Transportation options for the disabled are limited in Ulster County – Hudson Valley One

Stranded and Inaccessible: The Need for Improved Transportation Options for People with Disabilities

“It’s a big issue. But I urge you to think about how rather than if it’s possible.”
— Keith Gurgui, systems advocate at Resource Center for Accessible Living

Introduction:

Being stranded is a common experience for many individuals, but for those with disabilities, it presents unique challenges and obstacles. Keith Gurgui, a systems advocate at the Resource Center for Accessible Living (RCAL), understands this firsthand. In this report, we will explore the need for improved transportation options for people with disabilities, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Impact of Disabilities on Transportation:

• For individuals with visual, auditory, ambulatory, or age-related difficulties, being stranded can have severe consequences.
• Those who rely on wheelchairs or have limited mobility face additional challenges in accessing transportation.
• Keith Gurgui, who became paralyzed from a diving accident, emphasizes the importance of public services such as Medicaid, home care, and public transportation for individuals with disabilities.

Transportation Barriers for People with Disabilities:

1. Limited Transit Options:
• Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) offers limited fixed-route service, with buses operating from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• However, most fixed-route options start later and end much sooner, making it difficult for individuals to attend meetings or access county facilities.
2. Logistical Challenges:
• Expanding transportation hours and adding new routes present logistical problems for UCAT.
• The lack of drivers and the cost of expanding services are significant barriers to improving transportation options.
3. Paratransit Services:
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires UCAT to provide paratransit services as a complement to fixed-route service.
• Paratransit services are available to individuals who qualify and provide door-to-door transportation.
• However, these services are limited and do not reach everyone due to the constraints of fixed routes.

The Need for Change:

• Approximately 12.6% of Ulster County residents have hearing, vision, or ambulatory issues, highlighting the need for improved transportation options.
• A comprehensive route study is underway to address the transportation needs of the county, but it will take time to implement.
• Keith Gurgui suggests the use of two-way video conferencing platforms for committee meetings to ensure accessibility for all individuals, especially during the pandemic.

Advocacy and Representation:

• Legislator Craig Lopez, who has a spinal cord injury, currently represents the disabled community in the legislature.
• If Keith Gurgui wins the upcoming election, there will be increased representation for people with disabilities, further prioritizing transportation options for all.

Conclusion:

Improving transportation options for people with disabilities is crucial for achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By addressing the barriers and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
• SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services
• Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability status
• Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
• Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions, by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: hudsonvalleyone.com

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