[NFBWATlk] Help make sure transit and paratransit funding doesn't get cut

[Anna Zivarts]

Hello NFB Washington folks,

As you know, even before the pandemic, funding for our transportation needs has been limited. For those of us who cannot drive or cannot afford to drive, this has created major barriers for us to access school, jobs, medical care, grocery stores, religious services and everywhere else we need to go in order to participate fully in our communities.

As our elected leaders approach how to prioritize funding, it is critical they understand the current state of transportation access and equity in their districts. Disability Mobility Initiative is inviting legislators from all 49 of Washington State’s legislative districts to hear from their constitutes who uses transit, paratransit, community transit services or walking/rolling to get where they need to go.

Our goal is for legislators - most of whom have access to cars - to understand what it is like to try to navigate their district and access essential services in their community without a car.


We had really hoped to be able to arrange in-person video shoots with everyone who wanted to have their story highlighted, but we’ve realized with the pandemic, this is unrealistic. And so we’re coordinating 45 minute Zoom video conversations instead. We’re hoping to display these on a statewide story map<https://storymap.knightlab.com/> using mapping software, and create an audio and all-text version as well.

If you’re interested in being involved, please fill out this short form<https://u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net/ss/c/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDBXMUfQ4Gq2DYkMYH34UXj-395Owk3ZOrc2_TAvztYyS0TmtjNKXAw3xpyRQOQ-WxWD7yOeDDWeTMZPBeTp2ysxRpFj9PfLLRmu566BAYwjC7KZIbqSsgc9BhnrokPbSI8c_j3_BfKji2KLveUENkpjhNu1pvZCT0vIutjcszXEac2nSf2WDF1IVeLNpX-pTFc7B3f1sFqKy6j2EzOZtgUaWpjiEKIgK8_Nc3wzQnSSK/36g/4ppgvh_ESZm92MAa095FyQ/h1/4Rz_rq1ciIPALHp7Pf8FPWuMmAtQyhGuO99GHg-H5vw>. I’ve interviewed a lot of folks in the Vancouver area so far (thanks to Matt and Nikki for helping me get the word out!) But I still need to hear from folks in other parts of the state.

Of course if you have any questions, let me know. You can reach me on my cell at 206 718 8432.

Thanks!
Anna

Anna Zivarts
She/her
Director, Disability Mobility Initiative<https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/programs/disabilitymobility/>
Disability Rights Washington
315 5th Ave S, Ste 850
Seattle, WA 98104
206.324.1521 x 242 (office)

**New email: annaz at dr-wa.org**