Metro Airport Ignoring Needs of Disabled - Lawsuit Says

Detroit Free Press

By Jennifer Dixon, Free Press Staff Writer
April 14, 2008

Metro Airport and Northwest Airlines dropped disabled passengers to the floor, failed to provide boarding assistance to the disabled, damaged wheelchairs by tossing them in baggage storage and failed to provide an area for seeing-eye dogs to relieve themselves, a lawsuit filed today in Detroit says.

Five disabled travelers sued the Wayne County Airport Authority and Northwest Airlines in U.S. District Court in Detroit. The suit seeks no monetary damages, but asks that the airport and Northwest follow basic federal laws and rules.

"By ignoring the needs and dignity of disabled passengers, and denying equal access to airport facilities and planes for plaintiffs and others with disabilities, the defendants treat them as second-class citizens and unjustly disregard their basic rights to equality and dignity, and cause embarrassment, humiliation, harassment, and emotional distress," the suit said.

Farmington Hills lawyer Richard Bernstein, who is blind and travels weekly out of Metro, filed the lawsuit. It claims the airline and airport authority, which runs Metro, have violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Air Carrier Access Act, and the Rehabilitation Act, all federal laws.

Michael Conway, a spokesman for the airport, said "providing service to our customers with special needs is something the airport authority takes very seriously. However, since Mr. Bernstein has filed a legal action in this matter, it would not be prudent for us to comment."

"What’s good for the disabled is good for everyone, and that by improving air travel for the disabled, it will make things better for everybody," Bernstein told the Free Press.

"We are very disappointed to learn of this. Despite repeated attempts to discuss any concerns, Richard Bernstein decided to take his concerns to court for what he alleges is non-compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act and the American's with Disabilities Act," said Northwest spokeswoman Michelle Aguayo Shannon.

"NWA has a solid record of compliance in this area, and is an industry leader, with the establishment of our consumer advisory board, which provides us with direct input from disability advocates."