The Roving Activist’s Blog

Yesterday evening, August 23rd, RGRTA, our local transit authority, had a Customer Town Hall meeting. CEO Mark Aesch began the meeting with his usual rah-rah and tales of fancy. It’s amazing that he always starts these meetings out telling the same concoction of lies, half-truths, and spin. He forever talks of programs involving technologies that won’t be available until about 2010, or later, yet, he talks as if they’ll be rolling out in a couple of months.

The usual assortment of Rochester ADAPT, CDR, and RCIL folks were on hand, as well as some new folks from our group, and some seniors and folks with disabilities from around the Rochester region. Of course, the majority of people wanted to speak about Lift Line, and the extreme fares for those who live or do business in the expanded service area. Mark kept saying that there were those in the disability community and the media who are spreading misinformation and confusion. Oddly, when pressed about what misinformation was spread, he could not come up with a single incident of misinformation. It was obvious that he was trying to slam CDR without coming right out and doing so, but he would have had hell to pay had he done so. He also blamed the disability community for not raising money for the HONOR Foundation, a fund that RGRTA set up in order to offset the high cost of Lift Line rides. I found it amusing (NOT!!!) that he tries to portray people with disabilities as bums wanting a handout when talking with the media, but tries to come off all sympathetic when speaking to us face to face. Whether Mark realizes it or not, we are not fooled by his two-faced, slimey, oily, charming behavior. We know him for the snake in the grass that he is. I feel that his soul is as black and as cold as outer space, and that there is a black hole where his heart should be.

Mark has a habit of trying to avoid questions from ADAPT members, and will often make us wait until the very end of the meeting to get around to our questions. I swear that he is trying to wear us down, and make us give up on getting our questions in. Sometimes, that, in fact, does happen; either the person is exhausted from raising his or her hand all that long time, or the person must leave because their Lift Line ride has come. Rasheem, an Independent Living specialist with RCIL, got lucky because Mark had never seen him before, and managed to ask several good and pointed questions about Lift Line services, the high expansion service area fares, and if there was so much extra funding, why was the cost being taken out on the backs of the poorest people? I am positive that Mark won’t forgert Rasheem! 

Several othr people who were not with our group asked similar questions, or made statements against the fare increase for the expanded service area, which goes into effect September 4th.

One question that I asked was this: Does RGRTA have a policy of blaming people who use wheelchairs for late buses and people missing their connections? I asked the question because of an incident that happened to me on August 8th. At 10:29 am, I called the customer service line to ask about bus schedules so that I could get to a doctor’s appointment later that afternoon. Dan, the gentleman who took the call, advised me to take an earlier bus than I had originally planned because, “one wheelchair, and you’ll miss your connection.” I informed Dan that I used a wheelchair, and sarcastically thanked him for his disrespect of people who use wheelchairs. He tried to make excuses and explanations, but I immediately reported him.

Mark Aesch’s response to my question was to laugh, and say, “no, we don’t have such a policy.” He then went on to say that perhaps, Dan was trying to be helpful. I was incredulous, and asked if he, Mark, thought that Dan was being helpful by effectively blaming all people who use wheelchairs for the tardiness of buses, and wondered aloud how many other people he’d imparted his sage advice to. I went on to tell him that I have repeatedly timed myself when getting on a bus, and found that it takes me less than 30 seconds to get on the bus, and into the securement area. Mark’s response was his mantra for the evening that he spouted whenevr someone complained about rude bus drivers and other staff: “We hire from the human race, and people sometimes have bad days.” Unlike others in the audience, I challenged Mark on this, saying that I could understand if the problems that people with disabilities experienced were the exception, rather than the rule, but unfortunately, these incidents happen far too often to be isolared incidents of people having a bad day. I reminded Mark that I have repeatedly spoken to him in these types of meetings and elsewhere, regarding the culture of disdain and disrespect for people with disabilities that permeates the entire agency, starting at the top. I asked him, “How are you going to address this?” “What are you going to do about this?” As expected, Mark had no answer.

After only two more questions, Mark ended the meeting, remarking that he had nineteen pages of notes. I’m sure those nineteen pages will go into the circular file, or into some forgotten corner of his desk drawer, since I have, to date, not seen any changes in RGRTA’s policies or practices, especially as it relates to customers with disabilities.

