All Wheels Up founder and CEO, Michele Erwin joins me on the podcast to share how and why she is working with the FAA and Washington D.C. to create the first wheelchair accessible airplanes. We discuss what to do if an airline damages, loses or destroys your wheelchair/powerchair. Also, what to do if you are injured on a flight. Michele shares her personal experience flying with her disabled son Grayson, what it is like to start and manage a non-profit, the importance of handicapped people flying with dignity and safety, crash testing wheelchairs, as well as how she proved airplanes can seat wheelchairs with the Q'Straint system.
I am very grateful there are people like Michele in this world doing the right thing! Please donate whatever you can through the All Wheels Up website.
All Wheels Up Website 👉 https://www.allwheelsup.org/
My Website 👉 https://michaelthechairman.com/
🎧Chairman Of The Board Website 👉 https://anchor.fm/chairmanoftheboard
Chairman Of The Board, hosted by sit-down stand-up comedian Michael The Chairman, is a podcast that highlights guests with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills, bringing a unique perspective to the table. I like to focus on giving a voice to those making real change in the world with genuine intension. If you like honest conversations with a dash of comedy... you will enjoy this!
🕘Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:16 What is All Wheels Up?
2:58 What to do if an airline damages your wheelchair
4:55 Why All Wheels Up was founded
9:56 Working with the airlines
13:08 Michael thanks Michele for founding All Wheels Up
16:32 Crash testing wheelchairs and Q'Straint
19:00 How much a powerchair costs
21:33 What are ways people can help?
25:59 Sources of funding & sponsors
27:34 What was it like crash testing wheelchairs?
31:32 Timeline, boarding system & bathrooms for powerchairs on airplanes?
35:17 Anyone can become disabled
19:03 Goal for funding
41:49 Why does the FAA not follow the ADA?
44:42 What is it like working with the FAA & Washington D.C.?
47:05 Even Disneyland is more handicapped accessible than airplanes
48:29 What are some worst examples of airlines damaging wheelchairs or injuring people
51:46 How to fly with a powerchair
54:44 Importance of dignity when flying with a disability
55:50 FDR had the first handicapped accessible airplane
57:16 Tips for starting a non-profit and never giving up
1:01:32 Working with Pete Buttigieg and DOT
1:03:06 Support & contact All Wheels Up
1:05:09 Outro
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