Indulgent Delaplane

Delaplane’s article does a disservice to every real wheelchair traveler who has to cope with barriers and indignities in order to enjoy traveling. He should read “Navigation Advice for Wheelchair Travelers” on Page 20 of the same section of the newspaper.

Has Delaplane ever considered how the wheelchair traveler who cannot walk transfers from chair to airplane? Few get up and walk over to the bar while they wait for a sometime reluctant airport attendant to lift them onto a hard aisle chair. Has Delaplane ever waited patiently or impatiently until every other passenger has left so that he can be assisted off the plane? Has he ever been asked to sign a statement notifying him that in case of an emergency evacuation he may not be assisted out?

Most of the time the airlines try hard and do succeed in meeting the needs of the handicapped. It is never easy and never fun. Delaplane insults these travelers when he intimates they have a “good deal.” I hope that Delaplane never has to experience the real thing. I doubt if he could cope.

EDITH NETREBA MARCUS

Pasadena