Support Accessible Transportation for People with Disabilities! : AAPD Advocacy Nov 2011

From our Friends at The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD);

On Thursday, November 17 the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) will hold a full committee hearing on The Americans with Disabilities Act and Accessible Transportation: Challenges and Opportunities.

This is an opportunity to let the HELP Committee know important accessible transportation is for people with disabilities and urge them to take tangible, immediate steps to fund projects that promote transportation access.

Did you know? Twelve percent of people with disabilities have difficulty getting the transportation they need, compared to three percent of people without disabilities.

Access to affordable and reliable transportation allows people with disabilities important opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, housing and participation in community life. Because our nation’s investments in transportation infrastructure have disproportionately favored cars and highways, those who cannot afford cars or do not operate cars often lack viable transportation options. People with disabilities—particularly in rural areas—need accessible, affordable transportation options that bring employment, health care, education, and community life within reach.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public transportation services, such as city buses and public rail (subways, commuter trains, etc.) and requires that public transportation be accessible.

We must let the HELP committee know how important these provisions of the ADA are for our community and demand that our leaders focus on the need for transportation equity. This is the time to overcome the challenges and take advantage of opportunities in order to fulfill their obligations to Americans with disabilities.

Contact members of the HELP Committee to let them know how important this issue is to you.

For more information on the hearing and Committee members visit:
http://help.senate.gov/

#The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD):
http://www.aapd.com/site/c.pvI1IkNWJqE/b.5406299/k.FBCC/Spotlight.htm