In a message dated 10/23/2001 7:17:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Betty,
>      I have been using forearm crutches for 35 years. I would have no
problem
>  allowing them to be x-rayed or taken apart at security checkpoints as long
>  as provisions are made for me to sit down or lean against a wall during the
>  process. I am currently using Walk Easy crutches, which can be taken apart
>  and reassembled in a minute or two.

Got em -- love em!  What color are yours?  Mine are green, but I have
discovered that those different colored, plastic shower curtain rod covers
easily fit around the crutches.  I cut the covers to fit around those little
great thingys (you know what I mean), and VIOLA (pronounced like the stringed
instrument)!  New crutches!

But, as usual, I digress.

>      The more important question, it seems to me, is would I be allowed
>  access to my crutches in flight?  After all, access to crutches determines
>  whether or not I have access to restrooms.

Susan, you're protected under the Air Carrier Access Act.  If you were to
brandish your crutches in a threatening manner, you would surely be arrested,
but they wouldn't keep you from access to your crutches in fear of that
occurrence.  They will not keep you from going to the toidy.  Neither will
security expect you to relinquish your crutches without offering you a seat.
You will not be made to lean against a wall.

The ACAA does not offer any protection to a person with a disability, if
airline security considers that person to be a safety hazard.  The airline
has to substantiate its claim in writing, but it can elect to prevent such a
person from boarding.

It's not so much that the person with the disability might be a hazard in
himself, or that he is more suspect because he is using assistive devices.
It is only that we have more "things" with hollow spaces.  These things just
happen to be assistive devices for people with disabilities.

If I were to try to take my spotting scope (birding scope) on a plane right
now, it would be scrutinized much more carefully than in "the before time."
In fact, I expect that they might even take it apart.  In the interest of
national security, I would not mind, nor would I argue.

You know how good terrorists are.  We all know that now.  If they are looking
for an opportunity to sneak something onto a plane without boarding
themselves, they are going to look for the most vulnerable situation to
exploit.

Do those of you who use wheelchairs keep a backpack -- or something similar
-- on the back as I do?  Somebody who knows what he's doing can slip
something in your backpack, and you would never know what happened.  If
security doesn't pick it up, it's either going in the overhead compartment,
or in baggage.  Bottom line: It will be on the plane.  Mission accomplished,
and you will have been the unwitting pawn.

>  PS I'm delighted to see you posting once again.  Susan

I am honored Susan, I truly am.  Thank you.  You all needed a break from me
anyway.  I know because I needed a break from me!

Betty