WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- Travelers with disabilities are cheering a new rule from the Department of Transportation that aims to bolster protections for wheelchair users on flights.  On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the new rule, which is set to go into effect on January 16th, 2025. It includes mandates for training airline staff who work with passengers using wheelchairs and stricter guidelines for quickly repairing or replacing wheelchairs that get damaged during flights.  "To ensure that passengers can move safely and easily when flying and that they're assured the dignity that they deserve when they travel," Buttigieg said.  Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) joined Buttigieg for the announcement. As a wheelchair user herself, she says she constantly faces challenges.  "At this point, I don't think I can even count the number of times an airline has damaged one of my wheelchairs," Duckworth said.  She isn't alone. In 2023 the Transportation Department says it got over 11,000 reports of airlines mishandling wheelchairs.  "They're the equivalent of our legs, they're extensions of our bodies, and they should be treated as such," Duckworth said.  With these new regulations she has hope the travel experience for wheelchair users will improve.  Carl Blake is the CEO of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He says the new rule will only make a difference if it is fully implemented by airlines and enforced by the Transportation Department.  "Cautiously optimistic. You know, it's taken a long time to get to this point," Blake said. "The key is working with the airlines to make sure they understand why this is a priority and why they need to commit to it." He wants to see the progress continue.  "We'd like to see a day where our members can fly in their own wheelchair, and in a perfect world on an airplane that is fully wheelchair accessible," Blake said.  Blake also says it is imperative that passengers are educated about the new regulations, so that they know their rights. You can find more information here.