I just wanted to make a quick comment about the attention this story is getting in the news If you haven’t read it yet, you can check out the Toronto Star’s article.

I just feel that while yes this is a very upsetting and frustrating issue, it happens a lot.  I hope that some serious attention will come out of this issue and people in the airline industry will realize that people with disabilities have had enough.  In my own social circle I can count at least five people who have had their wheelchairs damaged by airlines.

I did read a really great blog post about how Air Canada should pay for the damage that was done, and while this is true, its kind of a band-aid solution. What really needs to happen is some changes in airline procedures so that these things don’t happen in the first place.

Wheelchairs are not just property, they are what allows that person to participate (though not yet fully) in the world around them.  If it were up to me this would be considered unlawful confinement, an it should be.

I think now is a great time for disability activists and their allies to take this issue on, and if you’re wondering where to start, here’s a suggestion.

To file a complaint, write to:

Canadian Transportation Agency
Accessible Transportation Directorate
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N9

For further information call toll free to:
Voice: 1-800-883-1813 or 997-6828

TTY: 1-800-669-5575 or 953-9705

I also found information on the current responsibilities of airlines