"US Department of Transportation Mandates Wheelchair-Accessible Lavatories on Airplanes"
On the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a new rule requiring airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft more accessible for wheelchair users. The rule mandates that lavatories be large enough for a passenger with a disability and an attendant to approach, enter, and maneuver within. This announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to improve infrastructure accessibility, including retrofitting old rail and subway stations and potentially allowing passengers to stay in their own wheelchairs when flying. The DOT is also working on rules for better training of airline staff and ensuring future vehicles are designed inclusively.