Paul.Guido@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Paul Guido) (06/20/91)
Index Number: 16257
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
MD>> care--blind people, according to Federal regs, are disabled
MD>> persons--persons with Disabilities--whatever--and should be
MD>> able to use the transit system.
i would like to express my thoughts and feelings on the subjeect of
para-transit. first of all i feel any form of special accomadation
which is unnecessary is another form of segregation. i do agree
para-transit should be an option or reserved for those who really need
it. yes it is unreasonably high. of coarse everyone has their own
feelings on the subject this applies only to me.
..integration not segregation
... Xpress Yourself!
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!Paul.Guido
Internet: Paul.Guido@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.orgMargo.Downey@f60.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Margo Downey) (06/21/91)
Index Number: 16264
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Check on where that funding comes from--you should be able to get your
you-know-what down to that place where they do the transit and look at records
to see where funding comes from for the whole transit/paratransit system.
That's what you do first, Willie.
Find other folks who may need to use the service at times--and I don't know
exactly how to tell you how to do that--but needs to be addressed somehow--one
way or another. And, that damn (would like to use another word) test needs to
be stricken--that's the silliest, degrading, demoralizing thing I have heard
of in a long, long time! Is she getting mad--yes, she is!!! Everyone, I am
sure, would agree at least that that test is dumb!!!!!
Let me think some more . . . Anyone else wanna jump in. Look, Wllie, if they
can serve one group, they can serve all groups--and folks can, without damn
degrading tests, can take advantage when and if they desire.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!382!60!Margo.Downey
Internet: Margo.Downey@f60.n382.z1.fidonet.orgTom.Gerhart@f210.n273.z1.fidonet.org (Tom Gerhart) (06/22/91)
Index Number: 16367
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Willie
I know that alot of people will be upset by this mesg. but here goes,
In phila, blind people are able to use paratransit, and in fact there
is an agency for the blind that uses paratransit as its tranportation
department, and promotes the use of this service by its employees as
well as its clients. The point I really want to make is that if I were a
person who really needed to use the system and was not able to do so
because all the rides were taken up by people who were able to use the
bus I would not be very happy. In my oppinion the system is being
abused by the blind, I understand there are some blind people who need
to use the system but most of them should get out there and take the bus
with the rest of us. tom G
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!273!210!Tom.Gerhart
Internet: Tom.Gerhart@f210.n273.z1.fidonet.orgcmfaltz@phoenix.princeton.edu (Christine Marie Faltz) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16376 Good for you, Tom; I agree completely. Of course, there are elderly people who are blind who have bad hips or are otherwise unable to move about with ease. But inadequate mobility skills or an unwillingness to walk several blocks to a bus stop is not a valid reason for paratransit. In the first case, paratransit is only superficial protection for someone whose travel skills are inadequate. Spend state oney on getting better mobility training, don't rob the mobility impaired of their accessible rights because we need better cane instructors or because you're lazy. While we're discussing those who believe they deserve preferential treat,emt because their sight is minimal or nonexistent, I want to say that I agree with -- I believe it was Tim -- on matters of Free Matter, SsI, etc. As far as half fare or free transportation, why should the econmically disavantaged blind get something single mothers, homelss children and adults or other unemployed folks don't get? If one argues that these people have ore opportunity to better themselves, -- I'm sorry, but you're wrong. As far as SSI, why should I, the dependent of a two-income family, be given money because I'm blind? I take my checks, but I am keeping careful track of what the state has and continues to spend on me. Why? Because I intend to find a way of spending that amount of money over a period of years on a person or persons who deserve my investment. There is no reason why people should be paying my way for anything, but as long as I am "entitled" under the law, I am going to pay it back. I intend to look after myself; I don't want the money of those who refuse to admit that I am capable of makimg it for myself. Free Matter. As far as mailing books, I think it is fair for us to have the Free Matter regulations, since ths ighted have access to books without mailing. However, we should be required to pay some fee for textbooks, since sighted college students pay quite a bit for theirs. (May I point out that most college students are not wealthy, so using the economic argument is bogus.) I NEVER use the Free Matter privilege for personal mail. As for magazines, why aren't we paying a subscription fee for those we wish to receive? Sighted people pay for their magazines. Someone made the point that they can copy magazines at a library; not legally, my friend. I agree that subscription fees should not be equal, since we do get themagazimes late. But did you ever stop to think that if we paid a little for what we get, quality would be better. It would take several days, instead of weeks, forus to get our magazines. There are sighted people who are not well enough off to afford the luxury of magazines. They must go to the library if they want to read those magazines or watch television or go to a public access computer number -- if