When my accessible van broke down, I learned it’s too expensive to be disabled
When my accessible van broke down, I learned it's too expensive to be disabled 12news.com KPNX
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An Unfortunate Story about Lack of Accessible Transportation Options for People with Disabilities
An unfortunate story about van troubles highlights the lack of accessible and reliable transportation options for people with disabilities.
Introduction
Every car owner has those terrifying travel tales of vehicles giving out when you least expect it. These alarming automotive anecdotes strike fear in any worrisome traveler. Even this wheelchair user. This article tells the story of how the author’s life was disrupted due to van troubles and emphasizes the need for accessible transportation options for people with disabilities.
The Van Breakdown
It all started on an uneventful Sunday afternoon in August as the author rode in their wheelchair-accessible van. They were heading home from work when their 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan suddenly stopped functioning. Stranded in an empty South Phoenix parking lot, they were fortunate that the van’s air conditioning saved them from the scorching triple-digit temperatures.
Limited Transportation Options
With their van out of commission, the author and their father had to find an alternative mode of transportation. As a quadriplegic who relies on an electric wheelchair, their options were limited. They considered finding an accessible taxi, an accessible ride-share, or someone with an accessible van. However, after calling several different companies, they discovered that there were no accessible ride-shares or taxis available. While the bus was an option, waiting at a stop outside in the heat was not ideal.
Expensive and Unreliable Alternatives
After much effort, the author managed to find a medical transport service that had an available van. However, it would take three hours for the van to arrive and cost $130 for a one-way trip. Faced with these expensive and time-consuming options, the author decided to stay at home until their van was repaired. This meant being confined to their house for almost three weeks.
Inequality in Transportation Options
The author’s experience highlights the stark contrast between transportation options for disabled and able-bodied residents. While able-bodied individuals have various convenient options like ride-share services, calling a friend with a car, or taking a cab, people with disabilities often face limited and unreliable choices. This inequality in transportation options is both obvious and infuriating.
The Need for Change
The author hopes that sharing their experience with accessible transportation sheds light on the urgent need for change and improvement in transportation options for people with disabilities. The current situation, where individuals are forced to spend exorbitant amounts of money or rely on unreliable services, is unacceptable.
Conclusion
The lack of accessible transportation options for people with disabilities is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. It is crucial to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, to ensure equal access to transportation for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can work towards a more inclusive and accessible society.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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 healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines 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.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.8: Proportion of population with access to healthcare services.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of persons with disabilities who have access to transportation services.
- Indicator for SDG 11.2: Proportion of population who have access to affordable and accessible public transportation.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. | Proportion of population with access to healthcare services. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 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. | Proportion of persons with disabilities who have access to transportation services. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | Proportion of population who have access to affordable and accessible public transportation. |
Based on the article, the issues highlighted are connected to SDGs 3, 10, and 11. SDG 3 focuses on good health and well-being, which is relevant as the article discusses the lack of accessible and reliable transportation options for people with disabilities, impacting their well-being. SDG 10 addresses reduced inequalities, and the article highlights the inequality in transportation options between disabled and able-bodied residents. SDG 11 focuses on sustainable cities and communities, and the article emphasizes the need for improvement in transportation options for people with disabilities.
Specific targets under these SDGs can be identified. SDG 3.8 aims to achieve universal health coverage and access to quality healthcare services, which is relevant to the article’s discussion on the lack of accessible transportation options impacting the well-being of people with disabilities. SDG 10.2 aims to promote the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of disability status, and the article highlights the need for accessible transportation services for people with disabilities. SDG 11.2 aims to provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems for all, including expanding public transport, which is relevant to the article’s focus on the lack of accessible transportation options.
The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. For SDG 3.8, the indicator could be the proportion of the population with access to healthcare services. For SDG 10.2, the indicator could be the proportion of persons with disabilities who have access to transportation services. For SDG 11.2, the indicator could be the proportion of the population who have access to affordable and accessible public transportation.
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: 12news.com
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