Allies for Transportation 24/7

Service Animals and Public Transportation

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Promising Practices and Solutions in Accessible Transportation: Service Animals and Public Transportation

You are invited to join a conference call.
Donna Smith, Training Manager for Easter Seals Project ACTION, will discuss current requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and promising practices from the transportation industry for accommodating customers with service animals on public transportation.

The one-hour program will be
at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time,
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009.

Resources related to the presentation will be posted on this page and available one week prior to the conference. These materials are intended as additional resources to provide more in-depth information and it is not necessary to download them for the presentation.

Smith will address the following questions:

* How do I know if it’s a service animal?
* What should happen if other passengers are afraid of or allergic to dogs?
* Is there guidance on how to board service animals?
* What is the best way to train transit operators to serve customers who use service animals?

You must register!!
Dial-in instructions will be in your registration confirmation.

For more information or to register, go to:
http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/Calendar/1098549204?view=Detail&id=29601

This conference call is part of Easter Seals Project ACTION’s Promising Practices and Solutions in Accessible Transportation (PPSAT) series.

September Success Stories

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:23:00 +0000

Wayne RICC

Advocacy efforts convinced Mayor Bing NOT to cut weekend and evening services to DDOT for at least the time being.
September 25, 2009 will hold a Disability Fair

Kent RICC

The City of Grand Rapids will use federal stimulus money to put sidewalks along a four (4) mile stretch of 28th St.

Jackson RICC

The transit provider will be holding another listening session. The first one was a success and it is expected there will be great attendance at the second one.

Capital Area RICC

CATA will hold two (2) listening sessions in October.

Getting There Together Weekly The What's Green Edition

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:20:00 +0000

Folks,

I know if I install a windmill in my Eastown backyard or solar panels on my roof, I'd immediately get cheers from some, scorn from others and just envy from a few. Add what ever intonation you think is appropriate for all three groups would say, "They're green."

But today when just about every product and service has "green" as part of the packaging or advertising, I am forced to ask, "What's green?"

As for "big" green things, check out the latest on The Grand Vision work in Northwest Michigan. (www.thegrandvision.org) This group of citizens have gotten out the green paint and are ready to color their region. They have had the audacity to develop a "land use and transportation study that will provide a framework for the next 50+ years of development in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Wexford counties." Their talking about a lot of geography and a lot of economic development within that 50+ year planning horizon. Check out what they're talking about for transportation plans. (www.thegrandvision.org/transportation)

Sounds pretty green to me.

And if you're in the traveling mood, they are hosting a group from Albuquerque and Santa Fe to talk about the work in that region. I don't know if a road trip to Traverse City next Thursday, September 17th, would be too green, but it sure would be informative.

As for "local" green things, check out this array of offerings coming for "Green Week" from Green Grand Rapids and the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. Get called, "green," and more by cleaning up the Grand River or taking over a parking space.

Still sounding pretty green.

As for "far away" green things, check out this news piece from the Big D--Dallas. "The 45-mile Green, Orange and Blue Line DART Rail expansion is projected to generate more than $4 billion in economic activity between 2009 and 2014, according to a new study by economists at the University of North Texas. Including prior Green Line expenditures, the total economic activity is more than $5.6 billion."

"45 mile expansion" of light rail? In Texas?

"$5.6 billion" in economic activity as a result?

"Dallas Area Rapid Transit's light rail operations continue to be one of the best examples of the growing importance of transit, in all modes, to sustainable economic and community development," the researchers said.

Now I'm the one green with envy.

All for today.

Dave
David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b @ dakc.us

Michigan's Transit Funding Formula

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:48:00 +0000

Transportation Allies now has a site on YouTube.
Now you can watch the transit funding formula skit from last summer's UP transportation conference.

Go to www.YouTube.com/transportationallies to see more videos.

Getting There Together Weekly: The Sidewalk Sale Edition

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Folks,

It looks like there are some serious concrete purchases on the horizon.

"Grand Rapids hopes to use stimulus funding to add sidewalks along 28th Street SE" read the headline in Wednesday's Grand Rapids Press' online edition--though I preferred the attention grabber on the front page of the print edition: "Ending a walk [or roll] on the wild side."

At least for two miles of the 28th Street corridor, new sidewalks will be present within the year. And as was pointed out in the Press article, transit advocate Casey Dutmer stated, "We've been working on this with [CCIT] for several years." And now the City of Grand Rapids will be buying some more sidewalks.

"Finally," said Jocelyn Dettloff, Disability Advocates' Development Director, in the piece on WOOD TV. "I can't tell you how many times I have actually seen someone in a wheelchair having to go outside from parking lot to parking lot onto 28th Street just to get around."

"It just makes Grand Rapids a more hospitable community for everyone," Jocelyn was quoted in the Fox 17 piece on the topic.

"So that everyone, including those with mobility challenges as well as anybody walking, can easily access businesses they want to travel to and spend their money," said Dettloff.
But why care about sidewalks when we talk about public transportation?

How else do people get from the bus stop to the front doors of the businesses and other places they are headed?

And based on The Rapid's ridership statistics, 777 people used the 28th Street route every weekday in May of this year. So at least 777 people are walking and rolling to and from bus stops up and down 28th Street each workday. Of course, this number doesn't include the people who get off the bus on a route that intersects 28th Street, say the Division or Kalamazoo routes, and then walk the few blocks to their final destination.

Funny how all the transportation options are connected and impact each other for the good and the bad.

And think what more and better sidewalks could do for our community. Others are doing just that. For instance, people in Detroit are concluding: "Slower traffic, more pedestrians could revive cities." Much of this thought comes from walkability expert, Dan Burden. Every once in a while he shows up in Kent County to bring his message of people scale transportation and the beauty of sidewalks. And on one occasion when I got to hear his presentation, I was greatly impressed by his emphasis on accessibility for all. Got to like that.

Finally, if you're looking for a way to better navigate the sidewalks we have, check out the updated Rapid website. There you will find their brand new set of rider tools. The one to feature is recently launched "nearest bus stop" feature. Type in an address and then watch the magic work! You get the closest ten stops and real time information on when the next bus will arrive at your chosen stop. Practical magic indeed.

And when riding the bus, if you discover other places in our community that need a sidewalk or two, let us know. We'll put that stretch of road on our list and work to get another sidewalk sale to benefit us all.

All for today.

Dave
David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b @ dakc.us

August Success Stories

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Genesee

Issue was resolved regarding a rider who was told he couldn’t ride public transportation without a personal assistant.

Muskegon

Public Transit provider called a meeting with the goal of putting designated bus stops with signage in the community. The transit provider asked which locations would be the best places to put a bus stop. The current system requires riders to flag down the bus

Shiawassee

Attended Easter Seals Project ACTION training in Washington, DC and created an action plan for the upcoming year. They were one of 15 groups nationally selected to participate in this training.

Informed Communities on Transportation

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:37:00 +0000

There are two informational forums scheduled for September, each focuses on transportation issues. The dates and locations are listed below.
September 16, 2009 - Manistee
September 24, 2009 - Newaygo

For further information, please contact Melinda Haus-Johnson at
Melinda @ prosynergy.org
or 517-333-2477.

Pokey's Bad Day

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:14:00 +0000

See how having a bus available made a difference to Tammy.

Disability Advocates--Kennedy Tribute

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Kennedy Tribute

Greetings,

Recently with the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Senator Ted Kennedy, the disability community lost two dedicated and influential advocates. We honor them for their tireless efforts to achieve equal access for all.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

One Woman's Vision

"My mother has always been about hope, love and opportunity. Love being the most important. For what do we have, if we do not have love? Hope for helping us through each day when life challenges us. And, opportunity that each one of us is empowered to create to make the world a better place. My mother believed in these things so strongly and they have played a major role in her life, especially, her work with people with intellectual disabilities."

--Timothy Shriver

Chairman, Special Olympics

Senator Ted Kennedy

"Senator Kennedy said one time to me, 'We're never going to be a fully integrated society until we fully integrate every person with a disability into every aspect of our American life.'"

Senator Tom Harkin from the National Council on Independent Living's statement on the passing of Sen. Kennedy.

Thank you for your efforts. Others, like Disability Advocates, will continue to work for equal access for all.

Jocelyn Dettloff

Development Director

jocelyn.d@dakc.us

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Disability Advocates of Kent County | 3600 Camelot Dr. SE | Grand Rapids | MI | 49546

Urgent - Federal Legislators Are In Town

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Now is a great time to contact your U.S. Congressman or U.S. Senator. They return to session in Washington, D.C. after Labor Day. So you have 3 weeks while they are here in Michigan.

There are many important issues being considered in Washington these days. Now is the time for your voice to be heard on Transportation or other issues that affect your life.