theyown a computer andmodem Why should we, simply because we are blind, get all this "assistance"? Even if I disagree with some people on this echo, it is clear that you are intelligent people and there isno reason why each and every one of you should not be able to convince an employer that you are capable of gainful employment. SSI offers no incentive for getting off? Excuse me, but I intend to make far more money than SSI offers me, and I'm certainly not going to let my mind rot doing nothing but reading my handouts. I know that many blind people are elderly and do not wish to try to get work any longer. I am talking to those of us who are young and still have spirit. Why should my taxes be going to pay for some blind person who thinks the world owes him or her something? The world owes me nothing but respect and the acknowledgment that I am a capable and competent human being. If it continues to refuse to give me that, I will smply have to fight it to the best of my ability -- I am winning now, and I will continue to win. The rest of you -- and I know most of you already are -- can win, too. We are equal to the rest, not special, and not needy. I'm tired of hearing how dependent the conomically disadvantaged blind must be gon the handouts society offers us. If you became sighted tomorrow, all your little handouts would disappear. Of course, you might argue: "If I got my sight tomorrow, someone would hire me." Really? I've got news for you: motivation and skill get you employed. ATtitude, perseverance, and determination get you what you want. There are plenty of sighted people who are kept outof the job market because they believe that they aren't worth anything, that they aren't capble or that they, who are women, blacks, gays, learning disabled, etc. will not get hired. Sooner or later, people begin to realize that just because you're white and male, doesn't mean you're competent and the best worker for the job. People don't want to go bankrupt; they will hire you if you're the best, or at least one of the best. Become one of the best. I intend to, and I hope all of you come right along with me. -- | Poor is the person whose permission | Christine Faltz 33 Prospect Ave. | | depends upon the perceptions of others | Princeton, NJ 08540 | "Who is John Galt?"
William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16396
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
TG> I would not be very happy. In my oppinion the system is being
TG> abused by the blind, I understand there are some blind people
TG> who need to use the system but most of them should get out
TG> there and take the bus with the rest of us.
Tom,
Just so everyone is aware of my position on this, I basically agree
with you! In fact, most of the blind people I know using the
paratransit system in Pittsburgh are fully capable of using the bus, and
use paratransit because it is more convenient. Likewise, they must not
be overflowing with self-pride, as they must have put on an act when
they took the simulated bus step test!
However, by far, most of the riders on the paratransit system here
are elderly people, most of whom I am sure are likewise physically
capable of climbing bus steps, but they didn't have to go through the
ordeal of faking as if they couldn't like most of the blind users.
I do think that an alternative to the cab company should be
available to blind people for transportation to those places not
available by bus, at least as long as it is available to people whose
sole requirement is they be over the age of 65. How to impliment this,
I have no idea!
Willie
... BlinkTalk, Dr. Deb and Silver in Pittsburgh!
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!William.Wilson
Internet: William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.orgStu.Turk@p0.f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Stu Turk) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16403
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
WW> with you! In fact, most of the blind people I know using the
WW> paratransit system in Pittsburgh are fully capable of using the
WW> bus, and
WW> use paratransit because it is more convenient. Likewise, they must not
WW> be overflowing with self-pride, as they must have put on an act when
WW> they took the simulated bus step test!
ACCESS (the paratransit service) no longer requires the "test" to see if
someone can get up the step of the bus or not (some crips put up a stink and
got it eleminated. :-)
My sister and I are both legally blind and both can use the bus but use
ACCESS from time to time because we are both severaly hearing impaired. We
especially use it when going someplace for the first time when we have no
landmarks to guide us in getting off the bus or getting where we need to go
from the bus stop. Some of you blinks should stop and consider how much more
fun you'd have if you coldn't hear to ask people for directions. <grin>
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!26.0!Stu.Turk
Internet: Stu.Turk@p0.f26.n129.z1.fidonet.orgMary.Otten@p0.f1055.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Mary Otten) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16406
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
I agree and disagree with you on the subject of paratransit, if that's
possible. Iagree that some blind people do abuse the system. Idon't know
how many, and unless you want to set up some kind of double standard,
that is, testing for blind people while other "disabled" people can ride
whenever they want, you're left with the same system. It is the honor
system for all disabled folks who do or don't choose to ride
paratransit. Iuse it sometimes, and some times Idon't. It mostly has to
do with whether the bus goes where Iam going or whether even if the bus
does go there, it will take me 3 hours one way because of the stupid way
the system is set up. Isuppose, in the later case, you could argue, that
Iam taking advantage of the system, depriving somebody else of a ride.
