Closing Session: Accessible Transit – Thirty-four Years After the American’s with Disabilities Act

Since its enactment in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has increased access and opportunity for persons with disabilities across community life.  ADA Paratransit was created as a “safety net” for people with disabilities who couldn’t use fixed-route due to disability.   This was at a time when fixed-route service was far less accessible than it is today.   Even with the huge progress in the accessibility of bus and rail systems, not everyone with a disability can use ADA accessible fixed-route services.  Compared with 34 years ago, persons with disabilities have far higher expectations of themselves, and society views disability far more inclusively today than in 1990.   Panelists will take a fresh look at accessible transit in the context of mature fixed-route systems and a more modern view of accessibility.

Moderator:

• Christopher Pangilinan, Vice President, Paratransit, MTA New York City Transit

Panelists:

• Eileen Collins, Director, Accessible Transportation Programs, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet)
• Ron Brooks, Senior Director, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement, UZURV
• Kelly Buckland, Disability Policy Advisor, United States Department of Transportation
• Jan Campbell, Board Member, Disability Rights Oregon; and Chair, TriMet Committee on Accessible Transportation (CAT)

Closing Remarks:

• Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association