COMMISSION
ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Meeting Summary Points
March
1214th, 2008
Welcome December
and the summary points for the January
2008 meeting were approved as
written.
Presentation: “Door-to-Door Service” – Selene Faer-Dalton
Kumins, Director of MetroAccess
Ms. Kumins began the
meeting by giving an overview of the new door-to-door service offered by
MetroAccess. See
Attachment I for more details. Nelson Jackson, Chair, then asked her a series of
questions which were received from Commissioners prior to the meeting.
1) Does everyone go door-to-door or will you still do curb-to
curb?
Everyone is
automatically switched to door-to-door service. The only way to receive curb-to-curb service is if you are waiting
at the curb.
*As stated in the Metro Door-to-Door Service fact sheet, to receive
Door-to-Door service, the following conditions must be met:
● The first exterior door
must be no more than 150 feet from the vehicle
● The driver must be able
to maintain sight of the vehicle at all times
● There must be a safe
and accessible path of travel from the vehicle to the door
● There must be a safe
place to park on a public roadway or public parking lot
● The parked vehicle must
not block or impede traffic
2) Do you have the correct
instructions for each certified user as to the correct pick up door?
Since MetroAccess has over 19,000 certified users, she cannot guarantee that they have correct
information
for all users.
It is up to the customer to tell the reservationist. She encourages users to give more
details.
3) Has MetroAccess incorporated
the information about library branch pick-up and drop-off locations that was
sent last year? Was it made available for drivers and dispatchers? If no, why
not? What’s the best way of helping
library patrons going to and leaving libraries or any County facility where
regular trips are made? Will there be designated signs for MetroAccess
pick up and drop off locations. For example, the
Yes, the libraries have been added as specific locations, which users can request when making a
reservation. As for signs, currently there are none. Betsy Luecking, Staff
Member, suggested that the Commission
work with MetroAccess to develop signs with consistent logos and language to be placed at the designated pick up
door at libraries
and other County buildings.
4) MetroAccess currently services
7,000 trips a day. How is MetroAccess going to keep up with the increase of
trips? For example, 8,000 trips per day are projected for February 2009.
MetroAccess is working on a plan to manage the projected increase. 65 additional vehicles
will be added as well as replacement of some vehicles. More staff will be hired, including dispatchers and
reservationists. MetroAccess is looking to enhance services by increasing travel training and working with
5) How is MetroAccess going
to increase driver morale, retain drivers and alleviate frustrations from increased
trips and other problems?
As of
January a new property manager has been put in charge of the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) contract who has instituted
driver recognition and an enhanced sense of community. MetroAccess will also
be educating the drivers by offering more training.
6) Can a customer be no-showed
after the pickup window has elapsed and that customer has found an alternative ride?
No, however, Ms. Kumins knows that it does happen. When this happens,
customers should call that into MetroAccess. This should not be an
issue once
the door-to-door service starts.
7) Once a customer has boarded
the vehicle, can they be forced to leave the vehicle for any reason before they
reach their destination?
No, with the exception of
the customer’s decision. It is not appropriate.
8) If a customer schedules
a pickup at
MetroAccess
does not offer same-day service so they can not reschedule. MetroAccess will
schedule a return trip based on what time is available.
9) Is every MetroAccess van
equipped with a
Metro vans and sedans are
equipped with
10) Has there been a survey
about the internet reservation website?
There has
not been a survey, but Ms. Kumins encourages users to
leave feedback on the website.
11) Situation #1: A blind customer receives
the automated recording call that their ride is outside waiting for
them. When the customer gets out of the door of the building, there is no vehicle
waiting. The customer calls the dispatcher and finds out that the vehicle has
not yet arrived.
Door-to-door
service should alleviate this problem.
12) Situation #2: The driver accuses the
blind customer. The blind customer tells the driver that they have been waiting
for some time. The customer is blind and has no ability to see who is around.
Door-to-door service
should improve this situation
as well.
