Date of Conferral

10-14-2026

Date of Award

October 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Lori Salgado

Abstract

Individuals with neurological diseases and their caregivers may encounter inconsistent accessibility practices, inadequate staff support, and physical design barriers during U.S. commercial air travel, despite disability protections. Although the extant literature documents accessibility challenges for travelers with disabilities, less is known about how this population experiences the implementation of aviation policy, staff training, and design. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand what participants described as needed in effective laws and policies to improve accessibility on commercial aircraft. Policy feedback theory and evidence-based policymaking provided the conceptual framework. The central research question asked what participants described as needed in the FAA Reauthorization Act to improve accessibility on commercial aircraft. An asynchronous, open-ended survey collected data from seven participants: adults with neurological conditions, one caregiver, and bereaved family members. Deidentified responses were analyzed through inductive two-cycle coding and reflexive thematic analysis. Findings showed that aircraft and terminal design created structural barriers, institutional inconsistency produced hyper-preparation and negotiation, and participants identified an evidence-based reform agenda. Effective policy required reliable implementation, competent personnel, inclusive design, continuity across organizational handoffs, and accountability. The study may promote positive social change by informing more equitable, safe, dignified, and usable commercial air travel for individuals with neurological diseases.

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