Another Satisfied Customer (NOT!)
Jun 27, 2010 | 4:53 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Jun 27, 2010 | 9:32 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
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Not disregarding the other issues - the OP's report pisses me off. However, I did want to comment on this issue.
First, TSA performing an inspection of a child's diaper by exposing the contents of said diaper is a questionable activity, IMO. For the TSO on this board, is that an accepted procedure that is performed in a NON-PRIVATE screening area? Is this the asinine treatment an adult wearing a similar device would receive?
Secondly, developmental disabilities are not the only reason a non-toddler child may wear a diaper during non-sleeping hours. One of my children, as well as one of my nieces, wore them until they were approximately six years old. Both of their pediatricians (in two different states, with no relationship to each other whatsoever) stated very clearly to the concerned parents that it is absolutely normal behavior. Children develop at different rates and bladder control is both a conscious and unconscious occupational skill, with the unconscious skill taking the dominant position. In other words, the body will decide when it is ready to maintain long-term bladder control, not the mind. Until that occurs, it is common to see diapers and disposable training pants used by children as old as eight. Look in any grocery/pharmacy store and you will see "pull-ups" available in weight ranges that border on those of a "normal" ten year-old child.
First, TSA performing an inspection of a child's diaper by exposing the contents of said diaper is a questionable activity, IMO. For the TSO on this board, is that an accepted procedure that is performed in a NON-PRIVATE screening area? Is this the asinine treatment an adult wearing a similar device would receive?
Secondly, developmental disabilities are not the only reason a non-toddler child may wear a diaper during non-sleeping hours. One of my children, as well as one of my nieces, wore them until they were approximately six years old. Both of their pediatricians (in two different states, with no relationship to each other whatsoever) stated very clearly to the concerned parents that it is absolutely normal behavior. Children develop at different rates and bladder control is both a conscious and unconscious occupational skill, with the unconscious skill taking the dominant position. In other words, the body will decide when it is ready to maintain long-term bladder control, not the mind. Until that occurs, it is common to see diapers and disposable training pants used by children as old as eight. Look in any grocery/pharmacy store and you will see "pull-ups" available in weight ranges that border on those of a "normal" ten year-old child.
Jun 29, 2010 | 1:44 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
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http://amputeemommy.blogspot.com/201...-im-angry.html
In all of the years since I have become an amputee, I can honestly say that I have can't think of a more upsetting and humiliating experience than what I endured at the hands of TSA at the airport. Robby and I both left the screening station flustered, in tears and late for our plane. It didn't take long for my humiliation to morph into anger.
In all of the years since I have become an amputee, I can honestly say that I have can't think of a more upsetting and humiliating experience than what I endured at the hands of TSA at the airport. Robby and I both left the screening station flustered, in tears and late for our plane. It didn't take long for my humiliation to morph into anger.
Jun 29, 2010 | 1:55 pm
#34
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: RDU
Programs: Status Free
Posts: 214
Not TSA This Time
According to the blogger, she pulled the post because of excessive troll comments. She has two subsequent posts about that decison.
http://amputeemommy.blogspot.com
http://amputeemommy.blogspot.com
Jun 29, 2010 | 2:33 pm
#35
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
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Posts: 9,386
According to the blogger, she pulled the post because of excessive troll comments. She has two subsequent posts about that decison.
http://amputeemommy.blogspot.com
http://amputeemommy.blogspot.com
but I have never had a uniform experience going through security. As any amputee who has flown can vouch, TSA does not seem to have a cohesive, standard approach towards dealing with amputees. Simply put the process varies greatly among screeners and is demeaning.
My horrific experience last month is merely an example of what happens to amputees every day.
My horrific experience last month is merely an example of what happens to amputees every day.
Jul 6, 2010 | 1:42 pm
#37
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
From "Off Topic" thread at PV, by Anonymous
More on the Amputee situation:
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0A...thkey=COLsucgG
The Amputee Coalition of America survey found:
TSA agents are often confused about how to manage screening prosthetic arms and legs.
Amputees are often denied the ability to have their caregivers accompany them into screening rooms.
Amputees report being screened by TSA agents not of the same gender.
75 percent of respondents said they were unsatisfied with their most recent TSA experience.
50 percent said they were required to lift or raise their clothing during a procedure called explosive trace sampling with no explanation given by TSA personnel.
More than half of the amputees who responded indicated TSA personnel exhibited a lack of training relative to disability populations namely, amputees.
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0A...thkey=COLsucgG
The Amputee Coalition of America survey found:
TSA agents are often confused about how to manage screening prosthetic arms and legs.
Amputees are often denied the ability to have their caregivers accompany them into screening rooms.
Amputees report being screened by TSA agents not of the same gender.
75 percent of respondents said they were unsatisfied with their most recent TSA experience.
50 percent said they were required to lift or raise their clothing during a procedure called explosive trace sampling with no explanation given by TSA personnel.
More than half of the amputees who responded indicated TSA personnel exhibited a lack of training relative to disability populations namely, amputees.
Jul 6, 2010 | 2:13 pm
#39
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
From the linked article:
Jeff, from Denver, Colorado, bilateral amputee, physician, pilot and member of the Amputee Coalition of Americas Board of Directors
TSA confiscated my vacuum system required to fit my prosthetic legs. I told them I need those tools to put on my legs. Without them, it cant be done. They eventually gave them back after I boarded the plane, but it would have been more appropriate to have a conversation with me about it and let me know. Had they not given the tools back, I could not have put on my legs for my entire trip. This was the worst of my many TSA experiences, but because I fly a lot, I am also concerned about the level of radiation to which I am exposed. I have had as many as 20 exposures during one trip.
TSA confiscated my vacuum system required to fit my prosthetic legs. I told them I need those tools to put on my legs. Without them, it cant be done. They eventually gave them back after I boarded the plane, but it would have been more appropriate to have a conversation with me about it and let me know. Had they not given the tools back, I could not have put on my legs for my entire trip. This was the worst of my many TSA experiences, but because I fly a lot, I am also concerned about the level of radiation to which I am exposed. I have had as many as 20 exposures during one trip.
Jul 16, 2010 | 11:01 am
#40
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
BB at PV has written that TSA has contacted the woman and not had any response from her. However, he has also written that TSA will be meeting with ACA (Amputee Coalition of America) with this organization in the near future to discuss their issues.
Jul 16, 2010 | 12:37 pm
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 30,990
Either BB is out of the loop on this or not telling the whole truth.
Jul 16, 2010 | 2:20 pm
#43
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