July Success Stories

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:14:00 +0000

Local success stories from the DD Council Transportation Work Group.
Genesee County

Bus route signs are being color coordinated to make it easier for riders to navigate public transit

Ottawa County

Public Transit will be getting five (5) new busses and a new logo

Capital Area RICC

CATA held their LAC meeting outdoors at Hawk Island park

Shiawassee Transportation Advocacy Coalition

New digital stories have been created

Transportation was provided for individuals with work incentive jobs until their first pay check.

Sept. 11-13 Transportation Conference.

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Good Morning Transit Advocates,

We have been invited to join in the MASSTran Conference in Bay City the weekend of September 11-13.

The conference is for the frontline employees of transit systems, such as drivers and dispatchers.

By attending, we will have the opportunity to network with people who are or can be our allies for improving public transportation in Michigan and our communities. We will bring the perspective of transit riders to the sessions in the conference.

The cost of the conference is $140 for the entire weekend, or $90 for Saturday only. Personal assistants will not be charged for their attendance.

UCP Michigan has some scholarship funding available for people with disabilities, up to the full $90 for Saturday. If you can get funding from another source, such as your RICC, please do so, because that will let us support more people to attend.

To request funding from UCP Michigan, contact me, Glenn Ashley, by August 7, at:

517-203-1200 or Ashley@ucpmichigan.org

Requests received after Aug. 7 can still receive funding if money is still available.

The conference schedule and registration forms are attached.

Please pass this information on to your network of advocates.

Glenn Ashley

United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan

Getting There Together: The Summer Reading Edition

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Folks,

My apologies.

July 17th is upon us and I have failed to send along any suggestions for your summer reading! Good thing the weather has kept many of us from the beach.

But now you can feel free to head back towards the water with some excellent reading materials in hand.

One place I head to often is the Victoria Transport Policy Institute. (http://www.vtpi.org/) This site is just chuck full of great reading.

What visit to the beach or lake would be complete without a copy of "The Value Capture Approach To Stimulating Transit Oriented Development And Financing Transit Station Area Improvements" (http://www.vtpi.org/gihring_tod.pdf) or

"Cycling for a Few or for Everyone:The Importance of Social Justice in Cycling Policy" (http://www.vtpi.org/pucher_buehler_cycling.pdf) in your bag?

In all seriousness, this is some excellent reading and just reading the executive summaries of these documents can really impress folks at the summer picnic table.
Another publication to check out is "Conservatives And Public Transportation." (http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/public/stories/511) This one you could borrow from me if you are interested in reading this collection of great articles.

Finally, if you've been seeing various pieces on line or in your old-fashioned newspaper on the cap-n-trade legislation in Congress, you may want to read the whole bill. Various increases in transit funding have been discussed in this process. So you don't want to be ill-prepared for the future debates, get reading!

All for today.

Dave
David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b@dakc.us

The Getting There Together Weekly: The Dave's Away Edition

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Folks,

The Bake Sale effort was a roaring succes. Sales were held in Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. We got media coverage in all the major markets and we raised over $150. At that rate, it will take slightly more than 82,000 bake sales to make up the cuts proposed by the Senate.There aren't enough cupcakes in Michigan to make that happen. Here in Grand Rapids, things went well between showers. TV-8 showed up and did an interview with Casey, one of our County Commissioners spent the hour with us and we passed out some information (below). Oh, and we raised $25.75. We're still trying to figure out what do do with the proceeds.

Transportation Asks & Talking Points

Restore Local Bus Operating Funding.

The Michigan Senate on 6/11/2009 slashed Fiscal Year 2010 Local Bus Operating funds from the Governor's recommended $166,624,000 to $162,340,600 - a $4.28 million cut. What this means in real life (for example): a 10% decrease in operating revenue for DDOT resulting in route cuts. Focus on House and Senate conference committee. "Please restore Local Bus Operating funding to 2009 levels in this year's transportation budget."

Restore AMTRAK Funding.

The Michigan Senate on 6/11/2009 dramatically slashed Fiscal Year 2010 AMTRAK funds to the extent that two of the state's three train routes will cease to operate before this time next year. Focus on House and Senate conference committee. "Please restore AMTRAK funding to 2009 ($7.1 million) levels in this year's transportation budget."

Total Public Transportation shortfall for 2009-2010 fiscal year will be about $45 million by conservative estimates. (The American Society of Civil Engineers has estimated a bigger shortfall.)

