PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Julia Yepez on Accessible Transportation for People with Disabilities
1:47:05
ยท
91 sec
Julia Yepez, a resident of the Little Caribbean section of Brooklyn, testifies about the challenges faced by wheelchair users in accessing reliable and respectful transportation services. She emphasizes the importance of Accessible Dispatch and advocates for maintaining and improving accessibility in New York City's transportation system.
- Highlights the difficulty in finding taxis and the limitations of existing transportation options for wheelchair users in her area
- Praises Accessible Dispatch for its human-centered approach and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities
- Stresses the importance of establishing and maintaining accessibility in the city for the benefit of all residents, present and future
Julia Yepez
1:47:05
Thank you.
1:47:06
I live in the, Little Caribbean section of Brooklyn, an area which is almost impossible to find a taxi.
1:47:14
Our area has driver owned gypsy cars who don't cater to wheelchairs and non accessible door vans.
1:47:22
We can call Lyft or Uber, but many of these do not want to accept wheelchair passengers.
1:47:29
And if they do, their demeanor is rude, abusive, and or say they can't speak English, creating more stress and frustration which always endages my well-being.
1:47:41
When I call Accessible Dispatch, I get serviced by humans.
1:47:45
I can ask human related questions from and about New Yorkers with disabilities.
1:47:51
Accessible Dispatch employs a New York based disabled staff who also speaks and understands English.
1:48:00
In short, Accessible Dispatch experiences and feels my needs.
1:48:07
Seems that whenever people with disabilities find the door slightly open that can make our day, job, or outing more fruitful and enjoyable, it starts to close once again before it completely opens.
1:48:21
No one is above a disability free future.
1:48:25
Becoming disabled will always be an equal opportunity employer.
1:48:29
The accessibility we establish in our city today will be the ones you might use tomorrow.
1:48:35
Thank you.