One item of interest was a gentleman who remarked that he noticed that the buses were cleaner. I wondered aloud whether he used the buses in the city or the suburbs, because all of the buses that I ride are filthy and smelly. I tell you, Mark practically creamed his jeans in ecstacy, and gushed all kinds of mushy and self-congratulatory platitudes to this gentleman and the audience. Mark, and Bruce Philpott, who runs the bus stuff, were later heard to say that they were going to give the guy a free all day pass for his positive statement, since he was the only one who wasn’t slamming RGRTA. Hmmm. I could spout all kinds of catty, snide, and nasy remarks, but I’ll hold my tongue for now.

As I left, I stopped to speak to Rick, a supervisor in Bus Operations. He is one of the few, indeed, the only staff at RGRTA with whom I have a good relationship. He doesn’t tolerate his drivers disrespecting any customer, including customers with disabilities. It was he whom I was alluding to when I stated publicly at the meeting that there was a few nice bus drivers, and one shining light at RGRTA. Of course, I didn’t get a fee pass for my positive remarks, but I don’t care, since I’m no cheap date, and It’ll take a complete culture and policy change, starting with the replacement of the entire Board of Commissioners, as well as upper and mid-level management. If that leads to a climate of true cooperation and respect for people with disabilities, that will be thanks and reward enough for me, and I will be the first to sing the praises of RGRTA. Until then, the battle continues…

I managed to get a few videos during yesterday’s Lift Line Forum. I also taped the entire forum, and we will send a summary of the tapes to Mark Aesch.

I put the videos on my You Tube spot. Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/adaptanita

I attended the Lift Line Forum yesterday, and testified on behalf of someone who was so afraid of retribution and retaliation that they testified anonymously.

I am glad that about 90 people showed up, and I am VERY proud of the 30 or so folks who got up and spoke out about their outrage over the exorbitant fares that will come with the Lift Line expansion program. Mark Aesch and his staff sure got an earfull!

He heard from Mike Hale, who told him that he thought that they were using the high fares as a way to phase out Lift Line. Gene Spinning made a similar statement, and reminded Mark that when he presented this proposal before the CDR Board of Directors, he stated that three million dollars would be sufficient to keep the price of the expansion service down. At the time, Mark thought that he would get two million dollars from the state, but did not think that he would get three million dollars. Well, he got his three miliion, but the price was still out of sight, and Mark had no answer as to why when they got the extra million, the price did not come down, as he said it would. Kathy Tanchick spoke of how degrading it was for her when she used Lift Line years ago. Shelly Perrin told Mark a horror story of Lift Line agents assuring her that they went to a certain park where she was planning a party, only to find out too late that they didn’t. She told the audience, “Start opening your mouths and talk about this because if you don’t things won’t change!” Bobbie Wallach spoke of how happy she was to hear of the Lift Line expansion because she would now be able to come out of isolation, and get back involved in the community. She then spoke of her despair when she learned about the high fare, and wondered how, with only $40 left over per month after all her bills were paid, would she be able to afford this.

Mark heard from Anthony Griggs, who asked why RGRTA was collecting their fares off of the backs of poor people. “Its not fair”, he said. He heard from Mayra Pica, who spoke of the problem that Latinos with disabilities encounter with Lift Line. He heard from Christy Glenn, who asked him some tough questions such as what did they base their numbers on when they calculated the fare for the expansion. Joe Wheeler told Mark that the $17 fare was a scam. Amy Faer wondered how she would be able to afford the fare, once she finished school, and got out on her own. Mark heard some scathing commentary from Anita O’Brien, who remarked that people were being awfully nice in the face of this. She went on to really break it down for Mark regarding the realities of this fare increase for our community. Mark Aesch actually rolled his eyes at her! This tells you exactly what kind of heartless beast he is, to roll his eyes when hearing stories about the despair, anger, and concern that others feel regarding his policies.

I have to say, though, that I do not believe that RGRTA will change it’s mind about the fares. Remember, they voted to proceed with the program on August 2nd, despite the public outcry over their sham hearing on July 26th, and of course, the outrageous fares. Mark Aesch, who only stayed for an hour, is a master of spin, and spun his lies to the media. I noticed that they seemed hesitant to speak to members of the disability community, but ran over to Mark like he was Angelina Jolie when he entered the room. Kathy Tanchick and I both razed the Channel 13 WHAM reporter for doing that. To his credit, he did listen to us for quite a bit, and took our names and said that he wanted to follow up with us. We’ll see. That will be up to his editor, I suppose.

