Advocacy

Paratransit Issues (Milwaukee, WI)

Several members of  our Chamber are participating on the MKE county Same-Day Task Force (on-demand rides for the disabled ), the Transit Plus Advisory Committee (TPAC), and the Paratransit Complaint committee.  All of these groups are designed to gather input from the disability community
concerning transportation.  Advocates write letters, make calls, and show up at meeting/town halls to testify about the quality of service to the disabled These public/private partnerships have added a  significant effort for better treatment to riders that need special help.  They have been addressing the issues of tardiness, training, rudeness, and safety.  Previously, local government agencies ignored the voices of the disabled riders, but no longer.  Our chamber members and other advocates have been holding them accountable by documenting issues and presenting them to the proper authorities  Recently, a  push for better training for dealing with persons that have dual disabilities (such as blind and deaf) has been brought to light. They have made great progress, but there is still a long way to go.  Transportation remains a  critical barrier for the blind community.