Lift Line Forum — Dean’s perspective
My colleague, Dean DeRusso, gave me permission to post his perspective on last night’s Lift Line Forum. I think that it is important to have his views because Dean is deaf. So often, Deaf folks are not considered in the scheme of things, even within the disability community. I am proud to say that that is not the case at the Center for Disability Rights, or within ADAPT.
Here’s Dean!
Hi everyone!!
Last night was awesome!! Chris Hilderbrant, my supervisor, said, “The Lift Line forum we held last night was well attended – around 90 people - and had many speakers – I’d say about 30″. Among the crowd were some legislatives from local and state and the RGRTS staff. They even brought their CEO Mark Aesch. I would like to point out that there were 9 members from our deaf community in that audience.
Francis Kimmes was the first deaf member to signed to the audience as Deaf Elders Around Rochester (DEAR) president and told them that Lift Line is frustrating for his members and him. He added that that after events he has to stay longer waiting for the Lift Line to arrive, many members don’t get a ride due to their disabilities prevent the bus because they can not hear the horns or have difficult time remembering things. He recommends that they find better ways to remind them like a pager or something. There were other issues that he mentioned as well. Let’s waive hands for Francis for his effort to speak for those who could not show up for this forum!!
I, Dean DeRusso the Deaf System Advocate, signed to Mark Aesch facing the audience about equal access. Comparing Lift Line services with deaf communities Sign Language Interpreters, because the community and society could not meet the needs of the deaf community these interpreters are provided for us at no extra costs.
For that reason, I believe that prices should be same prices as the normal RTS bus prices of $1.50, because RTS service could not meet the needs of the disabilities communities. That means that RTS should use their $8 million dollar state funds from last year profit to cover the costs of the Lift Lines just because Mark Aesch, RTS Service, could not meet the service needed by the disability community at no extra cost to the disability people. All of the audience start applauding in support of my comment.
Mark says that he needs to be sure he has a plan that will help him cover rent costs and basics. I was told they made $8 million state funds profit last year, and year before that was $6 million state funds profit. I was at the last board meeting…they are still making profit. What are they doing with all that profit money? Chris Hilderbrant and I both don’t understand why not use that state funds to help keep the costs affordable for those who do not have a job.
The issue here is that $8.50 is too much for Lift Line riders! They have received $3 million dollars to keep this cost down. However they increased the costs and it makes no sense at all!
There are many deaf people out there who are frustrated with RTS bus service as well! Several deaf from the audience asked to set up a support group to fight RTS and Lift Line service, if you are interested please email me.
Below is Democrat and Chronicle newspaper’s article, for those who did not read the newspaper recently:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070810/NEWS01/708100355/1002/NEWS
Thank you,
Dean DeRusso
Deaf Systems Advocate
Regional Center for Independent Living
Advocacy and Independent Living Services for Individuals
497 State Street
Rochester, NY 14608
Sorenson VP: 585 546-7598
VP: 74.39.189.195
Voice Callers 1: (877) 467-4877 ext 07598
Voice Callers 2: 866-327-8877 ext 585.546.7598
TTY: (888) 839-8208
Fax: 585.546.5643
E-Mail: dderusso@rcil.org