ADA Fundamentals

CalACT Spring Conference 2009

Pat Piras Consulting 510-278-1631

piras@ix.netcom.com

Partial History

1973 UMTA Section 16(b)(2) -- now FTA 5310Rehabilitation Act Section 504

1979 USDOT “local option” regs~~ should have “left well enough alone”

1990 ADA enacted1991 / 1993 / 1996 -- ADA regs & amendments1998 First specific funding for paratransit, TEA-212006 “reasonable modification” NPRM, commentsnext? . . .

How are the regulations being interpreted ?What day is today?

Basic Principles

Nondiscrimination

Comparability

Safety = Risk to others, not self

Some Key Paratransit Issues

Eligibility -- seewww.dredf.org/transportation/paratransit_eligibility.htmland Doug Cross article at the last bullet ofhttp://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_distance_learning_2008_para_elig_supplemental

Two “windows” -- one-hour negotiated for scheduling, plus “on-time”

Non-binding “guidance” from DOT

Aging population and changing expectations

Some Key Fixed Route Issues

Calling Out StopsBus Stop AccessBus Stop SignageLift/Ramp access & usability

Ongoing & Evolving IssuesSecurements & RestraintsService AnimalsOversize/overweight WheelchairsKidsSegways“Violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal”MedicaidWhat is “reasonable”?

Google “wheelchair scale”

http://www.scalesgalore.com/wheelchair-scales-comparison-chart.htm