Listen to this Article
Marie Trottier was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. She is the International Liaison with Little People of America (LPA) where she volunteers much of her time. She grew up with the organization and has a deep fondness for it.
Marie currently works as the Outreach and Engagement Program Manager in the Civil Rights Office with the Federal U.S. Government. Within that role, she oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Marie’s dedication to collaborating with advocacy organizations highlights her mission to foster inclusivity and accessibility in travel.
In her capacity at TSA, Marie plays a crucial role in enhancing public-facing programs such as TSA Precheck and TSA CARES, aimed at providing support to travellers with disabilities. Through the provision of advanced information and the availability of Passenger Support Specialists (PSS), TSA CARES serves as a vital resource for travellers to address security screening concerns and ensure a seamless travel experience for individuals with diverse mobility needs.
Marie emphasizes the significance of self-advocacy and education for individuals with dwarfism, encouraging everyone to understand their body autonomy and mobility requirements when embarking on travel journeys. By leveraging her advocacy efforts and collaborating with advocacy organizations, Marie strives to empower individuals with disabilities to navigate air travel confidently and efficiently, fostering a culture of inclusivity and accessibility.
Within her role at TSA, Marie focuses on training TSA officers to better understand and accommodate travellers with disabilities, including those with dwarfism. By engaging with advocacy organizations and gathering valuable feedback, Marie works towards enhancing training programs and developing resources to improve the overall travel experience for individuals with diverse medical needs and disabilities.
Marie’s advice for individuals with dwarfism centers on:
- understanding specific needs
- reaching out to TSA CARES for advanced information
- ensuring compliance with security regulations when carrying medications or medical devices
By offering practical tips, insights, and resources, Marie empowers individuals with dwarfism to approach travel with patience and preparedness, mitigating challenges and enhancing their overall travel experience.
Sharing a poignant story involving assisting a dwarf couple facing challenges at TSA, Marie underscores the importance of preparation effective communication, and self-advocacy in navigating travel obstacles. Marie shared that the couple had recently contacted her for assistance with easing the frustration that travelling with a walking stick has caused in the past. Marie was able to provide helpful tips and empower the couple to contact TSA Cares to ensure that they had a smooth journey en route to Europe.
Marie’s unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in air travel is encouraging for individuals with dwarfism and disabilities. Through her tireless efforts, dedication to education, and commitment to raising awareness, Marie advocates for a more inclusive and accommodating travel environment for individuals with diverse mobility needs.
If travelling in the U.S., for more information on TSA Cares visit:
TSA Cares | Transportation Security Administration or call 1-866-289-9673.
In Canada, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) can assist with travel requirements. Visit Special Needs – CATSA or call 1-888-294-2202 (toll-free) or 1-833-339-1021 (TTY)