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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD) is aware of the chaotic and problem-riddled rollout of the new MTA Call-A-Ride procedures that began yesterday, November 9. We know that many of our members and others who rely on Call-A-Ride have experienced significant difficulties, and we share your frustration and concern.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please know that <b>NFBMD is actively working to address these issues.</b> We have activated a task force consisting of representatives from the chapters with members in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Ann Arundel County, as well as our Transportation Committee leadership. We are also coordinating with our partners in the disability community, as well as state and local government officials, to identify problems, advocate for solutions, and ensure that the voices of riders are heard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have <b>formally requested that MTA suspend implementation of the new procedures and return to the previous process and systems until the problems can be resolved.</b> We will share MTA's response to that request as soon as we receive it. We also expect to provide additional information soon about the steps MTA is taking to address the problems riders are experiencing with the new systems and process.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, NFBMD is developing a feedback form to collect specific experiences, concerns, and suggestions from Call-A-Ride users. This information will help us document the problems, identify patterns, and advocate directly with MTA for meaningful solutions. We hope to have the form available later tonight and will share it with you as soon as it is ready.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In the meantime, if you are experiencing an urgent Call-A-Ride problem that jeopardizes your health or safety, please contact me directly at 443-4264110 (text is ideal but calls are acceptable if needed).</b> Examples include being at risk of missing a critical medical appointment, such as dialysis, or being stranded outdoors in inclement weather while waiting for transportation. I will do what I can to help escalate these urgent situations to the appropriate officials. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have other specific concerns, experiences, or feedback to share, you are also welcome to email me <b>off-list at </b><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><b>President@nfbmd.org</b></a> until our feedback form is available.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We recognize that MTA Call-A-Ride is not simply a convenience. For many Marylanders with disabilities, it is an essential transportation service that makes it possible to get to work, attend medical appointments, meet daily needs, and participate fully in our communities. Riders deserve a system that is reliable, accessible, and responsive to their needs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will continue advocating for accountability and prompt solutions, and we will keep you informed as this situation develops.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yours,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ronza Othman, </b>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Need to meet with me? <a href="https://calendly.com/president-nfbmd/30min"><span style='color:blue'>Please use this link to schedule through Calendly</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>