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December 2, 2011

Inaccessible Cabs Angers Senator

At a recent US Senate hearing, Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin disapproved of New York City’s inaccessibility regarding taxis.  He wants to end transportation barriers people with physical/mental challenges encounter.  This goal comes 21+ years after the American With Disabilities Act (ADA) became law.

“If London can have a taxicab fleet that is 100 percent wheelchair-accessible,… then I will never understand why New York City and other American cities can’t achieve the same goal. Unfortunately,… more than 21 years since the passage of the ADA, we have not yet achieved equality in access to transportation,” Harkin said.

People with physical challenges were present to share their stories of unequal transport access at the hearing.  A woman stated that she hit her head when her wheelchair wasn’t properly secured in the cab.  A male user of a wheelchair stated he brings a copy of flight regulations to the airport to prevent discrimination.

This hearing is the latest of many hearings held to discuss physically/mentally topics.  The hearings are directed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee.  Since no laws are currently in place to reform transportation, Harkin stated his staff will investigate guidelines to allow easier transportation accessibility.

Changes for transport: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/11/18/lack-accessible-cabs-senator/14480/

1 comment:

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