The Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) dramatically improved access by establishing the minimum legal requirements governing access . Even though the ADA improved access , it is not guaranteed to meet all the transportation needs of all persons with disabilities , all the time . Of course , nothing in the ADA prohibits an agency from operating service above and beyond the minimum ADA requirements . Agencies should continue to strive for and encourage new ideas to develop the next generation of safety solutions for public and private transportation . Q ' STRAINT innovations represent a major stride in ensuring that all passengers receive the safest and most secure transportation experience . By bridging the knowledge gap , addressing awareness challenges , and introducing cutting-edge safety equipment , we are setting a new benchmark in the paratransit segment . Our dedication to safety goes above and beyond compliance with standards . It embodies a commitment to providing a safe and secure travel experience for every passenger , reaffirming our belief that safety is a passion and that every passenger should have the same level of access . Without paratransit services , the lives of our passengers would be much more limited . This essential service has a huge impact in so many ways . Managing and maintaining a paratransit bus fleet plays a pivotal role in the daily safe transport of all passengers . This responsibility is even more crucial when it involves persons with disabilities . Transporting these passengers calls for an enhanced level of preparation , an in-depth understanding of specialized safety standards , and comprehensive training of all personnel involved . Safe transport is essential , making it extremely critical to understand the type of equipment you are using on your vehicle and how it was intended to be used . The equipment can only help improve safety if it is used properly . This can only be achieved through
By Joe Boyko
continuous methods of training to understand the equipment , how it was intended to be used , standardization of equipment , and by continually striving to make improvements . Navigating through the complexities of Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint Systems ( WTORS ) standards , such as WC18 and WC19 , reveals a significant challenge in awareness and implementation among transportation professionals . Despite the critical nature of these standards , a survey indicates a concerning gap in knowledge and application . The findings reveal that less than onefifth of transportation professionals are spontaneously aware of these standards . However , when asked specifically about WC18 / 19 , over half demonstrate familiarity , suggesting a need for proactive education and dissemination of information . It is extremely important to make safety accessible ! The first time a Q ’ STRAINT system was used to secure a wheelchair user in a vehicle was the very first time that user met the same standards as other passengers . Until that point , no one thought beyond simply strapping down the chair . No one thought about the safety of wheelchair passengers . No one thought about saving lives . That is , not until groundbreaking wheelchair safety technology was developed by Q ’ STRAINT . Today that technology is used every day the world over and has become the gold standard in wheelchair securement . But technology alone is never enough . Our mission of Making Safety Accessible drives us to continually improve . And our promise of Thinking Beyond Safety is how we make that happen . Q ’ STRAINT continues to be at the forefront of defining and establishing securement regulations worldwide ; and to work with global standards groups to ensure that safety becomes accessible for wheelchair passengers in every country — guaranteeing the highest levels of safety for all .
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