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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jonathan Hanon, Member of MTA's Advisory Committee on Transit Accessibility
1:49:48
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115 sec
Jonathan Hanon, a resident of Inwood with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, testified about accessibility issues in small businesses and their impact on both patrons and employees with disabilities. He highlighted problems with portable ramps, broken or absent permanent ramps, and inaccessible areas within otherwise accessible facilities.
- Criticized the use of portable ramps as a labor rights issue for employees with disabilities
- Shared personal experiences with ineffective complaints to the Commission on Human Rights
- Mentioned issues with businesses denying access to service animals, violating the ADA
Jonathan Hanon
1:49:48
My name is Jonathan Hannon and I'm a resident of Inwood in Manhattan.
1:49:52
I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome and use a rollator walker to perambulate.
1:49:56
I'm an Accessoride customer, and I'm also a member of the MTA's Advisory Committee on Transit Accessibility.
1:50:02
I'm testifying today with regard to accessibility in small businesses and its relation to workers' rights.
1:50:08
In many businesses across the city, we see a disregard for accessibility.
1:50:11
One such disregard is with respect to portable ramps, which puts the onus of accessibility onto employees of a small business, adding on an additional physical task that should not be a part of the employee's duties and are likely not a part of their job description, simply because the business does not want to install a permanent ramp.
1:50:29
This is not just an accessibility issue for patrons with disabilities, but a labor rights issue for employees with disabilities who may be discriminated against in terms of employment because they would be unable to operate such a portable ramp.
1:50:41
However, there is also the issue of businesses that either have broken ramps or no ramp at all for those with permanent ramps.
1:50:48
And additionally, even for businesses in which the facility itself is accessible, there are parts of the facility that are not.
1:50:54
For example, a restaurant with a wheelchair accessible entrance, but a restroom in the basement down a flight of stairs.
1:51:00
I've complained to the Commission on Human Rights about many of these issues and most of the time they don't follow-up.
1:51:07
Over the years, I've not seen one business repair its facility to be accessible from any of my complaints to the Commission on Human Rights.
1:51:13
However, I do want to add that just this morning, my wife and I had a meeting with the commission relating to a grocery facility denying her access because she has a service dog, and I hope that this is something that is acted on.
1:51:25
But I have seen many places that deny both customers and employees the right to bring their service animals, which is a violation of the ADA.
1:51:32
In any case, I hope that this testimony will make a difference in the responsiveness and responsibility of the Commission on Human Rights in response to accessibility and disability issues across the city.
1:51:43
Thank you.