As far as I am concerned, September will come, and Lift Line users who live, do business, go to church, shop, or visit in the expanded areas will begin paying those obscene fares. GRGTA will continue on as they have been, showing disdain and utter disrespect for people with disabilities with impunity. Sure, Mark Aesch just might get that job in Tampa, but his leaving really won’t change anything. The attitude goes so far up the chain that changes will have to be made in the County government, then, on the RGRTA Board of Commissioners, down to the new CEO, upper management, administration, and on down to the ”little folks”, such as support staff, bus drivers, and of course, their union. Only a miracle of the Universe will shake RGRTA up enough so that they really understand how they come off to our community, and really WANT and make a REAL effort to try and change. Until then, the struggle continues… 

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

Here is a short summary from Chris about the Lift Line Forum that we had last night in the Stardust Ballroom of the Edgerton Community Center. Mark Aesch, CEO of RGRTA was there, as well as Greg Lewin, a Legislative Assistant to State Senator, Joe Robach.

Chris has also provided media links and stories.

Hi All,

The Lift Line forum we held last night was well attended – around 90 people - and had many speakers – I’d say about 30.  The forum participation far exceeded the RGRTA “public hearing” and reinforces what a farce their hearing was.  There was a lot of media attention to aide in our continuing pressure to bring the cost for expanded service DOWN to something riders can afford!  We had stories on the three networks last night and at least two this morning.  There’s also a story in this morning’s D&C.  All the clips I could find online are pasted below!

Thanks to Anita Cameron, Susan Norwood, Anita O’Brien, and Mary Ann Price for making the forum happen!  And thanks to the many others that showed up and spoke or gave support to the speakers!

More to follow in the weeks to come…

Chris

————
Democrat and Chronicle

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070810/NEWS01/708100355/1002/NEWS
Forum blasts rise in Lift Line fares

Fernando Diaz

Staff writer

(August 10, 2007) — Mark Aesch sat quietly in his pin-stripe suit Thursday evening at the front of the Stardust Ballroom at the city’s Edgerton Community Recreation Center.

On the other end of a microphone, one person after another took turns explaining to him, as CEO of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, why the agency’s proposal to expand its Lift Line service for the disabled is unfair.

“If you can’t afford it, it’s an empty option,” Chris Hilderbrant, director of advocacy for the Center for Disability Rights in Rochester, said afterward.

The CDR organized the forum in response to what it alleges was the RGRTA’s move to exclude disabled riders from a hearing where the expanded service was disclosed, a hearing that conflicted with a dinner scheduled last month to celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The RGRTA announced in July that its supplemental service area would reach two miles farther than the ¾ of a mile from an RTS bus line mandated by the ADA. Disabled riders could request that a Lift Line bus pick them up in the extended area, but the trip would cost $6 more than their regular fare. Riders at the meeting said this would now push round-trip fares to $17 in the expanded areas.

Aesch said Thursday the RGRTA wanted to ensure the service was affordable, permanent and not an added burden for taxpayers, adding that disabled riders would now have a cheaper alternative to private services on weekends.

“Today the choice is no ride or $50 one-way,” Aesch said after the forum, “We recognize $6 may be too expensive for some people.”

Hilderbrant said he couldn’t understand why the RGRTA doesn’t use some of its surplus to cover the proposed increases.

Anthony Griggs, who uses Lift Line to get to and from his Rochester home, was still upset after the meeting. “They didn’t listen to us. We’re on a fixed income. Why do they want to hit the poor people?”

Hilderbrant said those who will suffer most are disabled riders who lived near an RTS bus route before it was cancelled. Now they will have to pay the increased price.

“I would like an expanded service,” he said, one riders can afford.
 

FDIAZ@DemocratandChronicle.com
—

Channel 8

http://rochesterhomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=12123

(from the link you can watch the story)
Lift Line fare concerns rise

Reported by: WROC-TV

Friday, Aug 10, 2007 @07:19am EST
More opposition is coming from Rochester’s disabled community on a proposed fare increase of Lift Line service, a curb-to-curb public transportation service operated by the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority. Late last month, the RGRTA board approved the fare hike of $6.00 for Lift Line riders.

During a forum last night, dozens showed up to voice their concerns.

