I applaud you for your response to the recent airline incident involving the young man with Down syndrome and his family members. Individuals with disabilities are often overlooked by policy makers. The fact that you were not only responsive to the need but also shared this situation with your constituents is valuable in increasing the public's awareness of this type of injustice. As the director of a foundation that focuses its efforts on promoting health care access to adults with developmental disabilities, I do not see this level of concern expressed by legislators very often. Thank you for caring for those who deserve greater respect and attention. You truly represent "the people".
Lynne, East Palo Alto

Aside from the inconvenience caused when anyone's trip is delayed unnecessarily, those of us in the non-handicapped world often have no idea just how much hurt and embarrassment we can cause to the handicapped and their families. Often, in cases like this, a lot of preparation has gone into making the person feel capable of making the trip -- and it is all undone by a moment's thoughtless response.
Dawn, Fountain Valley

Thank you for taking your time to write a letter to the U.S. Air Transportation Secretary. When I read about this family's experience while trying to fly, I was shocked. I do not understand how this group of airline staff can be so very ignorant with regard to Downs Syndrome. Training is certainly needed.
Francia, Visalia

Hello I am deaf lady. Any Airline should have respect to hearing impaired passengers while they go to any airline. The flight attendents should learn to respect us, deaf/hard of hearing passengers and explain the messages whenever the flight attendents and the pilots make the announcement in the plane flight (public announcement). Thanks,
Susan, West Covina

Thank you for your action, we are disabled too wife is deaf and oxygen bottle user with pacemaker and I myself am deaf too. We had bad experience with airline service in past as we did not make big noise as down syndrome boy's parent did. In fact every airline system need to learn about any kind of disabilities. I appreciate your action on behalf of all disabilities.
Arthur, Sacramento

In 1976 I was on a flight out of Oakland to Southern CA. I realized as I boarded the plane that many of the other passengers were teenagers with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. I believe they were headed to the Special Olympics. The stewardess was wonderful. She gave them candy and wings they could pin on their shirts. She talked to them, played games with them, and kept them entertained all the way. At the time I thought she deserved a special commendation. I'm sorry that not all airline personnel have her wonderful gift. Thank you for the legislation defending the rights of the disabled.
Barbara, Pleasanton

If that happened to me I would use another airline. Why do we need the government to intervene?     
Stacy, Angels Camp

Thank you for your efforts in response to the incident of the person with Down Syndrome, and for your efforts to see that all people with disabilities have the opportunities to live, work, and travel at will. Your work is not going unrecognized or unappreciated by your constituents, even if we seldom respond to what you accomplish.
William, San Jose