1. ADA Fundamentals CalACT Spring Conference 2009 Pat Piras Consulting 510-278-1631 piras@ix.netcom.com

2. Partial History 1973 UMTA Section 16(b)(2) -- now FTA 5310 Rehabilitation Act Section 504 1979 USDOT “local option” regs ~~ should have “left well enough alone” 1990ADA enacted 1991 / 1993 / 1996 -- ADA regs & amendments 1998 First specific funding for paratransit, TEA-21 2006 “reasonable modification” NPRM, comments next?...

3. How are the regulations being interpreted ? What day is today? Basic Principles Nondiscrimination Comparability Safety = Risk to others, not self

4. Some Key Paratransit Issues Eligibility -- see www.dredf.org/transportation/paratransit_eligibility.html and Doug Cross article at the last bullet of http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pag ename=ESPA_distance_learning_2008_para_elig_suppl emental Two “windows” -- one-hour negotiated for scheduling, plus “on-time” Non-binding “guidance” from DOT Aging population and changing expectations www.dredf.org/transportation/paratransit_eligibility.html http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pag ename=ESPA_distance_learning_2008_para_elig_suppl emental

5. Some Key Fixed Route Issues Calling Out Stops Bus Stop Access Bus Stop Signage Lift/Ramp access & usability

7. Ongoing & Evolving Issues Securements & Restraints Service Animals Oversize/overweight Wheelchairs Kids Segways “Violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal” Medicaid What is “reasonable”?

10. Google “wheelchair scale” http://www.scalesgalore.com/whe elchair-scales-comparison- chart.htm