Issues
PHI endorses the advocacy of the following issues and encourages its Members to support them.
July 20, 2010
Flying While Using a Ventilator
Successfully Flying (One Way) While Using a Vent
New Air Carriers Access Act and important information about flying with breathing machine. Review the FAQs from the Department of Transportation.
Airlines and Links to Accessibility/Medical Policies
From ResMed: Statement of FAA Compliance for ResMed Devices and Certificate Regarding Internal Batteries for Specific Devices
From CareFusion: Certificate of Compliance concerning requirements for personal medical assistive devices (LTV Series Ventilators, LTMII Monitors, SprintPack lithium ion battery) used onboard passenger aircraft. Of twelve airlines contacted by a representative of CareFusion, Air Tran is the only airline to indicate that they will not accept our RTCA-DO 160 certificate of conformance in lieu of an FAA approved label.
From Philips Respironics: Trilogy Air Travel Certification Letter
Updated 8-10-10
Competitive bidding, an attempt by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to control Medicare expenditures for durable medical equipment.
Vent users needing vents during flight denied access on AirTran. READ MORE ...
A Focus on Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
On Tuesday and Wednesday, January 8 and 9, 2008, in conjunction with Homeland Defense Journal, the National Organization on Disability hosted a national conference, dedicated to addressing the emergency preparedness needs of individuals with all types of disabilities. Review the prepared remarks of Justice Department representatives, discussing the issue on a panel entitled "ADA Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Justice on Sheltering for Mass Care."
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
After five years of negotiations, countries have agreed on a new convention to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. READ MORE ...
Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2007 – HR 3195
On July 26, the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced the ADA Restoration Act of 2007, H.R. 3195. Decisions and opinions of the Supreme Court have unduly narrowed the broad scope of protection afforded in the ADA, eliminating protection for a broad range of individuals who Congress intended to protect.
To review the Act and see the list of sponsors go to http://thomas.loc.gov/ and type in "ADA Restoration Act" or "3195" in the Search Bill Text Area.
The ADA Watch/Road to Freedom Tour is hosting an online petition urging Congress to pass the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 into law.
Community Choice Act, initiated by ADAPT (www.adapt.org; adapt@adapt.org, supports using federal Medicaid dollars for a community- based alternative to nursing homes and institutions for people with disabilities.
The Senate version – S. 799, The Community Choice Act of 2007
S. 799 would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports.
The House version – H.R. 1621, The Community Choice Act of 2007
H.R. 1621 would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports.