June 2022 Advocacy Update
United Spinal Association, the national organization to which the Greater Boston Chapter belongs, is strong on advocacy. United Spinal has launched a Pathways to Employment job portal to help connect those with SCI/D with employers eager to recruit them. They’re also recruiting testers for inclusive technologies under a new Tech Access Initiative. Look out for more news on the 2022 launch of United Spinal’’s “Strong Wheeled Together” campaign at the Action Center.
Massachusetts Transportation
The MBTA and the Boston Center for Independent Living held a second special listening session on May 26 to get feedback on service from users of The RIDE. Chapter members and others voiced concerns such as lack of real-time communication in the event of delays, and insufficient room in newer vehicles for more than one power wheelchair. The MBTA is carefully tracking feedback and striving to improve, so please speak up with your complaints and commendations: https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride/the-ride-customer-support.
Alert to everyone who rides MBTA buses, or whose caregivers do! The MBTA is undertaking an ambitious Bus Network Redesign initiative to increase service where it’s most needed, and pare it back where it isn’t. Visit https://www.mbta.com/projects/bus-network-redesign to look at the proposed changes line-by-line or on an interactive map, and find a virtual public meeting focused on your area. Because accessible bus service depends on the sidewalks and intersections that support it, the MBTA needs your feedback on whether the stop locations envisioned will work for wheelchair users.
From MassMobility Issue 116 - May 2022: The MBTA is opening a new Mobility Center in Boston that will assist older adults and individuals with disabilities in accessing and using a range of transportation services in the Boston area. To staff this Center, candidates for the following positions are being recruited: Mobility Assessment Evaluator, ADA Eligibility Specialist, Transit Navigator, Travel Trainer, and Transit Coordinator. The MBTA encourages individuals with disabilities to apply.
United Spinal’s Advocacy and Policy program is creating three national working groups, and invites your participation to help drive change. Please contact Grassroots Advocacy Manager Annie Streit (astreit@unitedspinal.org) to express interest in Accessible Parking, Outdoor Access, or Emergency Preparedness.
The Massachusetts Office on Disability is offering three virtual training sessions to qualify volunteer Community Access Monitors to assess buildings for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations. The trainings are hosted by the Newton Commission on Disability (June), the Acton COD (Sept), and the Pittsfield COD (Nov). https://www.mass.gov/service-details/community-access-monitor-training
From United Spinal National
Affordable Connectivity Program
On May 9, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law last year, President Biden announced the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households a $30 per month discount off monthly bills for high-speed broadband service. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of 20 participating plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. See the 20 participating internet providers and if you qualify.
AMTRAK News
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, requires at least one Amtrak Board member to be an individual with a disability with a demonstrated history of, or experience with, accessibility, mobility, and inclusive transportation in passenger rail or commuter rail. Congratulations to a member of our Board of Directors, David Capozzi, because at the end of last month, President Biden announced his intent to nominate Mr. Capozzi to the AMTRAK Board. Senate confirmation of all nominees has to occur before AMTRAK Board members are finalized. Read the full announcement and board member biographies.
New AMTRAK Passenger Rail Cars
On May 5th, United Spinal’s Steve Lieberman, Director, Advocacy & Policy was invited to tour a physical mock-up of Amtrak's next-generation passenger rail cars. These new trains will offer more accessible seating for wheelchair users, including seating that will allow two wheelchair users to sit facing each other in some cars, as well as accessible restrooms in each car. United Spinal shared some concerns with Amtrak about the width of the aisles in the coach cars and with the accessibility of attendant and emergency call buttons for individuals with limited or no use of their hands. These next-generation trains are scheduled for delivery in 2024 or 2025. Stay tuned for more information.
Take Action
United Spinal supports the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act which eliminates the subminimum wage for people with disabilities.
We know that air travel can often be a nightmare for wheelchair users. We have heard countless stories from members of our community about broken wheelchairs, being dropped on the floor or injured by airline employees, and many more indignities. Now is the time to ask your members of Congress to cosponsor and support the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (H.R. 1696/S. 642). This bill, championed by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, includes a number of new protections that will make air travel more accessible to people with disabilities. These include increased penalties for damaged wheelchairs or mobility aids and for bodily injuries and allowing air travelers the right to sue for damages. It also includes higher standards for accessibility, safety, and airport and airline employee training.