Finally, Accessibility on the T

Finally, Accessibility on the T

The authors say, "we see the settlement as the first step on the road to full accessibility, not the last. Implementing the changes will require continued dialogue between T officials and people with disabilities, as well as the support of the general public." (Bill Henning and Dan Manning, "Finally, accessibility on the T," Boston Globe, April 6, 2006) It is long past due (1973 to 2006?) to extend equal access to the right to travel for persons
with disabilities. I can imagine the outcry by public officials if persons of color were allowed partial access to the T. Why are these two advocates satisfied with a dialogue, when denying access to the T is a violation
of the same state and U.S. laws that are enforced for other groups?
I am continually amazed that journalists celebrate crumbs thrown to persons with disabilities while they act as cheerleaders for other vulnerable groups. Why is the pervasive negative bias toward persons with disabilities among journalists, and public officials never addressed?
--
Roy Bercaw, Editor ENOUGH ROOM
Cambridge MA USA

Finally, accessibility on the T
By Bill Henning and Dan Manning
Boston Globe
April 6, 2006

IF YOU ARE ONE of the thousands of Boston-area residents who commute to work using public transportation, picture yourself making the trip in a wheelchair. Imagine getting stuck for two hours in an elevator at the subway station; watching the bus pass you by, leaving you stranded; feeling the stares of passengers as the driver struggles with a shaky mechanical lift to hoist you onto a trolley, delaying the Green Line.

Frustrated? Frightened? Embarrassed? Then you can imagine what the commute can be like for people with disabilities who brave the T. These are just a few of the situations described in more than 100 affidavits we collected for a class action lawsuit we pursued against the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Fortunately, the settlement of that case will usher in a new era of independence for people with disabilities who rely on public transportation. The agreement reached between the plaintiffs and the MBTA outlines extensive improvements to equipment, facilities, and services throughout the bus and subway system. It should be embraced by everyone who rides the T.
[...]
Bill Henning is executive director of the Boston Center for Independent Living, a plaintiff in the MBTA class action. Dan Manning is lead attorney on the case for Greater Boston Legal Services.