JFActivist

Action Alert: Tell DOT to Stop Discriminating Against Travelers with Psychiatric Disabilities

Action Alert: Tell DOT to Stop Discriminating Against Travelers with Psychiatric Disabilities

From the Psychiatric Service Dog Society (11/24/09):

In May 2009, new Air Carrier Access Act regulations were enacted requiring differential treatment of passengers using Psychiatric Service Animals (PSAs) as opposed to those using other types of service animals.  Air passengers with PSAs (and only that type of service animal) must provide the airline with 48 hrs notice and a letter from their mental health practitioner who they must be seeing within 12 months of flying.  People with any other type of disability who use service animals do not have to provide any notice, documentation or disclosure of disability.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) enacted these changes due to concerns people might misrepresent pets as PSAs. They cite abuse of a special class of pet, called Emotional Support Animals (ESA).  However, these animals are pets not service animals.

Requirement of documentation and notice for PSAs is not a solution because people will simply fake other types of service animals. DOT has opened a comment period ending December 17, 2009 for people to respond to these new rules.

The Psychiatric Service Dog Society's comments regarding these changes can be downloaded, and are summarized below:

http://www.psychdog.org/attach/PSDSACAAcomments.pdf

1) These changes discriminate against an entire class of people with disabilities.
2) There is no data regarding fraudulent use of psychiatric service animals.
3) Abuse of the ESA category is not a valid reason to discriminate against people with PSAs
4) People with PSAs are no more inclined toward fraudulent behavior than those with any other type of service animal.

ESAs are pets that have been granted status by the DOT. They are not service animals.  PSDS proposes no documentation be required for any service animal.  Documentation may be required for ESAs or they may be eliminated from in-cabin air travel.

Additional background information can be found here:
http://www.psychdog.org/comm_talkback.html

To read the request for comments and to submit a comment, please visit:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480a2662c

Please submit a statement by December 17th and circulate this to others in the disability communities.  Minimally, you can state "I agree with the Psychiatric Service Dog Society's position".  If you want to include more detail, you may copy the PSDS position summary from above, or craft your own statement.

Please contact me for more information!  Thank you in advance for your support.

Veronica Morris
Psychiatric Service Dog Society Volunteer
veronica@psd-user.net

Sidewalks become battlegrounds

From USA Today (10/25/09):

Sidewalks become battlegrounds
By Chris Joyner, USA TODAY

JACKSON, Miss. — The nation's crumbling sidewalks have disabled residents taking their wheelchairs to the streets, a potentially dangerous practice that has cash-strapped cities and disability-rights advocates at odds over how to fix the problem.

Cities across the nation are dealing with eroding sidewalks that do not meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under the ADA, state and local governments cannot discriminate against the disabled in providing "services, programs or activities," including access to sidewalks.

Although there are no specific statistics on the number of accidents involving wheelchairs in streets, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, disability was a factor in 617 pedestrian traffic fatalities last year.

Disabled residents here take their lives in their hands getting from point A to point B, says Scott Crawford, a disability-rights advocate...

...In the past 10 years, the Justice Department has inked settlement agreements of ADA complaints with dozens of cities as part of a push called Project Civic Access, an effort to ensure cities eliminate physical and communication barriers for people with disabilities.

Elsewhere:

•In California, state officials are fighting a federal class-action lawsuit filed by disability-rights advocates who want thousands of wheelchair ramps installed along 2,500 miles of sidewalks on state roads across the state. Mary-Lee Kimber, staff attorney at Disability Rights Advocates, a non-profit law firm representing the plaintiffs, said the two sides are working toward a settlement after a judge last month halted the trial to allow more negotiations. If the state loses, it faces potentially billions of dollars in sidewalk-repair costs.

•In Arlington, Texas, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in June that two disabled residents could proceed with a lawsuit against the city over the condition of its sidewalks. John Nevins, attorney for residents Richard Frame and Wendell Decker, said his clients, who are disabled, sued because they could not access the sidewalks in their wheelchairs, keeping them from getting to medical and city services.

•In Columbia, Mo., the City Council last week passed an ordinance making it a misdemeanor for motorists to harass disabled people in the public rights of way. Mayor Darwin Hindman said the language for wheelchairs and walkers was added to an existing law for bicyclists to protect "more vulnerable classes" of pedestrians...

