[NAGDU] difficulty with completing form for traveling with my guide dog

[Melissa Allman]

HI Liz. Unless it has changed in the past day or so, and things are kind of in flux with the airlines and their forms right now, American's version of the DOT form was not fully accessible. I too was using Windows 10, the latest version of JAWS, and Adobe DC but the form requires a digital signature which is not accessible. Thank you for raising the issue about the dates because when testing the form I just thought I was entering the date in an incorrect format. We have been in dialogue with the airlines about their forms and so far they have expressed willingness to do what is necessary to correct problems with their forms to comply with the mandate of the regulations. That said, the more voices on this the better. The regulations do require the airlines to provide a reasonable accommodation which includes assisting you with filling the form out at the gate provided doing so won't delay the flight. So, if you are unable to get anywhere with the reservations people, you may want to arrive early enough to request assistance with the form. If assistance is not provided, I'd suggest asking to speak to a complaints resolution official (CRO). If you are not satisfied with the resolution of the CRO you may want to file a complaint with DOT. I realize arriving at the gate and asking for assistance with the form places unnecessary burden on you, but it may be the best option for holding American at least to the requirement that they make an accommodation while stakeholders continue to dialogue with them about the accessibility of the form. Other airlines have made the forms accessible and DOT has provided an accessible sample on their web site which can be found here:
https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/us-department-transportation-service-animal-air-0
so we know it's very doable. If you want to discuss further off list, please feel free to reach out to me directly but if not, I hope you will keep us posted.

Best,
Melissa Allman
Senior Specialist, Advocacy and Government Relations
The Seeing Eye, Inc. 

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Campbell via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2021 2:03 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Elizabeth Campbell
Subject: [NAGDU] difficulty with completing form for traveling with my guide dog

Hello everyone,
I am flying to Colorado a week from Monday on American Airlines, and I've tried twice to complete the form that American is now requiring in order to travel with my guide dog. The airline rejected the forms each time I submitted them although I worked with Aira agents to make sure the paperwork was completed properly.
When I was filling out the documentation, I used the latest versions of JAWS, Windows 10 and Adobe DC. I completed most of the form without assistance, but needed to get help from Aira on filling in the rabies vaccination dates and with adding my signature.
I got emails from American stating I needed to resubmit the form with the boxes checked, the vaccination dates and my signature. The Aira agents told me that there is a calendar drop down which isn't accessible with JAWS. I was able to read the calendar using NVDA, but I couldn't fill in the dates.
I also needed help from Aira to add my signature.
During our town hall, I remember someone stating that she filled out the form for flying on American.
I can't figure out what I am doing incorrectly since I've gotten confirmation when working with Aira agents that all of the necessary information is complete.
Thanks in advance for help and suggestions.
I sent an email to the American disability desk, but havent' heard back yet.

Best,

Liz



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Elizabeth Campbell
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