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Accessible Transit Has Kilometers to Go
A Reflection by Dwayne Milley, Vice President of Engagement and Partnerships at Karis Disability Services
Last month, there was a news story about Chantal Huinink. If you don't know Chantal, she is an alumnus of Karis and now serves as a Councillor in Waterloo Region, Ontario. Chantal uses a wheelchair and during a visit to Mississauga, ON, she waited nearly three hours for an accessible taxi to pick her up.
"I believe every municipality needs reliable and accessible transportation options. If a person can't get around, they're less visible and their voice will not be heard! Reliable transportation is essential to connect to all other social determinants of health!" Chantal shared with us as she reflected on the incident.
Chantal and I were together at a Kentro Conference. She was a speaker, and I, Dwayne, was attending. As I was leaving at the end of the day, Chantal caught me and shared with me what was going on. She needed to get to the bus terminal, but no taxi was available when she needed it. Even after calling ahead, she was told to try again. And later, she was told there were no rides.
While we were waiting to see what might happen with the taxi, I reached out to a few colleagues at Karis. Right away, people we ready to help. We sorted out a plan if the taxi didn't come -- someone could meet us where we were in Mississauga could meet us with an accessible van and give Chantal a ride to the bus terminal.
In the end, the taxi did arrive after nearly three hours. I'm happy that our staff were ready to assist and that they cared. They were eager to make sure there was another way.
Of course, this is not just about one trip. It shows a bigger problem. For many people with disabilities, accessible taxis are the only way to get around. When they're not available, people are left waiting, unsure what will happen next.
"It's never okay to provide people with disabilities less service than you provide able-bodied people," Chantal said.
Chantal has shared her story with grace. She is not blaming on company. She is asking for change. She wants a system people can trust.
At Karis, we believe that everybody belongs. That includes being able to get where you need to go -- safely and on time. This is why we keep working with leaders and decision-makers. Real stories like this remind us what is at stake.
And they also remind us how much better things can be.