>>> For the Full Article

Join the Conversation on Transportation Problems and Solutions

From United We Ride (10/26/09):

Spread the Word: United We Ride National Dialogue

NOVEMBER 2-13, 2009

www.UWRdialogue.org

Do you know anyone who might have a suggestion or an idea about how to increase access to affordable and reliable transportation services for people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes?

Please ask them to sign up now at www.uwrdialogue.org to participate in an upcoming online National Dialogue with representatives of the federal government, as well as state and community leaders!

Stakeholders can provide critical input to the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) and help the best ideas 'rise to the top' during the dialogue. Just click the link at the bottom to sign up to participate in this free on-line dialogue! It is important that this dialogue be as inclusive as possible, so please spread the word.

For more information about this exciting new collaborative opportunity, please visit:
www.UWRdialogue.org

Electric Cars Threaten Blind

From the NY Times (10/13/09):

Hybrid Cars May Include Fake Vroom for Safety
By Jim Motavalli

For decades, automakers have been on a quest to make cars quieter: an auto that purrs, and glides almost silently in traffic.

They have finally succeeded. Plug-in hybrid and electric cars, it turns out, not only reduce air pollution, they cut noise pollution as well with their whisper-quiet motors. But that has created a different problem. They aren’t noisy enough.

So safety experts, worried that hybrids pose a threat if pedestrians, children and others can’t hear them approaching, want automakers to supply some digitally enhanced vroom. Indeed, just as cellphones have ring tones, “car tones” may not be far behind — an option for owners of electric vehicles to choose the sound their cars emit...

...The notion that battery E.V.’s and plug-in hybrids might be too quiet has gained backing in Congress, among federal regulators and on the Internet. The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, introduced early this year, would require a federal safety standard to protect pedestrians from ultra-quiet cars...

...A study published last year by the University of California, Riverside and financed by the National Federation of the Blind evaluated the effect of sounds emitted by hybrid and internal-combustion cars traveling at 5 miles per hour.

People listening in a lab could correctly detect a gas-powered car’s approach when it was 28 feet away, but could not hear the arrival of a hybrid operating in silent battery mode until it was only seven feet away...

>>> For the Full Article

AAPR Demands Wheelchair Access on Planes

Press Release from the Association for Airline Passenger Rights:

AAPR Endorses Petition for Wheelchair Accessibility on Airplanes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 21, 2009) - The Association for Airline  Passenger Rights (AAPR) today endorsed a petition being circulated by  Sally O'Neill, a 17-year old girl with cerebral palsy, calling on the  airline industry to comply with the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.  The petition calls on the airline industry to modify the first seat in the first row to allow passengers with disabilities using wheelchairs to remain in their wheelchairs during flight.

"After consulting with numerous professionals with disabilities having expertise in accessibility and safety standards, we determined that the 'O'Neill petition' was an important initiative to support," said Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights.  "Forcing people with disabilities to travel using non-disabled standards when safe alternatives are available is not consistent with the principles laid out in the ADA."

Macsata further stated, "This petition asks that the first seat in the first row of the airplane be removable with the capability to have tie-downs inserted when needed to accommodate a wheelchair, or that the airlines develop a solution to this urgent need.  Modifying 1-2 seats per airplane represents an investment to further improve air travel for passengers with disabilities -- especially people with cerebral palsy."

To learn more about the O'Neill petition, please contact UCP Family  Support, 11731 NE Glenn Widing Drive, Portland, Oregon  97220, or call 503-777-4166 x232.

The Association for Airline Passenger Rights is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote fairer customer  service and accessibility standards in the airline industry and to  improve passenger satisfaction.  AAPR was formed in response to growing dissatisfaction among American consumers toward the airline industry.  According to the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), a polling organization that rates over forty-three businesses in ten sectors based on in-depth interviewing and computer-based extrapolation of its results, the Big Six legacy airlines (full-service providers with national or international flight routes) rate the lowest of all sixteen industries surveyed in the first quarter of 2008.

For more information about the Association for Airline Passenger Rights, please visit www.flyfriendlyskies.com or contact AAPR directly at info@flyfriendlyskies.com.