13) Situation #3: The driver
picks up one customer and then picks up the second customer. Then the driver
stops at a gas station to fill up his tank. The driver also picks up some
breakfast for himself before dropping off the customers.
This is inappropriate and the driver should be reported.
14) There is concern door-to-door service will increase the number of late trips. How will you compensate for extra time?
Ms. Kumins stated that the time will actually be reduced for many customers and that door-to-door service should decrease the number of
late trips.
Nelson Jackson, Chair, opened the floor for more questions.
Aaron Kaufman, Commissioner,
spoke of low driver morale stemming from poor
health insurance, low pay, and frustration with dispatchers. Ms. Kumins
said that
changes will be made to the scheduling department and the addition of more
drivers will help resolve this issue. She did not address the wage issue as the drivers are contracted out.
Sharon Freiman, Commissioner, asked where MetroAccess will pick
up customers at Metro stations. Ms. Kumins said that
they will be picked up at the curb. Some stations do have bus shelters close to the
curb and drivers will be instructed to check there as well.
Harold Snider, Commissioner, questioned why drivers do not follow reservation
instructions. For example, they go to a different door than requested. Ms. Kumins said that dispatchers and drivers will be paying
more attention to such details and that particular locations should be geocoded to include those specific instructions. Harold
also noted that despite being told by Christian Kent, Director of Metro
Access, that
radios would not be used in the MetroAccess vehicles, he is still experiencing
radio disruption during some of his trips. Ms. Kumins
stated that all radios from all vehicles have been removed and the holes have
been plated over. If customers are hearing music, then the driver is using
their own portable radio and the customer must report them. Harold asked why
materials are not printed in alternative formats for customers who require
them. Ms. Kumins said that they currently do not keep a list of
individuals who need Braille or other alternative formats, but they will be updating
their records for the future. In the meantime, customers may request documents in
alternative formats by calling MetroAccess.
Janeth Kamala, Commissioner, asked what the criteria are for shared rides. Ms. Kumins said that shared rides occur when there are several users
going to the same general location.
Update from the Chair – None
Workgroup Updates – None
Public Comments - None
Aaron
Kaufman, Commissioner, held a
moment of silence in memory and tribute to Councilmember Marilyn J. Praisner.
Presentation: “Continuing
Dialogue on Commission Priorities and Unmet Needs” – The Honorable George Leventhal, Councilmember, Montgomery County
Council and Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee/Member, Transportation
& Environment Committee
Mr.
Leventhal thanked the Commission for inviting him back. He is continuing to work
on access at various facilities and has requested that the Department of Public
Works and Transportation (DPWT) create a cost estimate for installing automatic
doors in all restrooms in every County facility. He is still waiting for that
report. In regards to the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program, the
entire MPDU law is being reviewed to ensure significant preference for
residents with disabilities in large MPDU developments. He is in full support
of the current Customized Employment Public Internship Program. Unfortunately,
due to the current economic status some things we would like to do may have to
be deferred until next year. He is always thinking of people who need the most
attention including issues people with disabilities face such as access,
facility improvements, housing, and employment.
Mr.
Leventhal then opened the floor to questions and comments.
Jackie
Simon, Commissioner, said she was grateful for how quickly Mr. Leventhal
responded to the MPDU accessibility issues that were brought to his attention
at the prior meeting. The Commission continues to recommend that all accessible
units be offered to eligible persons with mobility impairments first. Jackie
also noted that she has acquired several wheelchairs for Councilmembers and
County staff to use at the upcoming meeting in the new Rockville Town Center to
negotiate the pavers themselves and understand the challenges people have been
comes across. Jackie reminded Mr. Leventhal that she is still trying to get the
zoning law changed for elderly and disabled individuals and suggested they both
have their own separate category.
