[Nfbk] From the TSA

[Joey Couch]

Passing this along for those who use airports often.
From: Becky Barnes <bbarnes at guidingeyes.org>
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2013 09:12:29 -0500
Subject: From the TSA

FYI:

Passenger Support Specialists Program (PSS)


*	Passenger Support Specialists are Transportation Security Officers,
Lead TSOs and Supervisors who, in addition to their regular checkpoint
duties, have volunteered to take on the collateral responsibility of
assisting passengers who may be in need of assistance.
		
*	A traveler who needs assistance or is concerned about his or her
screening can ask a checkpoint officer or supervisor for a Passenger
Support Specialist at the respective checkpoint. Or, if TSA personnel
recognize someone is having difficulty, a PSS could be called to ask
whether assistance is needed.
		
*	TSA still encourages travelers with disabilities and medical
conditions to contact TSA Cares before they fly. At some airports,
Passenger Support Specialists will also complement the TSA Cares
program.

*	In the course of assisting a passenger, the PSS will adhere to all
of TSA's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).  While customer service
will be emphasized, security is our primary mission and will not be
compromised.

*	While all Transportation Security Officers receive training on how
to screen individuals with disabilities and medical conditions, PSSs
receive enhanced training directly from subject matter experts in the
field of disability and from individuals with disabilities themselves.

*	PSSs receive approximately four hours of additional training,
including two hours from the TSA Disability Branch, focused
specifically on travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.
This training includes additional instruction on civil rights for
individuals with disabilities and medical conditions, and strategies
for providing assistance with dignity and respect.
		
*	Members of TSA's disability coalition helped to develop, and
participated in, the training of our PSS volunteers to ensure that our
specialists are learning directly from the community they will be
assisting.
		
*	TSA is committed to having a Passenger Support Specialist available
during all screening checkpoint operating hours.  If a traveler
believes he or she may need to request the assistance of a Passenger
Support Specialist, he or she is encouraged to arrive at the airport
early and immediately ask an officer or a supervisor for a PSS.
		
	
Becky Barnes
Manager, Consumer Outreach * Graduate Support Guiding Eyes for the
Blind 914-243-2210
800-942-0149 ex. 2210
bbarnes at guidingeyes.org
www.guidingeyes.org

Joey Couch
phone 606-216-8033.
email ki4vjd at gmail.com
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