2024 has been a game-changer for making transportation more accessible for people with SMA and other disabilities. Major steps have been taken to ensure everyone can travel safely and with dignity, including additional efforts in December to close out the year!

New Accessibility Rules for Public Spaces

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a final rule to make sidewalks and transit stops easier to use for people with disabilities. Starting in January 2025, cities will have clear standards for designing accessible spaces, so everyone can get around more easily.

Big Changes for Amtrak Stations

Congress also passed the Think Differently Transportation Act, a new law to hold Amtrak accountable for improving its stations to meet accessibility standards. Right now, too many train stations still fall short, but this new law will push Amtrak to speed up its efforts and report on its progress every year.

Other Big Wins This Year

• Air Travel: Airlines are now required to improve accessibility, including making bathrooms on planes more user-friendly and protecting wheelchairs from damage.
• Public Transit: USDOT has invested over $1 billion to make train and bus stations more accessible across the country.
• Electric Cars: Efforts are underway to ensure electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users.

Why This Matters

Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, these changes are making it easier for people with SMA and other disabilities to live and move independently.

To learn more about Cure SMA’s advocacy efforts and how you can get involved, visit https://www.curesma.org/cure-sma-advocacy.