Support HB 4965 - the Transit Regionalization Grant Program bill.

This bill would amend PA 51 to establish a Transit Regionalization Grant Program. This program would require MDOT to fund and oversee an employee who would work with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop a "Transit Regionalization Work Program." The "Transit Regionalization Work Program" would essentially encourage transit authorities to collaborate in the planning and delivery of transit service within an MPO region. This is part of the TF2 bill package (Transportation Funding Task Force). "Please vote in support of HB 4965 when it comes up for a vote."

Support HB 4967 - Transit Investment Zones.

This bill would create a new Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA) statute that is specific to transit investments. Generally, TIFAs are zones created by a local entity (municipality) in which the property tax increase that occurs from a defined point in time is prospectively "captured." The "captured" revenue is then used for a specific purpose. This bill anticipates that Transit Oriented Development (TOD) will occur near transit locations, thus increasing property values. The "captured" money would be used for public facility upgrades which would encourage public transit in this instance - but not for transit operating expenses. This is part of the TF2 bill package. "Please vote in support of HB 4967 when it comes up for a vote."

Support HBs 4958 and 4959 - Penalties for Injuring Vulnerable Road Users (Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Inline Skaters, Etc.).

These bills would impose criminal penalties on those who commit a moving violation while operating a motor vehicle and as a result cause injury or death to a "vulnerable roadway user" on a road. These bills help recognize that pedestrians and bicyclists use our transportation system, too - not just passenger vehicles. "Please vote in support of HBs 4958 and 4959 when they come up for a vote."

TF2 Funding Bills and Transportation Funding Generally.

Our transportation system is currently under-funded. The TF2 funding bills are a good start in addressing how Michigan funds its transportation system. But, MDOT should not build or expand new roads; it should use its money to fix the roads that we have that are in a state of disrepair. "Please support a Fix-It-First policy that would direct MDOT to use its funds to repair Michigan's roads and bridges, and not on road expansions."

More Important but boring transit stuff :

Even under the Governor's recommendation, public transit agencies in both urban and rural communities will see their percentage of state support drop. This continues a steady trend of decreasing state support for transit that began in 1999.

Under state law, urban transit agencies are eligible for up to 50% of their operating costs to be borne by the state, while rural agencies may be reimbursed for up to 60% of their operations by the state. For 2010 the Governor's recommended funding levels would be roughly 29% urban and 35% rural. The Senate recommendation would reduce those levels of state support by approximately another one percent.

Dave will be back with a more concise message next week but that gives you an idea of where we are going on a state level.

Frank the Ghost writer for Dave
David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b@dakc.us

Michigan Taxpayers Support New York's Subway

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:05:00 +0000

Michigan taxpayers already spend millions to build transit systems in other cities because of Michigan's failure to invest in transit. Michigan receives just 46% of the federal gas tax dollars we pay back for our bus and paratransit systems.

The Michigan Department of Transportation reported this past spring that without increased funding for transit, Michigan will lose out on $100 million in federal funds in FY 2010.

The Michigan legislature must restore the $11.5 million in cuts and identify $20 million in additional revenue for transit to receive these funds.

MPTA, MEC, TRU and others call on the Michigan legislature to restore the $11.5 million in cuts in the FY 2010 budget and identify additional revenue sources to ensure Michigan does not lose out on any possible federal investment.

Getting There Together Weekly: The They're At It Again Edition

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:15:00 +0000

June 12, 2009
(Blog editor's apology: I missed posting this when it came in, but it is still extremely important.)

Folks,

They're at it again. Our elected officials are demonstrating what they "don't want to do" but are doing anyway.

Yesterday, June 11th, the Michigan Senate voted to cut the Local Bus Operating program by $4.28 million and the Amtrak rail passenger operating grant by $2 million.

Many bus systems around the state have been getting slammed on the expense side of their budgets due to rising fuel and healthcare costs among other things. On the revenue side of their budgets, the percentage coming from the State has been steadily shrinking. As an example, The Rapid has gone from nearly 50% of its budget coming from the bus operating program to under 30%.

And all the while, bus ridership continues to hit new records across the state. We continue to make progress on the local and regional scenes but funding remains the challenge and this budget cut will make the realization of quality systems that much harder. Check out what's happening in Metro Detroit.
For Amtrak, this is devastating. It will result in the loss of either the rail services along the Port Huron to Chicago route or the Grand Rapids to Chicago route--that's our Pere Marquette run. Worse case scenario maybe both would disappear!

