[NFBF-Tampa] May 15: A Public Reading & Presentation of Our Resolution

[marion.gwizdala at gmail.com]

Dear Tampa Bay Chapter Members & Supporters,

 

                The National Federation of the Blind is the transformational
organization for blind Americans. The Tampa Bay Chapter is transforming
transportation in Hillsborough County. Our resolution passed at our April 26
meeting is an example of that transformative power. Passing this resolution
is only the first step. The next step is the most important and it requires
*YOU* to show up and, if you have the inclination,  speak up! Here is what
we need from you.

 

                The most important is to show up! Wear our yellow shirt (I
will be wearing mine on the dais) and sit together in the gallery. The sea
of yellow shirts will definitely be seen. If you do not have a chapter
shirt, any yellow shirt - the brighter the better - will suffice. If you
feel comfortable or wish to step out of your comfort zone and would like to
address the committee, we would like to find individuals willing to share
how the issues raised in the resolution affect them. After reading the
following concerns from the resolution, please let us know if you can
illustrate them from your experiences.

 

1.	Artificial return blackouts - This refers to the window during which
you cannot schedule a return trip. That blackout window is 90 minutes. If
you schedule an appointment to be dropped off at 9:00 a.m., you cannot
schedule a return trip before 10:30 a.m. If the purpose of your trip is to
pick up items, such as prescriptions, in which you will be "in & out", such
a window, though perhaps necessary when the policy was first created, seems
to serve no practical purpose. 
2.	Longer than needed cancellation windows - HART requires customers to
cancel trips within two hours of the scheduled pick up. Failure to do so can
result in a "No show" and excessive late cancellations can result in
suspension of services. Such a long cancellation window can be burdensome to
those who may need to work late unexpectedly or may not have the ability to
stay on hold for long periods of time sometimes needed when calling HART
customer service. 
3.	Archaic cancellation protocol - Cancelling a trip currently requires
a customer to speak to a live person. At some times during the day, this may
mean staying on hold for an extended amount of time, even longer than a work
break allows. Simple current technologies, such as voice mail, email, and
text messaging could be easily employed to make the system more efficient,
not only for the customer but for HART.
4.	Unneeded recertification timelines for permanently disabled patrons
HART requires patrons wishing to use para transit to recertify every five
years. Many of us are permanently disabled and there is no realistic
expectation of recovery. Nonetheless, those of us totally and permanently
disabled are required to complete burdensome paperwork, undergo unnecessary
medical examinations, and time-consuming in-person interviews.

 

If you wish to address the committee on any of these issues, it is strongly
suggested you sign up by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14. Speakers are
allowed to sign up upon arrival. Each speaker will have three minutes to
address the committee.  If you wish to sign up in advance, please email your
name to Danielle Jackson at

 

JacksonD2 at gohart.org <mailto:JacksonD2 at gohart.org> 

 

After the meeting, we are planning to go to an early dinner or late lunch,
depending upon your perspective. I will find the closest location for such a
gathering and email it to the group so you can make your transportation
arrangements. Here are the meeting details:

 

WHAT: HART  ADA Accessibility Committee Meeting

WHERE: 1201 E. 7th Avenue

WHEN: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

 

More information concerning the meeting and the after gathering will follow
once those details are finalized. We look forward to a great turn-out!
Please plan on showing up!

 

Fraternally yours,

Marion

 

 

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