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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>Please circulate the following message as widely as appropriate!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The philosopher Badfinger once said, “If you want it, here it is! Come and get it.” During our Tampa Bay Chapter meeting of the National Federation of the Blind, we have had discussions of what could be done to make Hillsborough Area Regional Transit more effective, efficient, and user friendly. I have heard you express concern over late arrival and/or pick-up times and how we can press HART to be more prompt. I have heard you tell me you cannot wait on hold for a half hour to cancel a para transit trip when you only have a fifteen minute break. I have heard you say how much more convenient it would be to schedule and cancel rides more than three days out. I have heard you tell me you cannot travel with your children when running errands because HART will not allow more than two companions and you have three children. Well, I have heard what you said and I have had these items placed on our committee agenda. Now, I need you to tell the Committee Directly. Here is the item as it appears under “New Business” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Begin Discussion of HART Plus Policies<o:p></o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=1 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Shortened cancellation window<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Copayment concessions for late pick-up<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>More efficient method of cancelling trips than direct communication with CSR<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Wider window for scheduling & cancelling appointments<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Ability to transport multiple companions<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>As a member of this committee representing the National Federation of the Blind, you have a voice on this body; however, no matter how loud I shout, my voice will never be louder than all our voices collectively. If you believe these changes are needed, your voice needs to be a part of the discussion. I urge you to make your voice heard either by speaking up directly at the meeting or adding your metaphorical voice to the effort by showing up and standing up! Wear yellow chapter polo or don any yellow garment to demonstrate your solidarity with our efforts. Here are the details of the meeting:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>WHAT: HART ADA Accessibility Committee Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>WHEN: Thursday May 16, 2024<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>WHERE: HART Administrative offices<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'> 1201 E. 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'> Ybor City<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'> If you need more information or would like to discuss committee business, please feel free to get in touch with me. My direct number is 813-421-3555.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>In service,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Marion Gwizdala <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>(He/His/Him)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Office: 386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Hotline: 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="mailto:Advocacy411@gmail.com">Advocacy411@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>ServiceAnimals.info<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Facebook.com/asap411/<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>“Forward together!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>