So, when Governor Granholm is in Washington talking with the President about a high speed rail link between Detroit and Chicago, the Senate votes to gut the service we have. And, don't forget that the legislative task force exploring a high-speed rail link between Detroit and Lansing has scheduled its first meeting for June 15th at Michigan State University's Kellogg Center with a subsequent hearings set to come to Grand Rapids. I've been meaning to write about the need to get west Michigan on the high speed rail map and now it looks as if the senate wants us off the rail map entirely!

Fast, frequent and dependable trains, combined with local buses, are important tools for dealing with our economic, environmental and energy crises. With businesses looking for expanded transportation options for their employees and customers and with more Michiganders unable to afford personal vehicles, Michigan should expand passenger rail and transit, not cut.
The ball now heads over to the Michigan House of Representatives. From there, a conference committee will be formed to iron out the final details.

For today, contact your representative and urge them to restore the funding!
E-mail them or give them a call.

Talking points:

Restore Local Bus Operating Funding. The Michigan Senate on 6/11/2009 slashed Fiscal Year 2010 Local Bus Operating funds from the Governor's recommended $166,624,000 to $162,340,600 - a $4.28 million cut. What this means in real life: Significant route cuts. "Please restore Local Bus Operating funding to 2009 levels in this year's transportation budget."
Restore AMTRAK Funding. The Michigan Senate on 6/11/2009 dramatically slashed Fiscal Year 2010 AMTRAK funds to the extent that two of the state's three train routes will cease to operate before this time next year. "Please restore AMTRAK funding to 2009 ($7.1 million) levels in this year's transportation budget."

All for today.

Dave
David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b@dakc.us

Legislative TO DO for July

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Each month the DD Council is sending out ideas from the WHAT TO DO THROUGH THE YEAR LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR. They are suggestions of things to do each month to connect with your legislators. Here are some ideas for the month of July.

JULY

ADA celebration
Legislators in recess invite them to attend a RICC meeting
Contact legislator at their district office to discuss issues that are important to you
Volunteer to work on local issues and for candidates
Look for opportunities to talk with leaders (local fairs, festivals, parades, etc)

June Success Stories

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Genesee

A brochure is being created regarding personal hygiene for public transit drivers to discreetly hand out to riders.
Drivers are also taking sensitivity training.

Kalamazoo

A transportation millage has passed.

ADA Picnic - Grand Rapids

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Disability Advocates and Airway Oxygen invite you to join them in celebrating “ADA Picnic in the Park”.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 11:30am – 1:30pm.

There will be food and fun.

Please RSVP no later than July 17 by calling 949-1100, ext. 247 or andy.o@dakc.us

See you there!

Jocelyn Dettloff
Development Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
tel 616-949-1100x237
fax 616-949-7865
jocelyn.d@dakc.us

May Success Stories

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Jackson

RICC members approached their public transit provider and asked them to hold Listening Sessions like CATA. The first meeting will be held in June.

Livingston County

Held a town forum and their legislators attended.

Huron County

While attending a legislative function in Lansing, their legislator invited them to his office and had time to talk with RICC members.

Shiawassee County

A team from the Shiawassee RICC was accepted to attend Project Action in Washington, DC.

Wayne County

The Wayne RICCC is working on creative ways of increasing transportation opportunities for People with disabilities.

All Person Centered Plans will now include transportation and how it will happen must be included in the plan

Cooperating with other organizations and agencies on ways to coordinate and plan for ways to meet the transportation needs of people with disabilities.

Genesee County

A legislator from the area introduced S.B. 460, which amends PA 51. This would provide a universal ADA card, which will be accepted by all transit providers.

We celebrated “Smart Commute” week in Genesee County.

Update on transportation conference (funded by the DD Council)

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:51:00 +0000

At the DD Council Transportation Work Group meetings, we have been talking about a statewide Transit Partnership Conference.

It was originally schedule for September, 2009 in Mt. Pleasant, in conjunction with another event. Because of state budget cuts, the other event was canceled, so we are reworking our plans.

We will replace that conference with 2 events.

First, we will be supporting people to attend the MASSTRAN Frontline Employees conference. Frontline employees are dispatchers, drivers, and others who work directly with riders. Their conference will be covering topics such as customer service, disability awareness, and the ADA.

The Frontline conference is in Bay City the weekend of Sept. 12. We will be covering the conference registration fees for about 20-25 advocates with disabilities to attend.

