What is accessible transportation?
We define accessible transportation as transportation that people with disabilities, older adults, and their caregivers can access and use.
An accessible complete trip, from origin to destination, is reliable, punctual, flexible, affordable, and safe. Accessible transportation services allow community members to live, work, and socialize in their community regardless of who they are. When transportation is accessible for people with disabilities and older adults, the system is improved for everyone. Read more about the basics of accessible transportation in our resource library.
What is inclusion in the context of transportation?
The DEI Glossary from the University of Washington defines inclusion as: “the act of creating an environment in which any individual or group will be welcomed, respected, supported and valued as a fully participating member.” Transit Planning 4 All defines inclusion in transportation planning as: “the active and meaningful involvement of people with disabilities and older adults in transit planning and operations.”
What is inclusive transit planning?
Inclusive transit planning refers to the active and meaningful involvement of people with disabilities and older adults in transit planning operations (Transit Planning 4 All). Inclusive planning should include other underserved populations in your community, such as those with limited English proficiency or low-income populations. Adopting inclusive planning in your transit agency can help build trust in your community and make your transit programs more accessible. The following resources offer tools to begin or refine inclusive transit planning programs in your community.
Why is the center's work so important?
People with disabilities and older adults use transportation to engage in many aspects of daily life, including accessing food, getting to school, attending doctor appointments, seeing friends and family, and going to work. Yet with an estimated 25.5 million Americans reportedly experiencing travel-limiting disabilities, many individuals with disabilities and older adults confront a variety of barriers in accessing transportation. These barriers are persistent and exacerbated for individuals living in rural areas, especially in under-resourced rural areas, and those living in poverty. The availability of accessible transportation options that are convenient, affordable, and safe remains a top concern of people with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers, and others in their support networks and the communities where they live.
What is the purpose of the center?
The ATRC seeks to increase awareness and adoption of accessible transportation strategies for people with disabilities, older adults, and people living in historically underserved communities across the country. The center’s key activities include maintaining a resource library; facilitating peer-to-peer learning; and identifying, recording, and disseminating accessibility best practices, research, and technical assistance resources. The center also promotes greater adoption of accessible transportation strategies through the National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network (NATAN).
We provide technical assistance, resources, and networking opportunities.
How can I contact the center?
Submit the form on our Contact page.