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

[Louise Peyton]

Marion:
Where can we email comments on the resolution since I cannot attend due to a mobility lesson with Martha, the other Lighthouse o/m instructor?
Louise

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of marion.gwizdala--- via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 5:50 PM
To: 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: marion.gwizdala at gmail.com
Subject: [NFBF-Tampa] May 15: A Public Reading & Presentation of Our Resolution

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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