Deaf and hard of hearing people need access to transportation services, regardless of the mode of travel. The NAD is committed to ensuring equal access to transportation services, including equal access to information and communication related to those services. Towards that effort, the NAD consults with and provides assistance to federal agencies, state and local governments, and private businesses to improve access to transportation services.
The NAD continues to advocate for:
- Rescission of the Department of Transportation rule 49 C.F.R. § 391.41(b)(11), establishing hearing requirements for interstate commercial drivers’ licenses. This rule effectively bars many qualified deaf and hard of hearing individuals from certain types of employment.
- Modification of Air Carrier Access Act rules requiring deaf and hard of hearing individuals to self-identify in order to receive accessible information. Self-identification is not an effective means of obtaining accessible information, because information is provided in multiple locations by different people. Instead, all audible information should be routinely made accessible visually.
- Require all transportation systems (airline, train, bus, subway, etc.) to make all audible information accessible by providing the same information in a visual (text) format.
- Enforcement of existing accessibility rules.
The NAD is also committed to ensuring equal access to public accommodations used when travelling, such as hotel and motel services and facilities.