ADA - something to think about

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firechief - 11 Mar 2005 02:37 GMT

ADA: Guaranteeing Access to Transportation
Autumn 1994, Public Roads

Autumn 1994 Vol. 58 No. 2

ADA:
Guaranteeing Access to Transportation
by Nita Congress

(much editted)

Conclusion

The Americans with Disabilities Act benefits everyone, not
just people with disabilities. Ensuring a wheelchair user's
access with ramps and curb cuts also helps an able-bodied
mother pushing a stroller or a senior citizen wheeling a
cart of groceries. Supplementing signage with auditory cues
(for example, at crosswalks) helps those who are temporarily
distracted or forgetful.

There's another side to the story too. Those of us without
disabilities are merely "temporarily abled." Disease,
accident, and old age will most assuredly come to everyone
or to a loved one. So people with disabilities are not
"they;" they are us or our relatives. So policy, design,
construction, and technology that ensures "their" access
ensures ours tomorrow.

United States Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

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Jo Firey - 11 Mar 2005 06:04 GMT

> ADA: Guaranteeing Access to Transportation
> Autumn 1994, Public Roads
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> United States Department of Transportation
> Federal Highway Administration

This is so very true. From the time I first started to have trouble with my
right SI joint nearly fifteen years ago, I learned that stairs and anything
that resembled stairs are NOT my friend. Now I've been lucky in that I've
only had to use a cane for a small part of that time. But I'll walk a long
way out of my way to use "wheelchair access" to avoid a few steps or even to
avoid stepping up on a curb, or far worse stepping off one.

And I find I have plenty of company walking those ramps to avoid stairs.

Jo

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Smokie Darling (Annie) - 11 Mar 2005 16:45 GMT

> ADA: Guaranteeing Access to Transportation
> Autumn 1994, Public Roads
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> United States Department of Transportation
> Federal Highway Administration

Huh... Our local busing system (in place since 2002) has no concerns
for those of us on canes. Their attitude is, if one can walk (with
cane or walker), then one can step up into the bus. Let me tell you,
that first step is a doozy!

I went, recently, to Wendover on a "flyover" special. For the first
time, I was introduced to a "kneeling bus". Imagine my surprise! I
stood, waiting to get on the bus, and worrying about that first HUGE
step up. The driver saw me, and asked that I wait a second...

He got into the seat, and pressed a button or lever (or whatever it
was), and the front of the bus lowered to level so I could step onto
the bus without having to step up (granted it did nothing about the
other *two* steps, but still). To say I was shocked is probably a huge
understatement.

Fortunately, my DH was there to help with the two steps, but not having
to grab the hand rails, and haul my butt into the bus was so welcome.

Smokie Darling (Annie)

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Jo Firey - 11 Mar 2005 17:31 GMT

>> ADA: Guaranteeing Access to Transportation
>> Autumn 1994, Public Roads
[quoted text clipped - 48 lines]
>
> Smokie Darling (Annie)

Praise heaven for considerate bus drivers. I don't use a cane presently,
but on those occasions I've had to use a shuttle bus at the airport, etc.
they have all been most considearte about helping me to both get on and off
the bus.

It kinda steams Charlie but I can always get help when I need it, at a store
or wherever. If I wan't something large off a shelf at Home Depot, like his
new lawnmower, I can get it off the shelf and into the back of the Jeep
without lifting a finger. Now getting the boys to get it back out of the
Jeep once I get home is a little harder but then they remember I supply food
and $5.00 bills when they need either.

I feel sorry for older men who can't bring themselves to ask for the help
they need.

And I gotta thank my Daddy who taught me early that if you want something or
you need something, it always helps to ask for it. And it also helps to
make sure whoever helps you feels like they are the most important person in
the world. Because right then, to you they are.

Jo

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