Harold
Snider, Commissioner, said that five months ago a meeting was held in Silver
Spring concerning ADA violations at the block of Cameron Street and Fenwick
Lane. Mr. Tom Street promised he would work with the codes required for these
violations. Harold helped to identify other items that needed to be fixed and
to date Mr. Street and DPWT have created a plan to take care of those items. He
asked Mr. Leventhal to look into the project and see if it could move along
faster. Harold also noted that
five years ago the County was to
install audible pedestrian signals in Silver Spring’s redevelopment area. These
signals have still not been installed. One area
that needs these signals is at the corner of Cameron and 2nd Avenue. Harold would also like to
have the Council hold another hearing about MetroAccess as the service
continues to be a problem for County residents.
Aaron
Kaufman, Commissioner, expressed his concern about the upcoming 2009 fiscal
year and the new operating budget. He hopes that the Council will maintain
program funding at the current levels. Mr. Leventhal wants everyone to
understand that the current economic status is temporary and some things may be
deferred or put on hold for a year, but the Council will do their best to
maintain funding and they aware of the programs that affect the people who need
the most help. He also noted that the general election for the new
Councilmember is May 13th and they
will be sworn in at the end of May.
Tonya
Gilchrist, Commissioner, had heard there would be budget cuts made to the
Supportive Housing Rental Assistance Program (SHRAP). She knows of several
individuals who have been helped by this program. Mr. Leventhal explained that
in the Council’s budget savings he has put all the money back into the program
with some of the money coming from the Housing Initiative Fund. He encouraged
Tonya and others to relay to the Council specific cases to put a human face on
the issue.
Harry
Bodansky, Public, asked what the Councilmember’s would be able to do to
encourage companies headquartered in Montgomery County to employ individuals
with disabilities. He also asked what Montgomery College was doing to enable
students with disabilities to pursue a secondary education to increase their
chance of employment. Mr. Leventhal stated that Montgomery College had recently
spoken with the Council and he will ask about their interaction with students
with disabilities. As for working with organizations to employ people with
disabilities, he suggested having officials and staff from the Department of
Economic Development speak to the Commission to discuss this issue further.
Jackie Simon, Commissioner,
gave an update on Design for Life Montgomery and said the program is receiving
a lot of positive response. Several builders have come forward with a
commitment to build visit-able and possibly live-able homes. Commission staff
have created a PowerPoint
presentation that is available online that anyone can show. Betsy Luecking,
Staff, said she recently went to a builder’s breakfast and spoke with several
builders who are very interested in the program and love that it is voluntary
and that Permitting is involved. With the Council’s help, they have been able
to form greater partnerships with the builders. 75% of the permits issued so
far have been for renovations
Aaron
Kaufman, Commissioner, asked if the Council could pass legislation that would
encourage parking garages and parking lots to place handicapped
spots closer to the building entrance. Sometimes accessible spaces are located
far away from entrances and curb cuts. He also
asked if the Council is planning on preventing Call n’ Ride services from being
cut in the new fiscal year. Mr. Leventhal said the Council is not going to
propose cuts to Call n’ Ride. If it is in the County Executive’s budget, the
Council will figure out what makes the most sense, which may include moving
priorities around or including tips with the coupons. He encouraged
Commissioner’s to tell the Council personal stories in regards to the program.
Sharon
Freiman, Commissioner, asked if the Council had considered offering incentives
to builders. For example, if builders build a live-able or visit-able home then
the County will fast track all of their permits. Mr. Leventhal agreed with the
concept and encouraged the Commission to invite officials from
Maryland-National Capital Parking and Planning Commission and from Permitting
Services to raise their consciousness about these issues, to help them
understand and get them involved. While he is able to pass bills, they do not
necessarily get acted on immediately.
Tonya
Gilchrist, Commissioner, asked if there were any Council public hearings coming
up in the near future. Mr. Leventhal wasn’t sure of the exact dates*
and will let Betsy know. Nancy Aldous, County Council Liaison, said there are
also several town hall meetings that will be taking place so the public can
discuss the budget with the County Executive. He will be holding a Town Hall
Meeting on Thursday, March 20th, 2008, at
Briggs Chaney Middle School – 1901 Rainbow Drive, Silver Spring, MD. The
meeting will start at 7:30pm.
