CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 0 CIL-NET Presents… A National Teleconference & Webinar Ride On! An Introduction to Accessible Transportation Programs and Advocacy at Centers for Independent Living Part 1 July 26, 2011 Presenters: Roger Howard Stephanie Woodward CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization

1 CIL-NET Presents… A National Teleconference & Webinar Ride On! An Introduction to Accessible Transportation Programs and Advocacy at Centers for Independent Living Part 1 July 26, 2011 Presenters: Roger Howard Stephanie Woodward

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 2 You will learn… An overview of the impact and current state of the ADA on accessible transportation Different types of transportation, including pros and cons of Fixed Route vs. Paratransit options Major program funding sources for transportation services offered by CILs Suggestions for creative collaborations to increase the availability of affordable, accessible transportation options

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization State of Accessible Transportation Required to be accessible in service area Every city differs ADA requirements are not always followed 3

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Public Transportation Covered under ADA Title II –Subways –Amtrak –Buses –Paratransit 4

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Subways Accessibility differs in each city Examples: –Washington, D.C. Train cars are level with platform Elevator access –New York City Train cars are sometimes inches from platform Not all stops have elevator access 5

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Amtrak 20 Years to become fully accessible –Did not comply & asked Congress for an extension Barrier-free access for passengers with mobility impairments Accessible Seating Limits –Disabled in Action v. National Passenger R.R. Comp. 6

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Buses Ramps or lifts New vehicles have specific provisions “Good Faith Effort” for used buses Remanufacture buses 7

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Paratransit Door-to-Door or Curb-to-Curb service Must serve area within ¾ of a mile of fixed route bus or rail system Only for individuals who cannot use fixed route bus or rail system 8

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Fixed Route v. Paratransit Which to use? 9

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Fixed Route Use if you can: –independently board with the assistance of a ramp/lift –navigate the system –Benefits: Generally lower fares Travel time flexibility Increased independence 10

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Paratransit For persons who cannot: –independently use the fixed route system (cannot navigate the system) –use the fixed-route system because the bus or rail station is not accessible –get to and from fixed-route stops and stations within the service area The decision is based on functional ability 11

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Private Transportation -Taxi Services -Limo Services -Any Demand Responsive System 12

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Private Transportation General Requirements Private Transportation General Requirements Cannot refuse to serve disabled person who can use taxi vehicles (i.e. blind or can transfer from wheelchair) Cannot charge higher fares or fees for carrying individuals with disabilities or their equipment Must provide assistance with the stowing of mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) Must allow service animals to ride 13

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Private Transportation Vehicle Requirements New and Used Sedans are not required to be accessible Used Vans are not required to be accessible All New Vans are required to be accessible 14

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Questions and Answers 15

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Advocacy Strategies Data Collecting Pitchfork Approach 16

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Data Collecting Tools: –Surveys for Fixed Route & Paratransit Systems –Rider Complaint Forms –Phone Recording System –Paratransit Ride Request Grids 17

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Surveys In General Quarterly Survey Distribute Among other Organizations Make Available Paper Form and Online Form 18

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Surveys: Questions to Ask Fixed Route How often do you ride? Has a driver ever refused to allow you on the bus? Have you ever been passed by a bus that you were waiting for? Paratransit How often do you ride? Have you ever been denied a ride? Have you ever missed a ride because a bus driver was too early or too late? 19

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Surveys Example: –To view the online version of the Paratransit Survey that the Center for Disability Rights uses in Rochester, NY please visit: _jumi&fileid=5&Itemid=155 20

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Rider Complaint Forms In General For both fixed route and paratransit Distribute with return envelopes Encourage riders to complete forms as soon as possible after the incident occurs Can be used as affidavits for lawsuits 21

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Rider Complaint Forms Information to Collect Time, date, bus number What occurred (check boxes with lines for details work best) Signature and date 22

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Rider Complaint Forms Examples: –Examples of the Fixed Route and Paratransit Complaint Forms, or “Rider Statements” that the Center for Disability Rights uses are available as word documents for you to view. 23

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Phone Recording System Useful when paratransit company is less than honest about the rides they book Create a number for the riders to call which will automatically connect to paratransit company This special number records the call 24

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Phone Recording System Warnings Tech savvy individuals required Large time chunks to review calls required Check law in your state! –In NY, only one party on the call needs to know the call is being recorded. 25

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Paratransit Grid In General Less time-consuming (but sometimes less reliable) than Recording System Distribute to Paratransit riders before they call to request rides Have riders record ride times requested & ride times scheduled 26

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Paratransit Grid Example Day & Time Called Day of Requested Ride Ride Time Requested Ride Time Offered Did you book this ride? June 7- 11amJune 1010am11:30amyes June 10- 9amJune 121pm4pmno June 11- 9amJune 148am8:30amyes June 13- 1pmJune 162pm1pmyes June 15- 9amJune 1710am12pmno 27

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Paratransit Things to Remember When using either the call recording system or the Paratransit Grid, remember: –If the ride time offered is more than 1 hour before or after the time requested, it counts as a denial. –Local transit providers, in conjunction with the riding public, may establish reservation systems that best meet local needs with a maximum 14- day advance reservation period. –It is illegal to deny requests for next day service. 28

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 29 Questions and Answers

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Media/Education Legal/Litigation Direct Actions Political/Legislative Administrative/Regulatory 30

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Media/Education Influence public policy Educate the public Passionate Public affects Elected Officials 31

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Media/Education, cont’d. Example: –Individuals who had been denied bus service or paratransit service to talk to the media. –Educate the public on how individuals with disabilities lost their jobs due to the discrimination from public transportation. –Our local representatives received calls from the general public. 32

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Legal/Litigation Using existing anti-discrimination laws in court to challenge discriminatory practices. 33

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Legal/Litigation, cont’d. Example: –Lawsuit in early 2000’s –Results: Claimants won 14 day scheduling down to 3 day scheduling 34

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Direct Actions Pitchfork Approach Direct Actions To bring about change in the transportation system, consider using non-violent direct action including: –civil disobedience –street theater –rallies 35

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Direct Actions, cont’d. Example: –Summer 2010: Reports of buses passing wheelchair users –Protest at Transportation Authority Headquarters –Chant “RTS says they don’t care! They won’t take us anywhere!” Results: –Memo distributed to all drivers threatening termination to any driver that passes wheelchair users. 36

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Political/Legislative Influencing elected officials and their staff in order to affect public policy. 37

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Political/Legislative, cont’d. Example: –Rider Statements copied and forwarded to local representatives. –Representatives received over 25 copies of complaints in one month. –Representatives contacted the Transportation Authority and attended the next “Town Meeting.” 38

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Administrative/Regulator Influencing administrative or regulatory entities. 39

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization Pitchfork Approach Administrative/Regulator, cont’d. Example: –Helped riders to submit complaints to the Federal Transit Administration and encouraged riders to submit their own. –FTA investigator contacted the Center for Disability Rights requesting copies of any new complaints. 40

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 41 Questions and Answers

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 42 Wrap Up and Evaluation Please complete the evaluation of this program by clicking here:

CIL-NET, a project of ILRU – Independent Living Research Utilization 43 CIL-NET Support for development of this Webinar/teleconference was provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration under grant number H132B No official endorsement of the Department of Education should be inferred. Permission is granted for duplication of any portion of this PowerPoint presentation, providing that the following credit is given to the project: Developed as part of the CIL-NET, a program of the IL NET, an ILRU/NCIL/APRIL National Training and Technical Assistance Project.