After an issue mails it’s always good to see firsthand that people are reading what we send out. The emails we get for requests for contact information for a contributor of a particular story or for suggestions of similar or follow-up topics to a story are more validating than the website analytics of how many people looked at an article online.
But after an issue went out and there was a flood of emails about something we got wrong, it’s quite the unpleasant feeling. However, I’m glad so many are not only reading, but that they took the time to send an email or pick up the phone to let us know.
We had an article, “ADA: Not Always Black & White” which posed a number of scenarios transit agencies and operators face and brief response of what the law requires.
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to attend a National Transit Institute course “Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act,” which reviews the legal requirements regarding ADA. There were about 20 participants and during the course of the day there were numerous engaging discussions about a variety of experiences the people from different agencies and transportation providers faced.
The thought-provoking exchanges inspired the article, which I hoped, in a way, would carry on the topics brought up by participants. Information on the question of whether transit agencies should permit Segway’s on vehicles as a mobility device was incorrect and unless there is a legitimate safety issue, Segways should be allowed. http://www.fta.dot.gov/12325_3893.html
Also missed on our part was that in the table of contents, we referenced the article as “providing ADA service,” which implies a separate service as opposed to being an inclusive right to access.
The positive that came out of this was, aside from getting the additional clarifying information, was that there were a number of people that also provided additional topic ideas for us to cover in future issues. And some provided firsthand examples of what their agency is doing, such as in Phoenix, Arizona. They recently had a customer with a disability requesting the use of an electric Razor scooter on the bus and it was their first opportunity to utilize their new reasonable modification policy, adopted June of this year.
I hope you all continue to stay in touch with us to let us know what you like, what you don't or, as in this case, what we got wrong so that we can correct it. Thank you!
