The American Foundation for the Blind's Public Policy and Research Institute, working in coalition with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, wrote to the National Governors Association to express the needs of public transportation users with disabilities as states across the country implement reopening policies.
In particular, we joined forces to highlight the considerations that the country's governors must take as transit and other transportation services transition back to the service models and levels that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. CCD is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, empowerment, integration, and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Together, we offered our view on the needs of disabled passengers that have arisen from the pandemic. As the Flatten Inaccessibility survey has shown, transportation is a necessary service to move people to their places of employment and other essential services, but transportation barriers have become even more prevalent during the pandemic. States and localities must do what they can to enable residents to fully and equitably participate in everyday activities as states reopen. Otherwise, blind and low vision people will continue to be excluded from employment opportunities, access to groceries and critical supplies, health care, and even social activities.
We strongly urge states, localities, and transit agencies to do the following:
• Treat transit as an essential service.
• Restore and protect ADA paratransit.
• Protect transportation programs that serve people with disabilities, older people, and low-income communities.
• Ensure personal protective equipment and cleaning protocols are in place.
• Implement accommodations as part of face covering policies.
• Clearly communicate changes in policy.
• Ensure people with disabilities are included in transportation decision making.
• Ensure new policies comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, or origin.
Read the full letter in HTML on afb.org, or in PDF format on the CCD website.
How to Take Action
1. Your voice matters. Reach out to your mayor, governor, or local transit agency if COVID-19 policies aren't working for you. Many transit agencies have an accessibility advisory committee.
2. Raise awareness about the importance of public transportation services. Share your experiences in public testimony or in a letter to the editor. Feel free to share the points raised in the joint letter from CCD to America's governors.
3. If you work for an organization that provides transportation services, ensure that you are paying attention to your riders' needs. Delivery services may work for some people, but others need to travel again themselves. Cleaning and mask policies and frequent, effective communication can go a long way toward building trust.