Passenger Ruth Patterson was not alone is protesting the additional charge,

saying “there is no way” she will be able to afford a higher fare, being on a fixed income, and living in subsidized housing.

Mark Aesch of RTS says the increased fare is necessary to cover the cost of expanding lift line:

“What we’re trying to do is put this service in place for a new group of people to be able to take advantage of this expanded service. For those whom it’s too expensive, let’s work together and see if we can’t find ways to make it more affordable.”

Aesch says the board is willing to work with those who can’t afford the higher fare.

The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority will vote on the fare increase next month.

—

Channel 13

http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=733a9176-1372-42de-a9b9-32f7fe3864dd

(from the link, you can watch a shortened version of the story)
Lift Line Customers Against Raise in Fares

Last Update: Aug 10, 2007 7:59 AM
(Rochester, N.Y.) — People with disabilities who ride Lift Line buses voiced their concerns about rising rates to RGRTA leaders at a meeting Thursday night.

In 2005, the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, which runs Lift Line, cut service to some areas. Now they’re bringing it back, but customers aren’t happy the trip will cost another $6 each way.

Chris Hilderbrant of the Center for Disability Rights, Inc., said, “For individuals that used to have the service and got cut off, and now are being offered 8-50, it’s a 6 dollar increase. It’s a huge increase for those individuals. So it’s a little hard for them to be excited about paying way more than they used to.”

Mark Aesch, CEO of RGRTA, said, “All we’re talking about doing is if you want to ride Lift Line further out in the community than you do today, it’s an option for people. If you want to ride it like you do today, keep riding it like you do.”

The transit board already approved the change in service and cost, but they’re leaving open the possibility of reducing the cost after reviewing comments made at the meeting.
—

Channel 10 – had coverage last night, but nothing on their website.

Chris sent out this reminder on Friday…

REMINDER: Public forum on Lift Line Expansion

Thursday, August 9

5 - 8 PM

Edgerton Community Recreation Center

41 Backus Street

(wheelchair accessible, sign language
interpreters provided)

Although the RGRTA Board voted to move forward with a plan to expand the
Lift Line service zone with rides costing $8.50 in the expanded zone,
there is still much that can be done!

Because the public hearing on July 26th was a sham, the RGRTA Board of
Directors really has not heard from the public about this proposal.
Although Mark Aesch had previously committed to participate in our
August 9th forum, it is possible that the protest last week has changed
his mind about his participation.

REGARDLESS, we will have the forum. We expect State Legislators and the
media to be present. It is a great chance to educate them and the
general public about why $8.50 for ONE WAY is far too much for our
people to pay!

We will also record the discussion and statements made by individuals
and provide a summary to Mark Aesch and the RGRTA Board. They can still
find ways to reduce the cost burden on individual riders! Let’s hold
them accountable until they do!

See you Thursday,

Chris Hilderbrant

Director of Advocacy

Center for Disability Rights

Lift Line “Expanded Service”

A Public Forum you can Actually Attend!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

5:00 - 8:00 PM

Edgerton Community Recreation Center

Stardust Ballroom

41 Backus Street

Rochester, NY

Why:

Lift Line just held what they called a “public hearing” to discuss the
very important topic of potential service zone expansion. Lift Line
riders did not receive notice of this hearing until just three days
before the hearing. Also, the hearing conflicted with a dinner to
celebrate the signing of the ADA. The dinner was planned three months
in advance. Sources at the Clarion Hotel indicate that Lift Line
reserved the space for the hearing one week in advance. Also, the press
was not informed of the hearing until after close of business on the day
before the hearing!

The hearing, as expected, was sparsely attended. Only seven people
provided comment. Two individuals wanted to comment, but had to leave
before it was their turn because their Lift Lines were ready to leave!

RGRTA / Lift Line swears that they do not want to exclude public input.

In order to get input from the many hundreds of you that were unable to
attend the hearing on July 26th, RGRTA has agreed to attend and
participate in an additional “forum” - which has been scheduled through
CDR in order to give you all much better notice and opportunity to
prepare and participate. CEO Mark Aesch has committed to attend and
participate in the forum.

Who should attend?

Users of Lift Line and their family, friends, and advocates, members of
disability organizations, coordinators and providers of services for
people with disabilities, State Legislators, the media, and the
community at large.

Bring Yourself, Bring Yours Friends - Tell Everyone Affected to be
There!