*
There will be a County Council Town Hall Meeting for the Clarksburg area on
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008, at
Little Bennett Elementary School – 23930 Burdette Forest Road. The meeting will
start at 8:00pm. A pre-meeting reception will begin at 7:30pm.
Mr.
Leventhal thanked the Commissioners and he will continue to be in contact with
the Commission.
Update
from the Chair –
Nelson
Jackson, Chair, encouraged all Commissioner’s to
attend the Steering Committee next Wednesday night, March 19th, being held in
the tan conference room at 401 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, from 5:30pm to
7:00pm.
Nelson
Jackson, Chair, noted that he addressed County Executive Isiah Leggett and Uma
Ahluwalia, Director of Health and Human Services, last week and it went very
well. Ms. Ahluwalia was very receptive and she appreciated the input made by
the Commission in regards to including people with disabilities in all
Workforce Diversity Initiatives.
Nelson
also noted that the World of Possibilities Expo is coming to the Montgomery
County Fairgrounds on Friday, May 2nd and
Saturday, May 3rd. The
Commission is partnering with Caring Communities and the World of Possibilities
Expo along with the Commission on Aging. The Commission will have a booth
present at the Expo. More information will be sent out soon. He encouraged
Commissioners to volunteer to work at the booth.
Nelson
encouraged all Commissioners to participate in workgroups and committees.
Everyone has an equal share in the project and please feel free to participate.
Workgroup
Updates –
David
Sharp, Commissioner, said he will have a transportation update at the next
meeting. He is attending the Council of Governments (COG) meeting tomorrow.
They are currently discussing transportation issues, such as funding for Job
Access Reverse Commute (JARC), which improves access to job sites and
employment-related activities for people who are transitioning from welfare to
work or for others with limited incomes. The group is also focusing on travel
training.
Harold
Snider, Commissioner, noted that County Executive Isiah Leggett is holding a
press conference tomorrow for the County’s Customized Employment Intern
Project. The Commission should be proud of their advocating
efforts. Jackie Simon, Commissioner, added that she has drafted a letter in
regards to the project and encourages the County to continue efforts to include
people with disabilities in the permanent workforce. She also spoke with Mr. Bruce
Adams, Director, Office of Community Partnerships, about including people with
disabilities in their outreach to racial and ethnic minorities. Mr. Adams said
he would speak with Mr. Chuck
Short, Special Assistant to the County Executive, as it is certainly an
oversight and they will make an effort to include people with disabilities.
Roberta
Carlin, Commissioner, said the Health Access & Wellness Promotion Workgroup
is going to have their first meeting this month and will have a report at the next
meeting. The group will focus on accessibility and health screenings for people
with disabilities.
Shane
Feldman, Commissioner, said the Communication Access Workgroup recently met with
Independence Now and a new staff person who has some hearing loss and experience
with people who are deaf. The group will be working with them on systems
advocacy in order to help problems and issues and places with disabilities find
barriers.
Candace
Groudine, Human Rights Commission, wanted to clarify a comment made at the last
meeting in regards to audible pedestrian signals and federal mandate. It is not
a federal mandate to have these types of signals installed. The state and/or
county decide the best practice for such access issues, which must be reasonable
and consistent. Harold Snider, Commissioner, says there is a federal mandate
that is reserved in the ADAAG Federal Advisory Committee Access Board. Local
jurisdiction is required
to install audible pedestrian signals when there is major renovation of a roadway
and/or crosswalk. Furthermore, the State Highway Administration (SHA) has had
several lawsuits based on these regulations. Candace said that a lawsuit in a
particular state is irrespective of whether or not it is a federal mandate. She
will continue to research this issue. You can view
a Q & A document which explains what is required and what is not required
on the Federal Highway Administration’s website: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/.
Betsy
Luecking, Staff, welcomed Nancy Diehl to the meeting. She is the new Director of
Independence Now. She also gave
an update on Design For Life
Montgomery. The PowerPoint presentation has been
shown to the
Anne Arundel Commission on