ADVOCACY
Freedom of Movement Crucial for People with Disabilities
By Jeremy Einbinder Freelance Contributor
The importance of accessible transportation for the disability community cannot go understated . All across the country , the mass transit that is present in many , if not most localities , is only accessible if someone is able to drive to a train station . This is a luxury many people with disabilities cannot afford . Many of us cannot drive and therefore cannot be fully independent .
One possible solution is fully autonomous vehicles . The advocacy organization , We Will Ride , found : “ Transportation availability is key to full participation in modern society . But for millions of disabled Americans , affordable and accessible on-demand transportation options remain out of reach .
Fully autonomous vehicles have the potential to reshape the transportation landscape for people with disabilities , especially those who cannot get a driver ’ s license . But this can only happen if automakers start making vehicles that are accessible to all of us — so we can all ride .”
This is all well and good , and autonomous vehicles should absolutely be normalized , preferably as a rideshare option . But the fact that they ’ re needed speaks to a larger problem — car culture itself . Namely , the fact that everything is too far apart . It is a laudable goal to allow people who cannot drive the ability to get around in environments that are so car-dependent . But a more wide-reaching solution is mixed-used development , mass transit and “ pedestrian-friendly ” neighborhoods , even for those who cannot walk .
We need to be able to get to shops , retail stores , recreational activities — all the places of commerce that fall under the purview of “ public accommodation .” We cannot do that if there ’ s no way for us to travel to those places . Federal lawmakers have established requirements to help people with disabilities travel . According to the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network :
◾ Both public and private organizations must meet ADA requirements : A public entity entering into a contract or agreement with a private entity to operate transportation services must ensure that the private entity meets all ADA requirements for the public entity . Specific requirements for private transportation providers like airport shuttles , hotel shuttles , private buses , and taxis are reviewed later in this document .
◾ Rider information : A public transportation system must provide adequate information on services in accessible formats for persons with different types of disabilities ( e . g . information in large print , braille or alternative and electronic format ).
◾ Assistance equipment and accessible features : Equipment and facilities such as lifts , ramps , securement devices ( straps for securing wheelchairs on board ), signage , and communication devices must be in good operating condition . If a feature is out of order , it must be repaired promptly . In the interim , an alternative accessible vehicle or option must be available .
◾ Adequate time to board : Public transit operators must allow adequate time for people with disabilities to board and exit from vehicles .
◾ Service animals allowed : Service animals may accompany people with disabilities in vehicles and facilities . The DOT ADA regulations define a service animal as any guide dog , signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability , regardless of whether the animal has been licensed or certified by a state or local government .
◾ Priority seating and signs : Fixedroute systems ( those operating along a prescribed route ) must have signs designating seating for passengers with disabilities . At least one set of forward-facing seats must be marked as priority seating ( for people with disabilities ).
◾ Operator training : Each public and private transportation operator must ensure that personnel are trained to operate vehicles and equipment safely ; properly assist individuals with disabilities in a respectful , courteous way ; and recognize that individuals with disabilities have different abilities and needs requiring different types of assistance .
Another consideration is cost . In order for a public or rideshare program transportation system to really be available to people of all abilities , it must be available at no individual cost . Many places follow the letter of the law when it comes to the ADA and transportation . Yet , many places don ’ t follow the law at all .
The ADA is so easy to ignore because people with disabilities are seen as an afterthought . To accommodate us does not just take tolerance , acceptance , and the correct attitudes of treating everybody with respect . It takes real resources . Real , tangible efforts from businesses and governments alike to make sure we are not excluded from our basic right to navigation , in whatever form it takes , is an absolute necessity in all areas of society .
In other words , it seems that often , when transportation is accessible for folks with disabilities , it is a happy coincidence rather than a concerted effort . We should not even have to scope out whether a town , neighborhood , or train station is accessible to us . These constructs , buildings and layouts should be created in advance with the needs of people with disabilities in mind . A conscious effort to make sure people with disabilities can travel and navigate benefits everybody .
Jeremy Einbinder is a freelance writer specializing in disability advocacy .
Public transportation for the handicapped must provide features such as access for wheelchairs , straps for securing them , provide ample time to board among other accommodations .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Oleksandr Filon
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