access Act ensures that no air carrier may discriminate against persons with disabilities. This Act specifies rules and regulations that remove architectural barriers to persons with disabilities. Other important considerations in the comprehensive adaptive air travel system for persons with disabilities include (1) aircraft boarding environment, (2) boarding chairs, (3) collapsible aircraft wheelchairs, (4) aircraft stowage procedures for battery-powered wheelchairs, and (5) airport shuttle bus or van service. Educational curricula must be developed that describe the comprehensive operation of this system. Evaluation of the performance of the system for persons with disabilities is mandatory to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same level of services as those without disabilities.

Technical considerations in the selection and performance of walkers.

The walker is a mobility aid that provides a portable base of support. People of all ages use different kinds of walkers for a variety of reasons. With the correct walker, many people stroll along at the same pace as their companion. Today, walkers are available in a variety of styles and colors and have numerous accessories. It is the purpose of this article to describe the various types and models of walkers and accessories that are available. Our goal is not to recommend or rate the walkers but to help you find the right walker. The ultimate selection of a walker will depend on a cooperative effort between the physiatrist, physical therapist, and medical equipment supplier. Before you purchase a walker you should test it out to decide if it is the right one for you. The physical therapist who supplies your walker should adjust for your height and should check the physical fit of the equipment. Moreover, the physical therapist should demonstrate the proper gait for walking. During the past few years radical changes have occurred in the design and style of walkers. We expect this trend to continue with more attractive, easier-to-use products to be introduced regularly. If you think that your walker is outdated and is not adapting to your lifestyle, talk with your physiatrist regarding alternatives. Today, walkers are as different as their users. Find the best one for you by taking a test walk in your home and community.

Americans With Disabilities Act.

The Americans with Disabilities Act gives all Americans with disabilities a chance to achieve the same quality of life that individuals without disabilities enjoy. This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disabilities in employment, public services, privately operated public accommodations, services, and telecommunications. The Americans with Disabilities Act is divided into five titles. Title I of the act pertains to discrimination against the disabled in the workplace. Title II prevents discrimination against persons with a disability in state and local government services. Title III prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in places of public accommodations and commercial facilities. Title IV ensures that companies offering telephone services to the general public provide special services for individuals with hearing and speech impairments. Under the enforcement provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, stringent penalties will be implemented for failure to comply with its provisions.