Derived from: Multiple Sources; Declassify on: 25x1-human; Date of Source: 20091007

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

Derived from: Multiple Sources; Declassify on: 25x1-human; Date of Source: 20091007

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Welcome & Housekeeping

CEUs: Contact Paul Galonsky, pgalonsky@resna.org for a CEU application after the webinar. There is a $16

fee to obtain .1 CEU for this webinar

Questions about the Presentation: Please type your questions in the question box and Jeremy will answer your

questions at the end of the webinar.

Satisfaction Survey: A brief satisfaction survey will be mailed to you shortly after this webinar. Please consider

taking a few moments out to complete the survey.

Archive Recording: An archive recording of this webinar will be placed on the RESNA Catalyst Project’s Website in

approximately two weeks from today. Please visit http://

www.resnaprojects.org/statewide/webedarchive.html

Airport Security

Approximately 50,000 Transportation Security Officers serve at more than 450 airports nationwide.

Transportation Security Officers use their training, experience and screening checkpoint technologies to effectively and efficiently screen nearly 2 million passengers a day.

Office of Civil Rights & Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement

o Ensure that TSA security screening policies, procedures and practices comply with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders and policies and do not discriminate against travelers on the basis of disability, race, religion, ethnicity, gender or national origin.

o Advise on the impact or potential impact of new and existing screening procedures on members of the disability and multicultural communities.

o Develop, manage, and strengthen partnerships and outreach with community leaders from disability and multicultural interest groups.

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Disability Branch

Collaborates within TSA on screening of travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.

Conducts outreach to the disability community on the state, local and national level.

Oversees TSA Cares.

Resolves civil rights complaints from travelers with disabilities.

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TSA’s Disability Coalition

Approximately 50 organizations representing an array of disabilities and medical conditions, including: AARP National Council on Aging American Diabetes Association Susan G. Komen for the Cure Easter Seals National Council on Disability United Spinal Association Organizations representing those with hearing disabilities Organizations representing those with visual disabilities Autism Society of America Organizations representing survivors of sexual trauma

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Disability Coalition, cont.

Outreach is conducted with coalition members and others through:

Meet 3 times a year by teleconference. Meet once a year at TSA Headquarters for a

conference. Meet with coalition members one-on-one at TSA

Headquarters or headquarters of organization. Speak at national conferences, local support groups,

teleconferences and webinars. Develop materials for distribution via listservs,

websites, or hard copies.

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TSA Cares - 1-855-787-2227

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TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families prior to getting to the airport.

Travelers may call the TSA Cares toll free 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. M-F and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays with questions about screening as well as what to expect at the security checkpoint.

TSA Cares provides information about screening that is relevant to the traveler’s specific disability or medical condition or the traveler is referred to disability experts at TSA.

TSA Cares, cont.

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Since December 2011, TSA Cares has received more than 36,000 calls from travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Medically necessary liquids Diabetes Metal joint implants Mobility disabilities Respiratory equipment

Checkpoint assistance has been arranged for more than 600 travelers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families.

Training for Travelers at Checkpoints

“Mock boarding” programs or other events that allow travelers with disabilities to become familiar with the airport and screening process.

Since 2010, TSA has participated in more than 50 airport-based mock boarding events involving travelers with autism, visual disabilities, or other disabilities.

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Training for TSA Personnel

All new hires receive training on screening of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions.

All current officers participate in recurrent training on screening of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions.

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Passenger Support Specialists (PSSs)

PSSs are Transportation Security Officers and Supervisors who have received special training in assisting and resolving concerns of travelers.

More than 2,900 Officers have received PSS training, which includes training on disability etiquette and civil rights.

PSSs will be available near every checkpoint to provide proactive assistance and resolve concerns.

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Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)

AIT Safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives, and other concealed objects under layers of clothing without physical contact

Images produced are remotely viewed by an image operator

Uses X-ray backscatter technology Uses active millimeter wave (MMW) radio frequency technology

(same exposure as 2 minutes flying)

Passengers Who Cannot Be Screened by Advanced Imaging Technology

A passenger cannot be screened with Advanced Imaging Technology if he or she:

has a service animal. cannot stand independently and still for 5-7 seconds. cannot raise his or her arms above his or her head for the duration of

the scan. cannot disconnect from respiratory equipment. Passengers with implanted medical devices (pacemakers,

defibrillators, etc.) should consult with a physician if they are concerned about using imaging technology.

Screening by Walk-through Metal Detector

Passengers who cannot be screened by Walk-through Metal Detector include passengers who:

have pacemakers, defibrillators, spinal stimulators and other similar implanted medical devices.

cannot walk without the assistance of a cane or walker. use wheelchairs and cannot walk independently. cannot disconnect from respiratory equipment.

Passengers should inform the Transportation Security Officer that they cannot use the Walk-through Metal Detector before being screened and request to be screened using a pat-down.

Passengers with metal implants can be screened by Walk-through Metal Detector, but any alarm will need to be resolved.

Screening Using a Pat-down

A pat-down will be performed if there is an alarm of the metal detector, if the imaging technology shows an anomaly, or may be performed on a random basis.

A passenger who undergoes a pat-down may: request a private screening at any time. have a companion, assistant, or family member

accompany and assist them during a private or public screening (after providing this assistance, the companion, assistant, or family member needs to be rescreened).

ask for a chair to sit down during screening.

