Assessing The Current Situation

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 set the stage, among other things, for the accessibility of transit systems throughout the nation to become the norm rather than the exception. The goal of the ADA was to make it possible on a national scale for wheelchair users and other persons with diabilities to be able to have full access to their communities via transit. The ultimate goal was to allow these persons to have the opportunity to participate more fully as equal, first-class citizens in the various aspects and endeavors enjoyed by all -- to be able to go to school, work, shop, and to participate in any community activity with the same freedom already enjoyed by other citizens.

Now, nearly a quarter century after ADA's passage, how are things going? What is the accessibility situation now? Are wheelchair users and other persons with disabilities able to travel throughout their communities using fixed-route and or paratransit services?

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