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From: William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Paratransit
Message-ID: <16396@handicap.news>
Date: 25 Jun 91 13:38:48 GMT
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Index Number: 16396

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 TG> I would not be very happy.  In my oppinion the system is being
 TG> abused by the blind, I understand there are some blind people
 TG> who need to use the system but most of them should get out
 TG> there and take the bus with the rest of us.

Tom,
    Just so everyone is aware of my position on this, I basically agree
with you!  In fact, most of the blind people I know using the
paratransit system in Pittsburgh are fully capable of using the bus, and
use paratransit because it is more convenient.  Likewise, they must not
be overflowing with self-pride, as they must have put on an act when
they took the simulated bus step test!
    However, by far, most of the riders on the paratransit system here
are elderly people, most of whom I am sure are likewise physically
capable of climbing bus steps, but they didn't have to go through the
ordeal of faking as if they couldn't like most of the blind users.
    I do think that an alternative to the cab company should be
available to blind people for transportation to those places not
available by bus, at least as long as it is available to people whose
sole requirement is they be over the age of 65.  How to impliment this,
I have no idea!
                                                        Willie

... BlinkTalk, Dr. Deb and Silver in Pittsburgh!

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