If you are interested in one of those slots, please contact me, Glenn Ashley, at 517 --203 --1200 or Ashley @ ucpmichigan.org.

We will also collaborate with MDOT and Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA) on their Program Managers conference in April, with some additional sessions for people with disabilities and other advocates to develop action plans on important issues. Those dates will be April 1 and 2. The conference will be in Mt. Pleasant.

We will post more details as they become available.

Please pass this information on to other transit advocates with disabilities.

Thanks.

Ramp It!

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Seeking support from Legislators to ensure equal access.

The 13 steps leading up to the speakers platform at the front of Michigan’s State Capitol Building are a barrier to those unable to climb them and who are therefore denied opportunities to speak at public events, rallies, and lobby days.

People unable to climb the 13 steps are denied access to this real and symbolic place of public power. The public is denied the benefit of hearing from those people who are chair users, people with disabilities, old people, and others.
Further, due to the cost of privately renting a ramp to accommodate people unable to climb these 13 steps, public event producers are reluctant to consider certain speakers.

Ramp it! Asks the state to provide such a ramp and make it available free of charge to organizations, event planners, rally producers.

Ramp it! Has a cost estimate between $10,000 - $14,000 for the state to purchase such a ramp. The Capital Committee has suggested there is storage space available close by to house the ramp between requests, they have also suggested an un-lawful of chagrining those who request it. This is against the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Help us raise awareness with your State Representatives, State Senators, the Governor and others in state positions of power. Tell them accessibility is a constitutional right. By having the freedom of speech, one is entitled to access to the facility from which one speaks, accessible to all.

For more information contact:

Alicia Paterni
apaterni @ camw.net
517 492 5551

Penny Gardner
Marydrpenny @ yahoo.com
517 484 4512

A project currently being coordinated by Alicia Paterni and Penny Gardner.
Initiated by Nancy English at the Michigan Pride Rally 2007.
With the support of Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Lansing Association For Human Rights, Michigan Commission on Services for the Aging, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan.

April Success Stories

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Genesee

The Genesee RICC has another member that has been appointed to the LAC
Complete Streets project is moving along
The legislator from the Genesee area has introduced a bill that will make a universal ADA card. If passed this would mean that once you got an ADA card it would be recognized by all transit agencies.

St. Clair

Ridership for the month of March on the Blue Water Public Transit beat the record by 13%.
Ridership is up 47% for the year

Wayne

The Wayne RICC and the Arc partnered with United Way & TRUE to work toward increasing riders of choice. These are individuals who don’t have to use public transportation but choose to. Each rider of choice will be given a $10 bus card and then must take a survey.

Lansing

Tandy Bidinger, Paul Palmer and Diane Kempen, all members of the TWG, have been asked by MDOT to participate in an ADA stakeholders meeting on April 17, 2009.

Muskegon

The Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast with a panel presenting different sides to public transit funding
Muskegon Moves Coalition approved the Chamber of Commerce becoming a member of the coalition.

Get Your Citizen's Guide Now

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:35:00 +0000

The new Citizen's Guide to State Government is available.

This booklet has lots of helpful information, including:

Contact information for all the state legislators.
Committee assignments.
Explanations of how state government works.

Diane Kempen carries one with her all the time.

Contact your legislator to request one. If you are coming to the April 21 Transit Action Day, ask your legislator to bring enough for your group.

Reminder: Register for April 21 Legislative Day

TransportationAllies@gmail.com (Glenn A) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Remember to RSVP for a lunch at the:
“Let’s Get Moving” Public Transit Coalition
Legislative Day at the Capitol
April 21, 2009

The RSVP number is 517-372-0860
Also be sure to bring a photo ID and to call your legislators to personally invite them to attend.

Please join members of the Let’s Get Moving Coalition for a day of grass roots advocacy on behalf of public transportation!

When: Tuesday April 21, 2009
Where: State Capitol
Who: Transit riders, operators, managers and advocates from around the state
Why: To promote and protect public transit services

Advocacy Day Schedule

9:00 House Committee Hearing (optional) TBA

10:30 Grass Roots Training Session Mackinac Room

11:30 Legislative Luncheon Mackinac Room

1:00 Debriefing and Feedback Mackinac Room

1:30 House Session (optional) State Capitol

2:00 Transit Press Conference Capitol Rotunda

RSVP Policy

Please contact Capitol Services, Inc. and let them know if you plan to attend. They can be reached at 517-372-0860, or through email to csi@capitolservices.org.