Impact of Transportation Changes on Accessibility for People with Disabilities
This content delves into the impact of transportation changes on accessibility and equity for individuals with disabilities, focusing on initiatives like the PROWAG guidelines, Amtrak accessibility challenges, and ADA compliance oversight.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
The Future of Accessible Transportation: How Changes in Transportation Are Impacting Accessibility and Equity for People with Disabilities Swatha Nandhakumar, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist American Council of the Blind Danica Gonzalves, Esq., Advocacy Attorney, Paralyzed Veterans of America Sarah Malaier, Senior Advisor, Public Policy and Research American Foundation for the Blind Tyler Beck, Advocacy Coordinator Epilepsy Foundation
Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) Access Board PROWAG final rule (August 2023) covers access to built environment for people with disabilities Includes curb ramps, tactile indicators, accessible pedestrian signals (APS) Adoption by DOT and DOJ pending
PROWAG - Needs for Improvement Requires APS installation for new construction and modifications to existing intersections but fails to define modifications Blind community advocacy to make that requirement more stringent
PROWAG Other Advocacy Efforts Chicago lawsuit on APS installation New York City lawsuit on APS installation Effective communication requirements
Amtrak Accessibility Some accessibility barriers riders with disabilities face: Wheelchair users are unable to navigate the entire train because of the narrow aisles Difficulties in booking accessible tickets Mobility device users may be restricted to the first floor of long-distance bi-level trains ADA compliance oversight New long-distance fleet and equivalent facilitation application Accessibility advocacy
ADA Compliance Oversight Federal oversight for Amtrak stations to meet ADA standards and accessibility requirements 2020 DOJ settlement Amtrak agreed to update inaccessible stations to meet ADA standards January 2024 Bipartisan Think DIFFERENTLY bill was introduced to require Amtrak to comply with the ADA and submit a report to Congress on ADA compliance, assessments, and timelines Possible final rules by Access Board on rail cars
New Bi-level Long-Distance Fleet Equivalent facilitation allows alternative designs when they provide substantially equivalent or greater access to usability of train cars August 30, 2023 Amtrak held a public hearing CCD Transportation Task Force co-chairs letters Urged Amtrak to hold a new accessible hearing Equivalent facilitation application was approved Building stages are moving forward additional accessibility advocacy is necessary
Equivalent Facilitation Application Number of accommodations increased number of accessible coach/bedroom spaces Bi-level trainsets will have at least one sleeper car on the first level Access to amenities all accessible rail cars will have a 32-inch wide aisle and priority in proximity to the train s amenities All accessible spaces will have access to at least two accessible restrooms
Continued Accessibility Advocacy Advocates need to urge Amtrak to quickly bring stations into compliance with ADA standards and provide greater access for riders with disabilities Accessibility advocacy is needed during the design and building of the bi-level train sets and to increase accessibility of current and future trainsets Attend public meetings, submit complaints, & reach out to Congress on the importance of Amtrak access
Emerging Modes and Innovative Transportation Ridesharing Service Animal Denials Lack of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) Autonomous Vehicles CCD letter on legislative framework principles Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights The Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights (2022) guarantees passengers with disabilities rights to: Be treated with dignity and respect Receive information about services in an accessible format Receive assistance on aircraft and at airports Travel with an assistive device and service animal Receive seating accommodations Accessible aircraft features (when required) Resolution of disability-related issues
Air Carrier Access Act (1986) Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel Air carriers may not: Refuse transportation Require advance notice of travel Require passengers to fly with a companion (with few exceptions) Charge for accommodations Require passengers to accept special services not requested Air carriers must: Provide assistance with boarding, deplaning, and connections Train personnel who deal with traveling public to "proficiency" Have a specially trained Complaint Resolution Officer
Recent Rulemaking Final rule (2023) have an accessible lavatory on a twin-aisle aircraft - updated by the DOT to include accessible lavatories on single-aisle aircraft, however the rule only affects new aircraft, so it will be a long time before passengers see that consistently Proposed rule (2024) ensuring safe accommodations for air travelers who use wheelchairs
Legislation Legislation can be a vehicle for other air travel protections for passengers with disabilities FAA Reauthorization air travel legislation updates Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (ACAAA) Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act Mobility Aids On Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act Organization advocacy and individual advocacy