Here is what happened at the RGRTA Board meeting last Thursday:

Rochester ADAPT takes on the Bus Company

August 2, 2007

Approximately 40 disability rights activists from ADAPT attended the August 2, 2007, meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA). RGRTA’s Board was scheduled to review a proposal from the CEO to expand the service area of Lift Line, the paratransit complement to the fixed route buses, at a substantially increased cost. Riders living in or traveling to the expanded service zone would be required to pay $6.00 in addition to the distance-based fare for the ride. For the vast majority of rides, this means $8.50 ONE WAY!

While many people felt that this fare was unreasonably high, the disability community had been looking forward to an opportunity to discuss the proposal’s strengths and weaknesses. What we got instead was a sham of a public hearing, held on July 26, 2007. Some riders received no notice whatsoever. Some riders received notice too late. Blind riders received print letters that were of no use. The hearing was not even advertised on the RGRTA website until the day of the event. And, adding insult to injury, the hearing conflicted with a huge event arranged by the Center for Disability Rights to celebrate the 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

With all this in mind, ADAPTers were very interested in the presentation that would be made to RGRTA’s Board and the Boards actions on the proposal.

When we arrived and tried to enter the Board room to view the “public” meeting, the first few people were allowed in, but then security stopped the rest. Security indicated that the room was already over capacity and no one else could be allowed in. There was more than enough room for the whole group to enter, but RGRTA staff cited the usual tired excuse about fire regulations as the reason why people with disabilities were being excluded.

Over the next few minutes, they adjusted the room and allowed more people in, but many were still stranded in the “cheap seats” – outside, 96 degrees, very humid, looking in through the window. Forcing people to wait outside the supposedly public meeting wasn’t enough for the RGRTA staff. Several staff then tried to close the blinds on the windows so those in the cheap seats could not even watch! ADAPTers inside prevented the blinds from being closed.

We tried to hand out informational flyers to the commissioners, but were prevented from doing so. ADAPT members held the flyers upright on our laps, so that they could be seen.

While ADAPTers on the outside tried to depend on watching the sign language interpreter to catch pieces of the discussion, ADAPTers on the inside sat through the doldrums of a standard Board meeting. In all their customer service data, they felt that the overall numbers were greatly improved, and congratulated themselves for that.

As for finances, they reported an $8.1 million dollar surplus for 2006, and expected revenue of $94 million dollars in 2007. Still, they claimed that their assets were down to 79 million dollars in net assets. By far, the biggest part of their earnings came from the revenue generated by transporting Rochester School District students, but recently, the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) ordered that this be stopped. RGRTA is fighting this because as one Board member stated, “our revenues could drop from a big surplus to a huge deficit in a matter of 60 days. Our budget is very fragile”.

They then got around to the Lift Line issue.

Mark Aesch expounded on the position that they were going beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act by expanding the service area of Lift Line. He spoke of how they did not have to provide the service, and how the 3 million dollars in state funds could have been put into the general fund (our State Legislators will be thrilled to hear that after they got RGRTA the funding specifically for Lift Line), but they were doing the right thing. He spoke of the “hearing” that they held on July 26, 2007, and that 50 people attended (11 were social work student with no connection to the issue), five people presented testimony, and other people sent in written statements. Aesch and several staff presented reports, including some supposed testimony from Lift Line users who seemed to be in favor of the expansion, and the high price tag of $8.50 each way.

Some ADAPTers yelled out, while others muttered loudly. There was a threat to move the meeting. Then a staff member named Carol began speaking of a meeting held with the disability community in May. Supposedly, leaders in the disability community supported the changes and exorbitant fares. She began naming names and one of them was our own Arlene Wilson. We erupted in cries of “Lie!” “Lie!” (and we have a letter we sent immediately after the meeting that documents our opposition to the proposal and proves that Carol is a liar). Once again, there were threats of moving the meeting.

A couple of Board members asked questions and made statements that the cost of Lift Line should be cost neutral to the Authority; that taxpayers using the fixed route system should not be affected by having their fares increase. Audience members began coughing, clearing their throats, and snorting, clearly annoying the Board members. Aesch went on to say how the process of discussions and meetings with the disability community had been going on for two years, and that the cost per ride for Lift Line was $39.00 (until two weeks ago, he had always said it was $32), but they had worked to get it down for riders to $8.50 one-way.