Govt Needs Your Expertise to Review Applications for $4.5B in Broadband Grants

Govt Needs Your Expertise to Review Applications for $4.5B in Broadband Grants
by Jenifer Simpson, AAPD

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), a $4.5B broadband stimulus program seeks to bring universal broadband access to all Americans while creating jobs and stimulating the economy. The administrator, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), needs experienced professionals who can review grant applications using a peer-review model. NTIA needs reviewers with relevant expertise, from diverse backgrounds, regions and experience in at least one of the following areas: expertise in broadband deployment and infrastructure; experience with personal computers, software and local area networks; experience in community technology and digital inclusion programs; experience reviewing grant applications from nonprofit and public agencies; expertise in Education, Health Care, Disability Access, Economic and Workforce Development, Libraries, Human and Social Services and/or Affordable Housing; experience with outreach to targeted vulnerable populations, including: Children/Youth, Senior Citizens, Disabled, Low Income Communities of Color, Native Americans, Immigrant Communities, Non English Speaking.; understanding of how broadband access enables communities to fully participate in the 21st century economy.

NTIA would like you or a staff member to participate as a peer reviewer and to further disseminate this request. Grant reviewers will participate remotely and will not be required to attend any in-person meetings; no honorariums available.  Reviewers of applications will: participate in a 40 minute on-line, webinar training session; be assigned to a three person panel of reviewers (all panel members will score the same applications); access an on-line portal through which they will read, print and score five to ten applications assigned to each reviewer; and participate in a moderated conference call of the three-person panel during which members of the panel will discuss each application.   Reviewers will commit approximately 20-25 hours to this effort.  Reviewers will begin scoring applications in mid-September and will finish their work by mid-October. If you are able to serve as a reviewer, please submit a copy of your resume to btopreviewer@ntia.doc.gov.  (NTIA will use the resumes to match reviewers to applications that are most in line with a reviewer's particular experience and/or expertise.)  If you have additional questions, please call (888) 861-5509 or e-mail BTOPreviewer@ntia.doc.gov for further information.

APRIL: Juntos Podemos! - Together We Can!

From APRIL (9/2/09):

Dear Members and Friends of APRIL,

We need your support! Two years ago in Missoula, Montana, Puerto Rico was chosen as the site for the 15th Annual APRIL conference. No one could have predicted the fiscal climate change that would envelope us all in the next two years! But it did! So, now is the time for us to unite and chart the course of Independent Living that will impact the lives of people with disabilities for generations to come.

The theme for this year's conference is Juntos Podemos! - Together We Can!

While the major funding source of Independent Living lives in a world of perpetual inconsistency; Together We Can:  Develop a model of Independent Living with clearly defined goals and objectives, reporting requirements and an equitable funding distribution.
Conference Workshop: Future of IL

While the population of disabled American Veterans continues to grow;
Together We Can:  Expand our network of independent living services to returning veterans through a developing relationship with the Veterans Administration.
Conference Workshop: Veterans and IL

While the world struggles with energy independence and an aging transportation infrastructure; Together We Can:  Advocate for a transportation system that is accessible to "All" Americans.
Conference Workshop(s):     RTC: Rural Transportation
                            CTAA:  Coordinated Transportation
                            Easter Seals Project Action
                            Michael Winter (keynote)

While the country is struggling to define health care;
Together We Can:  Advocate for a health care system that does not punish our brothers and sisters solely for having a disability.
Conference Workshop:  RTC:  Living/Working Well with a Disability

We live in unprecedented times. With the socio and economic balance of our country flirting with disaster, it is our duty and responsibility as advocates, to work together to enhance the opportunities for our brothers and sisters with disabilities to live independently.

Together We Can:  Be the change you wish to see in the world. (Gandhi)

APRIL's Pledge to YOU:  In this time of Cash for Clunkers and stimulus checks, we are extending our Early Bird price of $250 for APRIL members, $300 for Non-members all the way to the conference.  We will also customize payment options for centers that may need to defer payment.
Contact Elissa at 501-753-3400 or april-elissa@sbcglobal.net for more information.

