My ADA Story: A Ride Is a Civil Right

By Dr. Timothy Miles

I grew up in western North Carolina and then moved to Chapel Hill to go to college. I happen to have a visual impairment, but that does not define me nor stop me from being an active member of my community. One of the things that helps me be independent is public transportation. Whether it be a taxi, a train or the local bus system – they are all important tools I rely on every day.  Because I have limited vision, it was sometimes hard for me to read the bus number, especially if it was dirty or dimly lit. Sometimes I would have to ask the driver to tell me the bus number. And it was especially tricky if several buses arrived at the same.  Sometimes I would end up missing the bus.  Imagine missing the bus and being late for work or an important meeting only to wait hours before the next bus looped back around.   

Today, public transportation is much more accessible than it once was. It allows me to be independent rather that haphazardly relying on others to help me figure out what bus had arrived.  Bus signs on the front and back of the bus are better lit and easier to see. We now have talking buses that announce their bus name and destination when they arrive at the bus stop.  We also have buses that kneel to lower themselves so that people with mobility limitations can more easily access the bus.

I’m fortunate to know a lady in my community who helped to make local policies that support the needs of people with disabilities. After an unfortunate incident she experienced with the taxi service, she quickly mobilized a group of important decision-makers that began identifying and addressing the needs of people with disabilities to better access goods and services in the community.   

Simply put, the ADA ensures that all citizens are entitled to equal access to all the goods and services in their community. Remember a ride – whether it be a taxi, bus, train or plane – is a civil right.

Quotes from Dr. Timothy Miles:

“Simply put, the ADA ensures that all citizens are entitled to equal access to all the goods and services in their community.”

“Remember a ride – whether it be a taxi, bus, train or plane – is a civil right.”

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

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