Aesch stated that money from the HONOR Foundation could be used to defray costs. After over a year, there is still NO money in that fund! We can’t help but feel that HONOR was used when it was set up as a PR distraction from a Lift Line fare increase a year ago.

Some commissioners seemed to want to hold off on voting, but Mark Aesch said that it would not be wise to do. One commissioner asked if they could still work on decreasing the fares even if they voted today. Aesch said “yes”. Finally, Commissioner Tom Argust moved that the Board vote on the issue, and it was voted unanimously to proceed.

ADAPTers were furious and began chanting, “It costs too much!” Members of the Board began leaving the room rather than face the fury of ADAPT members. Bruce tried to hand a commissioner a flyer, and was knocked down by an RGRTA staff person, who remarked that he had injured his back. Media, who were present, began swarming around taking photos, and shoving microphones in Bruce’s face while he angrily explained what this Board vote meant to our community, and how it would devastate us. We chanted on, even as we went outside. “We WILL be back!” we chanted.

For ADAPT, this is much more of a beginning than an end. We had tried incredibly hard to be diplomatic over the past two years. But instead of working with us to come to a solution, RGRTA held a slap-dash public hearing sham, got a trickle of the public input they would have gotten, and then even misrepresented what was said by our people! The gloves are off and we won’t be stopping until that cost comes down!

Anita Cameron

Rochester ADAPT

To see pics and read the media coverage of the action, go here:

http://www.rochestercdr.org/events/2007_rgrta_protest.html

I thought that I’d post the script for the Advocacy Line here. That way, you’ll know some of the stuff that we have been doing!

CDR Advocacy Line Script

Hello, and welcome to the Center for Disability Rights Advocacy Line! This is the place to find out what’s happening in the world of disability rights advocacy and activism. Here at the Center for Disability Rights, we work on advocacy efforts on the local, state, and national levels. Each week, we will give information on new initiatives, meetings, and happenings, as well as updates on past efforts. This message will be a bit long, since there is a lot to report, but in the future, we’ll keep it short.

If you have any further questions, please contact Anita Cameron at 585-546-7510.

Here are the activities, meetings, and other happenings for the week of July 23, 2007:

July 23

Community Choice Act

The Community Choice Act (H.R. 1621 and S. 799) would give people with disabilities who are eligible for nursing home placement the choice to live in the community with the services and supports that they need to remain independent.

Senator Barack Obama is the most recent Senate supporter of the Community Choice Act. He signed on today as a co-sponsor. Both of the New York Senators, Charles Schumer, and Hillary Clinton were original co-sponsors of the bill.

In the House, Rep. Pete Sessions, of Texas, and Rep. Don Young, of Arkansas became co-sponsors today. So far, the only co-sponsor from New York is Rep. Jim Walsh, who signed on in May, days after a visit from ADAPT to his Washington, DC office. Rochester advocates are working on getting Rep. Randy Kuhl, Rep. Louise Slaughter, and Rep. Tom Reynolds to sign on, while other advocates around the state are trying to get their respective members of Congress to sign on. Many thanks to all of you advocates for your hard work!

Action Alert

An Action Alert went out asking advocates to contact their congress members to sign on as original co-sponsors of the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 when it is introduced on July 26th. Because this was an update to a previous Action Alert, this Action Alert was not activated, but the offices of Reps. Kuhl, Reynolds, Slaughter, and Walsh were contacted and once again, encouraged to sign on as original co-sponsors.

*** A note about Action Alerts***

Action Alerts will be listed here, along with the method of response. If you do not have access to a computer, or the Internet, or if your screen reader does not support certain platforms, such as capwiz, feel free to leave your information such as your name, e-mail address and zip code, and the Action Alert will be completed for you.

July 25

ADAPT

ADAPT is a national, grassroots disability rights organization and movement, with chapters in over twenty states. Our chapter is part of New York State ADAPT. Our meetings are usually held once a month at the CDR Recreation Center located at 41 Backus Street

ADAPT met and announced upcoming events for ADA Day, local advocacy efforts, and the details of our trip to Chicago in September, as well as a short trip to Washington, DC for the senate hearings on the Community Choice Act.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 5:30 pm at 41 Backus Street. This will be the second of four mandatory meetings that advocates must attend if you are planning on going with us to Chicago!
July 26

Happy ADA Day! This day marks the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Here are the activities that took place:

ADA Restoration Act

The ADA Restoration Act (H.R. 3195 and S. 1881) was introduced into the House and the Senate. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin introduced the House bill, and Sen. Tom Harkin, of Iowa, and Sen. Arlen Specter, of Pennsylvania introduced the Senate bill. The ADA Restoration Act would restore the protections for people whose conditions are controlled by medications, such as epilepsy, diabetes, psychiatric disabilities, and cancer. Over the years, people with these, and other disabilities had been determined by the courts not to be disabled because they were “too functional”, and thus, were not protected against workplace discrimination. The purpose of the ADA Restoration Act is to restore the Americans with Disabilities Act’s original intent as defined by Congress.

According to the latest reports, the following Rochester area representatives have signed on as original Co-sponsors:

Rep. Louise Slaughter
Rep. Jim Walsh

There is some confusion about Rep. Randy Kuhl. He is listed as an original co-sponsor, but is not listed as such on the bill. That will be clarified that when the text of the bill is available.

Thanks to all those who called, phoned, and e-mailed their members of Congress about this very important legislation!

WXXI-1370 AM interview about the ADA

Chris Hilderbrant, Director of Advocacy at CDR was interviewed by Bob Smith, host of WXXI Connection, a morning radio show that focuses on events and issues of concern to Rochester area residents. Chris spoke of Americans with Disabilities Act, and the fact that this is the seventeenth anniversary of it’s signing, as well as the promise and the challenges of the ADA. Several callers from Rochester and the surrounding area called in with questions about various aspects and provisions of the ADA. It was a really good show!

Wheelchair Rugby Clinic:

Mark Zupan, star of the film, Murderball, who led his team to a Bronze medal in the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, Greece, hosted a Wheelchair Rugby Clinic in the gymnasium of School #50. Participants were taught some simple moves, then, several short games were played. Everyone had fun, and it was really great to play some wheelchair rugby with Mark!

ADA Anniversary Dinner

The Center for Disability Rights’ annual ADA Anniversary Dinner was held at the Strathallen Hotel this year. Dinner was a choice of Tuscan Chicken, Prime Rib of Beef, and Salmon, followed by a nice slice of cheesecake with a delicious sauce. Mark Zupan, world-renowned wheelchair rugby champion, and star of the film, “Murderball” was the keynote speaker. Jennifer Johnson, of New 10 NBC, and a member of the CDR Development Committee was the Emcee. Rochester Mayor, Robert Duffy made an appearance, and Molly Clifford, the Mayor’s Liaison to the Disability Community, and Bruce Darling, Executive Director of CDR gave comments. Everyone had a great time!

July 27

Murderball Showing

The film, “Murderball” was shown at the Curtis Theatre of the Eastman Theatre. Murderball is a documentary about Mark Zupan, and his wheelchair rugby team’s efforts to win a Gold medal at the 2004 Paralympics Games in Athens, Greece.

That’s all for the week of July 23rd. It was definitely exciting! Remember to call back for news of what’s happening next week!

Here are the activities, meetings, and other happenings for the week of July 30, 2007:

August 1

Bus Fareness Committee Meeting

The Bus Fareness Committee will be meeting at CDR at 10:00 am until noon. The main objective of this group is to seek a way of creating a Community Review Committee as an oversight of the transit Authority.

August 2

RGRTA Board meeting

The Board of Commissioners of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority will have its monthly meeting at its headquarters, located at 1372 East Main Street from noon until 2:00 pm. These meetings are where the transit authority makes decisions that affect you! Although the public is not allowed to speak, our presence speaks volumes, so come on down, and lets pack the house!

August 3

TAG meeting

The Transportation Access Group (known as TAG) will meet from noon until 2:00 pm at the CDR Rec. Center, located at 41 Backus Street. TAG advocates around transportation issues, mainly, buses and Lift Line. Lunch is $1.00, or free, if you help fix it.

The Genesee Regional Transit Corporation hosted a public workshop on the future needs of public transit in the Genesee/Finger Lakes region. This meeting was held on May 31, 2007 in the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Rundell/Bausch and Lomb Public Library

This was a public input process to identify unmet needs of people with disabilities and senior citizens, in terms of transportation planning for the future.

There was a good turnout, with representation from ten agencies that serve people with disabilities, seniors, and persons with low incomes. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and make suggestions about how best to coordinate services between RGRTA/Lift line, and non-profit services, such as Medical Motors. There will be another meeting on June 27th to discuss some strategies that they will come up with.