By Amanda Derby

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Without knowing it, Rosa Parks (who was born Feb. 4, 1913) was an inspiration to those with disabilities. Her bold act in 1955 to end segregation on public buses opened doors to the disability rights movement. Parks is well known for her bold act to stay seated in the front of a bus when asked to move to the back for a white person. Her action was seen as one of the first milestones in the civil rights movement's push for equality.

Because Parks did not take a back seat to what she believed in, many looked up to her for strength in their own battles. More and more disabled people began to speak out, especially on the issue of accessible transportation. Parks' actions to stay seated on that Montgomery, Ala. bus inspired the disability community to dispute many public buses by enacting their own version of “sit-ins.” The disability community has many of our own versions of “sit ins” and continue to press for accessible transportation.

In 1984, the disability rights organization, Americans Disabled for Accessible Public Transit, ADAPT, compiled a group of wheelchair users to roll out and park in the front of a city bus in Chicago. Together, the group of disabled individuals blocked a bus from continuing with its route through the city. The group protested the Chicago Transit Authority decision to purchase 363 non handicap accessible buses. Public transportation was the only way many disabled individuals could get around the city at that time. Without accessible transportation, individuals would not be able to get where they needed to be - work, a doctor's appointment or school. By not providing accessible transportation, the city was not meeting the needs of the disability community.

More and more demonstrations began to take place throughout the country. The message from the disability community was being heard loud and clear. Accessible public transportation was a major need. The first requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 required that all public transportation be accessible.

“Rosa Parks energized us in that she was the perfect symbol for when the meek become militant,” said Bob Kafka, an organizer for ADAPT. “She was someone who was willing to cross the line.”

Bruce Darling, of ADAPT, has recently been providing information on a new breakthrough - an accessible taxi. At standardtaxi.com, a new taxi is being formulated to improve accessible transportation, “with a focus on accessibility for all, the Standard Taxi provides seating positions for four passengers in the rear compartment, and additional space for a common wheelchair or scooter which is compliant with the vehicle standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).”

Hopefully more breakthroughs become available to help individuals with disabilities. Accessible transportation will allow for individuals to be independent. The disability rights movement has come a long way, but there are still many challenges to overcome.

Thought of the Week

“I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.”

- Rosa Parks

Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence