TSA's Disabled Helpline

From TSA:
"TSA Announces Launch of TSA Cares Toll Free Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Needs"

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the launch of TSA Cares today, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, prior to getting to the airport. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. “TSA Cares provides passengers with disabilities and medical needs another resource to use before they fly, so they know what to expect when going through the screening process,” said TSA Administrator John Pistole. “This additional level of personal communication helps ensure that even those who do not travel often are aware of our screening policies before they arrive at the airport.” When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA. TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport when necessary.

^ Not sure how effective this helpline will be. I always read the updates on the TSA's website especially right before I travel and have found that what the TSA says online and how they act in person usually doesn't go together. The TSA needs to train and constantly re-train its people so they stay fresh and be able to treat passengers as people and still get their job done. I have seen only a few who could do both. ^

http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2011/1222.shtm