Raising the Bar for Air Travel Accessibility: PVA's Summit in Redmond

PVA's Access to the Skies Summit: A Pathway to Inclusive Air Travel

On September 29, 2025, leaders advocating for better air travel accessibility gathered in Redmond, Washington for the inaugural Access to the Skies Summit, co-hosted by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and All Wheels Up. This landmark event welcomed experts from across the aviation industry to discuss solutions aimed at dismantling barriers faced by 70 million Americans living with disabilities.

The summit kicked off with a powerful opening by Robert Thomas, the national president of PVA and a U.S. Army veteran, who expressed the urgency of the cause. “PVA’s Access to the Skies Summit is more than just a conversation; it’s a rallying call for change,” he stated. Thomas’s impassioned words set the tone for a day filled with discussions about the real challenges and potential solutions to enhance air travel for individuals with disabilities.

One of the standout features of the summit was an insightful presentation by Heather Ansley, the chief policy officer for PVA. She elaborated on the ongoing initiatives in Washington, D.C. aimed at improving accessibility in aviation. The audience also heard from notable figures like Chris Wood of Flying Disabled and Sivashankar Sivakanthan from the University of Pittsburgh's Human Engineering Research Laboratories, who shared updates on recent advocacy efforts for accessible air travel.

The gathering fostered meaningful discussions through dynamic panel sessions that highlighted practical strategies and actionable resources for making air travel more inclusive. The culminating panel included representatives from major airlines like American Airlines and Delta, as well as industry experts from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and PVA. They provided valuable insights into improving air travel experiences for those with disabilities. Tips ranged from understanding airline policies to ensuring proper assistance when boarding and deplaning.

Michele Erwin, founder and president of All Wheels Up, expressed her gratitude towards PVA for their partnership and the wealth of experiences shared by the speakers. She emphasized the commitment towards securing a barrier-free future for travelers with disabilities. “The progress we celebrated today is inspiring, and we are committed to securing an even more accessible future for travelers with disabilities,” Erwin stated.

For over four decades, PVA has been at the forefront of advocating for veterans and all individuals with disabilities, striving to create a world where air travel is accessible to everyone. The organization has initiated substantial changes in policy, notably the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and other regulations designed to enhance air travel experiences for those with mobility challenges.

Recent updates to the Air Carrier Access Act have introduced crucial provisions that improve the travel experience for wheelchair users and others who depend on assistive devices. These updates include mandatory training for airline employees on assisting passengers with disabilities and reinforced policies for timely repair or replacement of damaged wheelchairs during travel.

The Access to the Skies Summit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest for aviation accessibility. The collaboration between advocacy groups and airline representatives signals a collective commitment to just and equitable air travel for all. To learn more about PVA's efforts to improve accessibility in air travel, visit PVA.org/AirTravel.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America is a non-profit organization dedicated specifically to serving veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases. With over 70 offices across the United States and Puerto Rico, PVA plays a crucial role in advocating for veteran benefits, monitoring healthcare, and providing access to educational and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Learn more about their impactful work at PVA.org.