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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kathleen Collins, Board Member of Disabled in Action, on Daylighting and Accessibility
5:21:54
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73 sec
Kathleen Collins, a wheelchair user and board member of Disabled in Action, expresses support for daylighting in NYC but emphasizes the need for proper implementation to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. She highlights past issues with DOT's placement of daylighting barriers that have obstructed access for disabled individuals.
- Supports daylighting if it doesn't hamper disabled New Yorkers' ability to cross streets and use vehicles
- Calls for legislation requiring DOT to create a plan that prevents obstruction of pedestrian ramps and ensures optimal barrier placement
- Emphasizes the importance of balancing safety improvements with maintaining accessibility for all pedestrians
Kathleen Collins
5:21:54
Good afternoon.
5:21:55
My name is Kathleen Collins, and I'm a native New Yorker who is a congenital quadriple amputee who uses a wheelchair.
5:22:01
I'm a member of several disability organizations and also on the board of disabled in action.
5:22:07
I agree with the testimony already given by Jean Ryan, Monica Bartley, and Evan Yankee.
5:22:13
We do support daylighting provided that it is done correctly and does not hamper or obstruct New Yorkers with disabilities' ability to easily and safely cross streets and intersections in New York City, as well as our ability to board and disembark from vehicles such as taxis for hire vehicles and access ride.
5:22:28
Unfortunately, in the past, when the New York City DOT has chosen daylighting barriers such as concrete barrier blocks, sometimes the DOT has placed them in areas that they do obstruct pedestrian ramp, sidewalk curbs, and the ability of New Yorkers with disabilities to safely board and disembark from vehicles.
5:22:43
Thus, the proposed legislation we submit needs to require DOT to create and implement a plan that not only prevents this mistake from being made in the future, but also provides that these barriers are placed in optimum locations, that is places that promote both promote safety and provide our pedestrians the ability to easily cross streets as well as safely board and disembark from vehicles.
5:23:05
Thank you for my test thank you for your time today.