Friday, January 13, 2012

Federal judge rules in favor of more accessible taxis


Hurray!  Advocates for persons with disabilities have been fighting with the city of New York regarding accessible taxis.  Now, a federal judge has ruled in their favor.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/nyregion/taxi-fleet-in-new-york-is-inadequate-for-wheelchair-users-judge-rules.html

The resistance on the part of the city and its Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has been both puzzling and annoying.  With the population of persons with disabilities growing, and a new fleet of taxis being commissioned, the city administration, led by Mayor Bloomberg, fought against making the new taxis accessible.  The new taxis were to have all sorts of amenities, including televisions, but it was deemed that they should not be accessible.

Advocates did not give up the fight and this decision was recently handed down.  Additionally, Governor Cuomo signed a bill that asks for a plan for more taxis to be accessible. 

Persons with disabilities comprise the third largest market segment in the United States.  Additionally, accommodations for persons with disabilities are frequently adopted by the general population as innovations.  So, it’s time to retire the argument regarding costs.  It’s an investment, people!

Annette Bourbonniere




Twitter:  @AccessInclude

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