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The Plot Thickens

Submitted by Fiona Watson on Thu, 03/24/2011 - 18:55

I received an email from the manager of Mobility Plus. In it, I was told that the difference between them and Toronto’s TTC Wheel Trans is that Wheel Trans buses do not have seat belts. I am not sure where Mobility Plus is getting their information, but someone isn’t doing their homework. Wheel-Trans vehicles have seat belts. Attendants who are “non-registered riders” are permitted to stand, without a seatbelt, just as they would on a conventional service vehicle (TTC bus).

Mobility Plus says that they are following the guidelines of the Highway Traffic Act regarding seat belt usage, but if they are bound by it, then why isn’t Wheel-Trans?

Mobility Plus talks about wanting to ensure the safety of everyone concerned. They have repeatedly said that my attendant standing endangers other people on the vehicle. It is interesting to note that Mobility Plus has acknowledged that customers who can provide a letter of medical exemption are not required to wear a seat belt when on the bus. Following their logic, doesn’t that mean that anyone on the bus with such a customer is at risk? What is the difference?

Mobility Plus has offered two options: have the driver stop whenever needed (totally impractical since he or she would need to stop every few seconds), or have an OT evaluate me and make recommendations. Sigh.

I sent them my thoughts and requested a face-to-face meeting. The reply I received failed to acknowledge a single point I raised. I’m agreeing to meet with an OT to prove my needs once again. Stay tuned.

YORK REGION MOBILITY PLUS LEAVES ME MINUS MOBILITY

Submitted by Fiona Watson on Mon, 03/07/2011 - 11:00

In early January, I moved from Toronto to Newmarket. I have severe Muscular Dystrophy and use an electric wheelchair. It took a lot of planning to ensure that I would be able to function in my new home and community.

I applied to Mobility Plus, York Region’s specialized transportation service, in December. Shortly after I moved, I was visited by an Inspector who needed to confirm that I am unable to use a minivan because of my height and chair size. I soon received my registration card and was on my way…or so I thought.

I booked a ride to go to a medical appointment and when the bus arrived, I boarded. My attendant took up her usual position beside me. The nature of my disability requires that I have neck and head support as well as assistance balancing to facilitate my breathing. I was shocked when the driver of the vehicle said my attendant had to sit and wear a seatbelt at all times. After explaining my needs to her, the driver made a phone call and said she couldn’t proceed unless the attendant sat down. Even if my attendant was sitting a couple of feet from me, the driver stated she couldn’t undo her belt to assist me. It’s interesting to note that on the Mobility Plus application, one of the questions asks if the applicant requires an attendant to travel with them, and why. If the accompanying attendant cannot assist the applicant, why would they require an attendant? It boggles the mind. I had no choice but to disembark and miss my appointment.

I immediately contacted the Inspector who had met with me and was told to provide a physician’s letter explaining why the attendant needed to stand. I submitted a letter, was given an amendment by their office, and sent in the revised note. After hearing nothing for 10 days, I contacted the Inspector again. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been given a myriad of reasons why I cannot be accommodated and yes, I am still waiting for resolution. Late last week, the Inspector gave the impression that nothing could be done. On Friday, I received an e-mail from someone in authority who said they are “still investigating“.

Surely I am not the only consumer who requires assistance while on a vehicle? People stand on “regular” busses every day. I can’t help but wonder how many people who do not know how to self-advocate (or have the support of family and friends) are sitting housebound after being told the same thing.

Ironically, I sent my resume to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee when I heard that they were looking for members to help make York Region more accessible for people with disabilities. I was delighted when they contacted me for an interview. Unfortunately, I was unable to schedule and attend a meeting with them and have missed a wonderful opportunity to contribute to my new community. I suggested that they consider using my current transportation predicament as a future agenda item.

I’m supposed to receive an update from Mobility Plus today or Tuesday, so watch this space.

Asking the Toronto Transit Commission NOT to break the AODA Law

Submitted by Sam Savona on Fri, 07/25/2014 - 17:24

Hello everyone.

This concerns mostly to the people in Toronto.

