I personally wish you success in your efforts and have forward a copy of
your letter to Matt Motko, Executive Director- CIL- Jacksonville, FL for their
perusal and comments. I sincerely
believe that you have a marketable story suitable for Dateline-TV
Both Justin Dart and Ed Roberts, would be proud to see you follow
tracks.
Best Wishes
W
In a message dated 7/17/2006 5:44:32 PM Central Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Honorable Governor Bush:
I have been a C4-5
quadriplegic for the past eight years and a lifelong resident of our
state. Prior to that I worked full-time with the fire department. The
past eight years I was able to provide myself with safe and reliable
transportation. I now find myself needing to access community transportation.
My older model van and lift are in need of repairs and
cannot provide me with safe and reliable service.
I applied
for the use of community transportation, explaining that my wheelchair lift
did not provide me with safe and reliable use until it was replaced or
professionally repaired, which I cannot afford to do. The few repairs made
have been through friends with limited or no professional knowledge of this
type of equipment.
The community transportation of Jacksonville denied
my application because I had access to a vehicle. I have repeatedly tried to
explain the equipment I have is unsafe and their response has been, "its not
our problem and you do not appreciate our rules. You should an
use private pay transportation". Private pay is way beyond anyone's
budget.
Their appeals process was equally frustrating. Being approved for
"medical trips only" provides absolutely no service in my particular
situation. The appeals board apparently decided that I didn't need or have a
right to access my pharmacy, dentist or ophthalmologist, purchase groceries,
attend church services, or participate in any quality of life activities
available to other citizens in our community.
As a high level
quadriplegic, I'm totally dependent upon others for my every need, such
as access to reliable transportation and other services. These
are vital life-sustaining issues with me. The idea that I have access to
a van should have absolutely no bearing on my using federally funded
transportation. Any disabled owner's van could be involved in a motor vehicle
accident and be completely totaled. There are a variety of other
reasons a disabled person's own vehicle would not be available when needed,
such as the availability of a driver or lack of insurance.
I feel
that I and other disabled citizens have been discriminated against with this
blanket denial of services. Able-bodied citizens owning motor vehicles,
motorcycles, vans and trucks can readily use public transportation. To make
someone on a fixed income spend their limited resources on private pay
transport borderlines on gouging the least able to pay and the most vulnerable
of citizens. This is unconscionable. The community transport
vehicles specifically equipped for wheelchairs roam the streets of our city
daily with only a driver and helper and the occasional user. I have been told
of the limited resources available to community transportation, and having
vehicles just drive around the city to provide someone a paycheck is not being
a good steward of these funds.
Sir, I would greatly appreciate any
assistance your office may provide. I may be reached for all contact
information by e-mail. I would love the opportunity to speak with someone
concerning this matter.
Respectfully,
Austin Wilson
Jacksonville
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- [QUAD-L] Transportation Requirements in Jacksonville, Fla wheelchair
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