i guess my feelings might depend on my knowledge of what could be concealed
in a crutch or a wheelchair, right off the top of my head i do not know the
answer to that.

-----Original Message-----
From: Betty B [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2001 7:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Airport Security & Disability Assistive Devices


Ladies and Gentlemen:

I would like to solicit your opinions about the subject heading.  If you
have
a moment, may I prevail upon you to answer a question?

Please read the following two paragraphs, and try to place yourself in the
shoes of the passenger with a disability in the process of going through
airport security.

During the process of being checked by airport security, prior to entering
the boarding area, a security officer asks to take a closer look at your
forearm crutches.  You have to sit down to allow this, moreover, you must
relinquish your crutches -- your sole means of ambulating -- for a brief
period of time.

Perhaps a similar scenario occurs for the wheelchair user.  His chair is
examined very closely, more closely than he has previously experienced in
similar circumstances.

My question is this: Factoring in present security concerns, generally
speaking, how would this level of the security officer(s)' examination make
you feel?

Many thanks for your considered input.

Betty Alfred