Oh well. I guess Ican livewith that on my conscience, especially since
Iknow that there is no priority system for giving rides on our
paratransit system. That is, they don't look at requests and decide to
give everybody who is going to the doctor first priority. Imight lose
out on a medical trip because somebody decides they want to see their
hair dresser half way accross town. That is just life, and Idon't see
the necessity of pointing out only the blind who misuse the system. It
doesn't make it right, but other folks do it to.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1055.0!Mary.Otten
Internet: Mary.Otten@p0.f1055.n261.z1.fidonet.orgWalter.Siren@p18.f5.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Walter Siren) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16432
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
MO> priority system for giving rides on our paratransit system. That is, they
MO> don't look at requests and decide to give everybody who is going to the
MO> doctor first priority. Imight lose out on a medical trip because somebody
MO> decides they want to see their hair dresser half way accross town.
Well, the way I understand it, is that it is to furnish you
transportation where you want to go, and not where you need to go.
The theory is that "normal", for the lack of a better word, people
can get there, and so should handicapped people have the same
privelege to get there also.
Walter
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!5.18!Walter.Siren
Internet: Walter.Siren@p18.f5.n396.z1.fidonet.orgMargo.Downey@f60.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Margo Downey) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16440
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Walter, Mary, and all, we have an interesting system here that you might want
to implement in your areas. We have the regular bus service at 60 cents a
ride--for paratransit. We also have the voucher program. The voucher program
lets you, in some circumstances, call a cab company and tell them you have
reserved a voucher trip. You give the company your name, ID number, where to
pick you up. The cab people call Special Transit and verify the trip. They
come to get you and you pay 60 cents as if it were a regular paratransit ride.
The system pays up to $8.75 of your trip. So, let's say my trip came to $10.
I would pay the 60 cents and the $1.25 to get home. Now, let me tell you
that many drivers will just charge you the system fare--in other words, you'd
just pay the 60 cents regardless of what the total fare was. Now, the
vouchers are used for the following circumstances: 1. taking you to where
you need to go when you come into the airport from a trip--hard to schedule a
paratransit trip if you don't know if the plane'll be late; 2. For bus
trips--to take you whereever after you get off the bus and get luggage; 3.
Doctors' appointments--getting you home mostly from the doctor; 4. Work
trips--example: Many people are now getting on permanent status and want
especially to have voucher trips to come home because maybe they have to work
overtime and don't know when they will have to--same could go for trips to
work--maybe one has to go in earlier or later; 5. Sometimes, paratransit
screws up on a trip--at these times--they will tell you to get a voucher
trip--call a cab--and they pay the whole thing. One time, it was raining very
hard and I was going to be late for church because the driver didn't get to
me. Well, they told me to call a cab--I went to the church in South Austin
that day--they paid the whole $18 for me. If anyone has further questions
about the voucher program, ask and if I don't know, I can find out very
easily.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!382!60!Margo.Downey
Internet: Margo.Downey@f60.n382.z1.fidonet.orgMary.Otten@p0.f1089.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Mary Otten) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16443
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
I like your transit advice to Willy, and I agree about what the
priorities should be. Our paratransit system has an arbitrary boundary
accross which they will not go, no matter what, the Beltway. You can go
from one end of creation to the other, so long as it is within the
beltway and for whatevertrivial reason you choose, but, even if it is
for the doctor or a job, and the trip would only be 4 or 5 miles, if it
is outside the beltway, you may not go on paratransit. I had an
interesting experience trying to get on our paratransit consumer
committee. It seems they recently expanded this committee and I, as
President of our local ACB, but more importantly, as a user of both the
paratransit system and regular buses, depending upon the situation, and
also as a blind person with both caneandguidedog travel experience in
several large cities, tried to get on the board. Well, it seems they had
their quota of blind folks. Of course, the committtee is self
perpetuating, the chairman is a blind guy, and how he got there is
anybody's guess. The only reason I got for not being selected was that
they already had blind people. Qualifications or experience of those
people? Unknown. Most discouraging.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1089.0!Mary.Otten
Internet: Mary.Otten@p0.f1089.n261.z1.fidonet.orgDiana.Dawne@f432.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Diana Dawne) (06/28/91)
Index Number: 16533
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Willie, I pretty much agree about using special transportation but the
question here shouldn't be if you are capable of riding a bus or not.
The question is are you qualified as a disabled person. I would like to
see you take this one to the matt. If I were in your area, I'd do it
but again I think the question here is one of entitlement. Once that
was settled, then I should think you would choose to decide on each
situation. I couldn't fake a problem i didn't have either but to be
really honest with you, I have to wonder about using it even for medical
appointments. True enough, sometimes you can feel just sick enough not
to be able to use the bus, but sick enough to need special assistance.
But if you have a full-blown medical problem, I think that should be
handled by special medical transportation where the employees are
trained to handle an emergency.
* EZ 1.30 *
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!432!Diana.Dawne
Internet: Diana.Dawne@f432.n109.z1.fidonet.org