LAX DISABILITY ACCESS AND ACCOMMODATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY

From left: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Supervisory Program Analyst James Corpuz, Transportation Security Officer Priscila Gonzalez, DAAAC Chair Myrna Cabanban and TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages, following the presentation of the Samuel Overton Humanitarian Award of Excellence to Gonzalez by Pantages.

LOS ANGELES - Yesterday, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), community members and representatives from multiple companies and agencies at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the airport's Disability Access and Accommodation Advisory Committee (DAAAC).

Why It Matters: The event commemorates 25 years of the committee's work to advocate for and accommodate persons with disabilities at LAX. The DAAAC recognizes outstanding members of the airport community for advocating and advancing accessibility at the airport, which includes the presentation of awards and the committee's Samuel Overton Humanitarian Award of Excellence.

What We're Saying: "Our work to deliver excellent guest experiences includes doing so for all guests regardless of ability, and the Disability Access and Accommodation Advisory Committee is an important part of helping us guide our work," said Jackie Grass, Deputy Executive Director of Strategy, Innovation, and Experience at LAWA. "This celebration was one of joy for the communities we serve and respect for those who are doing the work in that service."

The Celebration : The anniversary was honored during the DAAAC's regular meeting at the LAX Flight Path Museum, which was attended by over 100 people. It included information for attendees from airport-based exhibitors and demonstrations of accessibility technologies. Attendees heard from speakers, including DAAAC founder and former LAWA employee Larry Rolon.

The Samuel Overton Humanitarian Award of Excellence

• Transportation Security Officer Priscila Gonzalez was this year's recipient, who was recognized for her contributions to assisting persons with disabilities as part of her work with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
• The award was presented by TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages.
• The award is named for Samuel Overton, the DAAAC's first chairperson and his ten-year service to the board, from 2007 to 2017.

Exhibitors Included:

• LAWA Guest Experience Members
• LAX PUPs (Pets Unstressing Passengers) Therapy Dogs
• Los Angeles Airport Police Division
• Transportation Security Administration
• Los Angeles Fire Department
• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• Aira
  • Provided live demonstrations of their app's low vision-assisted wayfinding and real-time sign language interpretation.
• HMSHost
• CLEAR

About the DAAAC: The DAAAC was founded 25 years ago by former Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) employee Larry Rolon. Committee members meet monthly to discuss and address accessibility-related matters throughout LAX, with representatives present from airport businesses and agencies.

More Information: Please visit www.flylax.com/lax-americans-with-disability-act for more information about the DAAAC and services for persons with disabilities at LAX.