I hope you will use this opportunity to network and build collaborations that will impact the lives of people with disabilities, not only in America, but across the globe!

Gracious y nos vemos en Puerto Rico.

Billy Atom
Executive Director

Just In: AAPD Joins Facebook Causes

From the JFA Moderator:

AAPD recently joined Facebook Causes as a way to get the word out about the disability rights movement and to make it easier for YOU, our dedicated activists, to contribute your support.

Take Action TODAY: Join or Donate to AAPD's Cause on Facebook and share these links with your friends.

>>> To Join the Movement

>>> To Support our Work

Action Alert: Share your Transportation Stories with Congress

From Donna McNamee (9/2/09):

Transportation for America Needs Your Stories for Congress

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling it - cutbacks in how much funding local transit authorities receive have meant longer commutes, fewer routes, increased fares, and a lot of frustration. And I know it's not just me - 75% of transit agencies have had to either trim down service or raise prices over the last few years, and the effects trickle down to everyone.

But for persons with disabilities and seniors, the impact is devastating. Those us us who literally have no other way to travel are now imprisioned in our homes when transit system service hours are cut. Those on fixed incomes are unable to afford the higher fares and the end result is the same: Staying at home and living in isolation. But it's not just the isolation, it's the job loss, the inability to go to school, seek medical care and remain independent in our home communities. The problems with transit which Congress and our state legislatures are ignoring is destroying the lives we've struggled to build.

The folks at Transportation for America have been collecting stories about how transit cuts are affecting real people, and the things people have written in are stunning. We need to make sure our members of Congress hear these stories so they can know what it’s like and pass laws to fix it. Will you pass the stories on to your representatives?

Just follow this link to take action: http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/3224/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1996

Thanks - I really appreciate your help!

AAPD and American Airlines Promote Positive Imaging

           

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, August 5, 2009

AMERICAN AIRLINES AND AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES LAUNCH INAUGURAL ‘ALTITUDE AWARD’ CALL FOR ENTRIES

New Award Recognizes Authentic Depictions of People with
Disabilities in Television Advertising

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are pleased to announce the creation of the “Altitude Award” honoring the best U.S. television commercials featuring authentic depictions of people with disabilities.

“Every TV commercial tells a story, and we believe the Altitude Award competition will provide the American public unique insight into the country’s most socially responsible companies,” said Roger Frizzell, American Airlines Vice President – Corporate Communications and Advertising. “At American Airlines, one of our highest priorities is the continuous quest to promote workplace diversity and inclusion, as well as equal employment opportunities for all individuals. We are pleased to be associated with this competition, are looking forward to reviewing all of the entries, and are confident that our judging panel – and the public – will have many worthy commercials to consider.”

“Many people get their information about disability from the media, including television advertising. AAPD is delighted to be partnering with American Airlines to lift up the commercials that tell our story in a way that helps to change attitudes and increase societal recognition of disability as a natural part of the human experience,” said Andrew Imparato, President and CEO of the AAPD.

American Airlines and the AAPD are calling on all companies and advertisers to join a powerful voice of political, economic and social change for people with disabilities by submitting innovative, original television commercials that portray people with disabilities in a positive and progressive light. Entries must be submitted online at www.aa.com/altitude by the producing agency or company and will be evaluated in Dallas by a panel of judges. Five finalists will be selected for public voting.

The finalist with the most votes will receive the Altitude Award, along with highly- coveted free advertising onboard American Airlines planes. The winning ad will be announced in November 2009.

The judging criteria for the inaugural Altitude Award will include:
•    Overall appeal
•    Authentic depiction of an individual with a disability
•    Clarity of message

Only spots that have aired between Oct. 1, 2007, and March 31, 2009, are eligible for submission.

The American Association of People with Disabilities is the country’s largest cross-disability membership organization with more than 100,000 members throughout the United States.  American Airlines Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey originally announced this competition at AAPD’s Annual Leadership Gala in Washington, D.C., on March 4.

About The American Association of People with Disabilities
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership organization, organizes the disability community to be a powerful voice for change – politically, economically, and socially.  AAPD was founded in 1995 to help unite the diverse community of people with disabilities, including their family, friends and supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To learn more about the AAPD, visit www.aapd.com.

About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.