Screening Using a Pat-down

A pat-down will be conducted by a Transportation Security Officer of the same gender under most circumstances.

For a private screening an additional TSA employee of the same gender will be present, as a witness.

An Officer never should ask a passenger to remove or lift any article of clothing to reveal bare skin or expose a sensitive area.

A Transportation Security Officer may use Explosive Trace

Detection (ETD) technology on his or her gloves after conducting a pat-down.

If the technology alarms, and the alarm cannot be resolved, the passenger will not be permitted beyond the checkpoint.

This technology is used to collect samples from carry-on items and passengers.

When placed into the unit, the swab is analyzed for very small traces of explosives.

If the ETD alarms, and the alarm cannot be resolved, the passenger will not be permitted beyond the checkpoint.

Explosive Trace Detectors (ETD)

X-ray Screening of External Medical Devices and Prosthetics

Passengers can be screened without disconnecting external medical devices and submitting them for X-ray. Such devices include:

Insulin pumps Hearing aids Cochlear implants Spinal stimulators Bone growth stimulators

Passengers should not be asked to remove a prosthetic limb for X-ray screening and Transportation Security Officers should not accept a passenger’s offer to remove a prosthetic limb.

X-ray Screening of Mobility Aids

Walkers, crutches, canes, and other devices that can fit through the X-ray machine must undergo X-ray screening.

All detachable items hanging from a cane or walker must be submitted for X-ray screening.

Non-detachable items will be subject to additional screening.

The Transportation Security Officer will perform a additional screening of a passenger’s equipment if it cannot fit through the X-ray machine.

Passengers should notify the Officer of their needs while waiting to be reunited with their mobility aids.

Screening of Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs or Scooters

Passengers who use wheelchairs or scooters who can walk: should inform the Transportation Security Officer before

screening. can be screened using walk-through metal detector, advanced

imaging technology, or a pat-down. will receive additional screening like a pat-down if they alarm

the walk-through metal detector or anomalies are detected by advanced imaging technology.

The Officer also will: conduct additional screening of the wheelchair or scooter, which may include the use of Explosive Trace Detection technology.

If the technology alarms, and the alarm cannot be resolved, the passenger will not be permitted beyond the checkpoint.

Screening of Passengers who Use Wheelchairs or Scooters, cont.

Passengers who use wheelchairs or scooters who cannot walk but can stand:

should inform the Transportation Security Officer before screening.

cannot be screened by walk-through metal detector or Advanced Imaging Technology.

will be screened by undergoing a pat-down while they stand beside their chair or scooter.

The Officer also will: conduct additional screening of the

wheelchair or scooter, which may include the use of Explosive

Trace Detection technology.

If the technology alarms, and the alarm cannot be resolved, the passenger will not be permitted beyond the checkpoint.

Screening of Passengers who Use Wheelchairs or Scooters, cont.

Passengers who use wheelchairs or scooters who cannot walk or stand: should inform the Transportation Security Officer that

they need to remain in their wheelchair or scooter before screening.

cannot be screened by walk-through metal detector or Advanced Imaging Technology.

can be screened by remaining in the wheelchair or scooter and undergoing a pat-down.

may be asked to lift their arms, lean forward, or lift their body up to the extent they are able.

The Officer also will conduct additional screening of the wheelchair or scooter, including Explosive Trace Detection technology, while the passenger is seated.

Screening of Passengers who Use Wheelchairs or Scooters, cont.

Passengers who use wheelchairs or scooters who cannot walk or stand: should inform the Transportation Security Officer that

they need to remain in their wheelchair or scooter before screening.

cannot be screened by walk-through metal detector or Advanced Imaging Technology.

can be screened by remaining in the wheelchair or scooter and undergoing a pat-down.

may be asked to lift their arms, lean forward, or lift their body up to the extent they are able.

The Officer also will conduct additional screening of the wheelchair or scooter, including Explosive Trace Detection technology, while the passenger is seated.

Augmentative Communication Devices and Other Assistive Technology

These devices will be screened via X-ray if they are not connected to a wheelchair and the passenger can be separated from them.

If the device is attached to a wheelchair or the passenger cannot be separated, it is subject to visual and physical inspection, which may include Explosive Trace Detection screening.

If the technology alarms, and the alarm cannot be resolved, the passenger will not be permitted beyond the checkpoint.

Tips for Traveling with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

Prepare by calling TSA Cares or visiting www.tsa.gov for information.

Arrive at the airport early. Know your needs. Communicate your needs. Separate medically necessary liquids and disability-

related devices from your other property. Request a private screening, if desired. Request that a traveling companion stay with you

during screening. Request the assistance of a Passenger Support

Specialist.

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How AT Act Programs Can Help

AT Act programs conduct outreach, support websites, and support information dissemination:

Spread the word about TSA Cares and Passenger Support specialists (especially if you have your own helpline).

Link to the disability page on TSA.gov or feature information in our own travel section.

Request material from TSA to send out through list serves and distribution lists.

Advise consumers receiving assistive technology of resources available through TSA.

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Thank you!

If you have questions about screening of individuals with disabilities, please contact TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227.

If you need to contact TSA’s Disability Branch, please email TSA.ODPO@tsa.dhs.gov

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