The Time Has Come to Help ATAC Improve Disability Transit
Posted on March 27, 2009
By Stephanie Woodward, Transportation Systems Advocate
On Monday, March 30th the Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) for the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) will be holding a public forum on accessible public transportation issues affecting people with disabilities. The Forum will consider both Lift Line paratransit services and fixed route buses.
One goal of the Forum is to make people with disabilities aware of the existence and functions of the Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee, which is one of the primary official avenues for public input to RGRTA regarding transportation services to people with disabilities.
In addition to introducing the public to ATAC, this forum will also host guest speakers David Whalen, a Disability Awareness Trainer, and Michael Mule, an Attorney with Empire Justice Center. These speakers will share their knowledge about the public transportation rights of people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. After hearing from these great presenters, attendees will be invited to speak about their experiences with Lift Line or the fixed route system. Read more
Filed Under Accessibility, Advocacy, Independence, Independent Living, LiftLine, RGRTA, Stephanie Woodward | 1 Comment
March – it’s not just a month, it’s an order!
Posted on March 20, 2009
By Chris Hilderbrant, Director of Advocacy
It’s the month of March, but looking at our schedule this month, it’s more like time to MARCH!
It’s not often I say this, but I’m exhausted. Some of my problem is that I’m seeing the tiresome trips coming up as well as those we’ve just finished. We now have a class of trips that Diane and Terrie refer to as “whirlwinds”. These are the overnighters… from Rochester to Washington, DC, overnight, and back again. 36-40 hours on the road and in the nation’s Capitol.
We had one of these whirlwinds two weeks ago. Rochester ADAPT took 45 people to Washington, DC, for the Senate Aging Committee’s hearing on long term care. I drove our accessible van on the way down, overnight. It was a fruitful trip, most noticeably securing NY’s new Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, as a cosponsor for the Community Choice Act. Read more