(Los Angeles, CA) Lawrence Rolon, who serves as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee.
The committee addresses disability issues and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on proposed regulatory changes to implement the ACAA, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel and requires air carriers to accommodate the needs of passengers with disabilities.
“We are very proud that LAWA's Larry Rolon will be helping to shape nationwide policy about how the transportation industry can better serve guests with disabilities in air travel,” said Deborah Flint, Chief Executive Officers, LAWA. “With the Olympics and Paralympic Games coming to Los Angeles, Larry’s work on this committee will help ensure that Los Angeles International Airport and airports across our nation set the gold standard of accessibility, focusing on the needs of all passengers.”
Rolon is one of 19 committee members whose appointment was announced on Friday, Sept. 20. He and Tom Devine, General Counsel, Airports Council International – North America, will serve as representatives of airport operators. The committee also includes representatives of air carriers, national disability organizations, disabled veterans, contract services providers, wheelchair manufacturers and people who are disabled.
The committee will submit a report to the Secretary of Transportation and appropriate committees of Congress on the needs of passengers with disabilities in air travel that assesses the current regulations with respect to ticketing, pre-flight seat assignments, access to bulkhead seating and stowing of assistive devices for passengers with disabilities. It will also submit a report on whether the current regulations, programs and activities of the Department of Transportation are addressing existing disability-related access barriers encountered by air travelers with disabilities.
Rolon has served as LAWA’s coordinator for disability services for more than 31 years.
About Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is the City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) general aviation airports, as well as aviation-related property in Palmdale. Both play an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service. Both airports make a distinct contribution to the strength of the system as it provides a high level of safety, security and service for its customers, communities and stakeholders. More information can be found at flylax.com.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
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