The public transportation systems in Texas are fairly accommodating to people with mobility impairments. Research in several Texas cities demonstrates that some areas are more accessible than others.

For example, the area around the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton is one of the most accessible regions in the city. The sidewalks and bus stops can be used by everyone, and the neighborhood is relatively small and easy to maneuver. It includes several businesses that cater to minorities (with and without disabilities) such as grocery stores, barbershops, restaurants, financial institutions, health clubs, bars, etc. Denton also is very accessible because it has two transportation services that serve elderly people and people with disabilities. They are the Service Program for Aging Needs (SPAN), and LINK, the City’s general transit system. SPAN offers transportation to neighboring cities while LINK does not travel beyond the city limits.

In my work with Vehicle Access Network (VAN), I have traveled to Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston on business. These cities are much larger than Denton. Austin, for example, does not offer the close net community found in Denton. However, Austin has several wheelchair-accommodating cab and van services that provide access to employment and independent living. This helps make the big city more accessible.

Many people with disabilities use both personal transportation and public van services to get where they need to go. I use a variety of transportation services travel between cities. For example, after a recent business meeting in Austin, I used the Super Shuttle at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to get to Denton. Once in Denton, I was able to use my scooter to reach other areas near the UNT campus.

Taking Action
The State of Texas and the Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities began a new program designed to train people with disabilities how to advocate for themselves. Also, the Just Transportation Alliance offers seminars in English and Spanish to educate disabled people to advocate for their transportation needs. The goal of the Alliance is to provide educate people with disabilities about how to advocate for their transportation needs. Becoming an advocate with the Just Transportation Alliance is the single most important thing disabled Latinos can do to improve transportation in Texas.
As disabled Latinos we must learn to identify transportation issues in our communities, plan campaigns for change, work with decision-makers, craft and deliver messages to the public. We also should build political advocacy coalitions to show support for transportation measures during elections.

Transportation is vital for access to medical attention, to get an education, hold a job and attend social events. If Latinos with disabilities had greater access to public and private transportation, we could become major contributors to the community. We could take advantage of opportunities that would allow us to become voters and tax payers. Access to public transportation is every American’s right. As the Just Transportation Alliance would say, “alone, one voice cannot be heard over the roar of diesel trucks and business lobbyists, but together we will be the voice that has not been heard before.” So let’s get moving!

printer friendly format