By Kristina M. Launey

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability in air travel.  The DOT recently issued a proposed updated version of its technical assistance manual (TAM).  The TAM, which provides guidance to airlines and passengers with disabilities on their rights and responsibilities under the ACAA, was first issued in 2005.  The updated TAM incorporates 2009 changes to the Air Carrier Access Act implementing regulations, which, among other things, add new provisions concerning accommodations for passengers who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind. Comments on the updated TAM may be submitted until October 3 at regulations.gov.