I've been asking around about if now that the provincial government budgeted for infrastructure, has the TTC reversed their decision not to meet the requirement 2025 deadline to have the whole system fully accessible. Although I didn't get a definate no, the answer was no. I was reminded that four or five years ago, the city of Toronto insisted that the TTC reduce its capital budget. This made the TTC rethink their priorities, in my view.

Now I attended the TTC board meeting on July 23rd and they were discussing building a new multi-million dollar garage. To my surprise Karen Stintz, a city councillor/ TTC board member/mayoralty candidate in the upcoming city elections, put forward a motion that said instead of using that money to build a garage, they should use that money to meet the AODA requirements. That motion was defeated. Another motion was put forward directing staff to bring a report to next month's meeting which will suggest which projects could be delayed in order to redirect the funds towards finishing making the whole system fully accessible by 2025. That motion passed.

Now I really would like to see the disability community to a) organize a rally around this on the day this report is tabled and b) As many people/organizations making deputations in favor in completing making the whole system fully accessible by 2025. If we can do this we'd be sending a clear message to the candidates! The next TTC board meeting is on August 19 at 1:00. They usually start to hear from the public by 2:00. If people would like to make a deputation on an item on the agenda, they must contact the TTC before to put your name on the speakers’ list. You will be given 5 minutes to say your piece then board members may ask you questions. The following is taken right off of the TTC web site regarding making a deputation:

“The TTC belongs to all of us and the Board encourages people to provide input into decisions that may affect them, their business or their neighborhood.
Requests to appear as a speaker for action items on a meeting agenda will be accepted in writing until 12:00 noon of the business day immediately before the meeting day. Please note that the public may only make a deputation on an information report if, at a previous meeting, the Board has given notice of its intention to hear deputations on that information report.
Some important facts to know prior to making your appearance include:
• Each appearance is limited to five minutes to give as many people as possible an opportunity to speak.
• Members of the Board may ask you questions.
• A written submission may be submitted when you make your deputation, but it is not necessary.
• Written comments may also be given or sent without speaking to the Board.
If you would like to appear before the Board, contact the Coordinator – Secretariat Services who is responsible for coordinating the meeting process. You may do this by sending an email to gso@ttc.ca.”

I would like to encourage EVERYONE to do all, some, or at least one of the following,

• Pass this along to EVERYONE you know, especially those in Toronto and encourage them to do the same thing

• Attend the August 19th meeting just to show your support,

• Write to all board members stating that you wish that they obey the law under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to make all transit systems fully accessible by the year 2025. Please go to the TTC website (ttc.ca) to see who is on the board.

Take care!
Sam Savona

Parking fines triple

City claims it's not a cash racket

By TAMARA CHERRY, SUN MEDIA

March 14, 2008

Parking Enforcement Officer Hanif Khakoo tickets a car on the Church St.-Esplanade area. (Jack Boland, Sun Media)

Tripling the amount drivers will pay for parking illegally in disabled, fire hydrant or fire route spaces has nothing to do with increasing revenue for a cash-strapped Toronto, the city says.

"What we are really hoping is that it will not bring any more revenue," the city's director of traffic management Roberto Stopnicki said yesterday, after the new fines took effect.

"What would be ideal is that the actual revenue that is brought as a result of these fines is continuously decreased because the public is continuously abiding by the law."

As of midnight yesterday, parking in a handicapped spot without a permit will cost Torontonians $450, up from $50-$150, depending on different bylaws of former municipalities.

The idea for this hike was conceived in 2002 in response to the provincial Ontarians with Disabilities Act. "The people who actually needed to use the spaces were not able to do that," Stopnicki said. Parking near a fire hydrant will now cost you $100, up from $30. Blocking a fire route will mean $250 out of your pocket, up from $75-$100.

These increases were recommended in 2004, but the city has had to wait until recently for provincial approval.

There were 5,500 handicapped parking tickets issued in 2006, but "severely alarming" was the number of fire-related tickets, Stopnicki said.

Nearly 40,000 were issued for blocking fire routes in 2006 and about 35,000 were for fire hydrant violations, he said.