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Send the same letter to
your state rep, state senator, the Dept. of Transportation and 2 or 3 local TV
stations. Try to find out who the TV's investigative reporters are.
It does get action.
Bill age 55
C6
Incomplete since 7/20/68
Leesburg, FL
I personally don't mind growing old,
but my body's taking it badly.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 8:25 PM
Subject: [QUAD-L] Transportation
Requirements in Jacksonville, Fla
I personally wish you success in your efforts and have forward a copy of
your letter to Matt Motko, Executive Director- CIL- Jacksonville, FL for their
perusal and comments. I sincerely
believe that you have a marketable story suitable for Dateline-TV
Both Justin Dart and Ed Roberts, would be proud to see you follow
tracks.
Best Wishes
W
In a message dated 7/17/2006 5:44:32 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Honorable Governor Bush:
I have been a C4-5
quadriplegic for the past eight years and a lifelong resident of our
state. Prior to that I worked full-time with the fire department. The
past eight years I was able to provide myself with safe and reliable
transportation. I now find myself needing to access community
transportation. My older model van and lift are in need of repairs and
cannot provide me with safe and reliable service.
I
applied for the use of community transportation, explaining that my
wheelchair lift did not provide me with safe and reliable use until it was
replaced or professionally repaired, which I cannot afford to do. The few
repairs made have been through friends with limited or no professional
knowledge of this type of equipment.
The community transportation of
Jacksonville denied my application because I had access to a vehicle. I have
repeatedly tried to explain the equipment I have is unsafe and their
response has been, "its not our problem and you do not appreciate our
rules. You should an use private pay transportation". Private pay
is way beyond anyone's budget.
Their appeals process was equally frustrating. Being approved for
"medical trips only" provides absolutely no service in my particular
situation. The appeals board apparently decided that I didn't need or have a
right to access my pharmacy, dentist or ophthalmologist, purchase groceries,
attend church services, or participate in any quality of life activities
available to other citizens in our community.
As a high level
quadriplegic, I'm totally dependent upon others for my every need, such
as access to reliable transportation and other services. These
are vital life-sustaining issues with me. The idea that I have access
to a van should have absolutely no bearing on my using federally funded
transportation. Any disabled owner's van could be involved in a motor
vehicle accident and be completely totaled. There are a variety
of other reasons a disabled person's own vehicle would not be available when
needed, such as the availability of a driver or lack of
insurance.
I feel that I and other disabled citizens have been
discriminated against with this blanket denial of services.
Able-bodied citizens owning motor vehicles, motorcycles, vans and trucks can
readily use public transportation. To make someone on a fixed
income spend their limited resources on private pay transport
borderlines on gouging the least able to pay and the most vulnerable of
citizens. This is unconscionable. The community transport
vehicles specifically equipped for wheelchairs roam the streets of our city
daily with only a driver and helper and the occasional user. I have been
told of the limited resources available to community transportation, and
having vehicles just drive around the city to provide someone a paycheck is
not being a good steward of these funds.
Sir, I would greatly
appreciate any assistance your office may provide. I may be reached for all
contact information by e-mail. I would love the opportunity to speak with
someone concerning this matter.
Respectfully,
Austin Wilson
Jacksonville
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